The Portland Trail Blazers remain interested in pursuing Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown, but any potential package will not include one of their most important young pieces. According to Brian Robb of MassLive, league sources say Portland has removed All-Star forward Deni Avdija from the table in Brown discussions.
The Blazers became a team to monitor after missing out on a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Portland reportedly had interest in acquiring the former MVP, but Antetokounmpo’s lack of interest in committing long term to the franchise caused the Blazers to pull back their offer. Brown presents a different situation because he remains under contract for three more seasons, giving Portland a clearer long-term path if it decides to make a major investment.
Portland finished the 2025-26 season 42-40 and reached the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference before losing to the San Antonio Spurs in five games. Adding Brown would give the Blazers another established perimeter scorer alongside a young core that already includes Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, Donovan Clingan and returning Damian Lillard.
Avdija was Portland’s leading scorer last season, averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 66 games while shooting 46.2% from the field. He also made 1.9 three-pointers per game on 31.8% shooting and earned All-Star recognition after becoming a primary offensive creator for the Blazers.
Removing Avdija from trade discussions changes the type of package Portland can offer. The Celtics are expected to demand a significant return for Brown, who averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists during the 2025-26 season while earning All-NBA Second Team honors and finishing sixth in MVP voting.
Portland could still build a competitive offer around salary matching and draft capital. Jerami Grant’s $34.2 million salary is a logical piece for matching purposes, while guards Sharpe and Henderson could be viewed as more available options depending on Boston’s priorities.
The Celtics are also expected to ask about Toumani Camara, who averaged 13.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 37.0% from three-point range. However, Portland has reasons to hold onto several of its younger players as it attempts to remain competitive in the West.
Clingan is another player Boston could target, but his importance to Portland makes a deal difficult. The 22-year-old center started all 77 games in 2025-26, averaging 12.1 points, 11.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while shooting 52.0% from the field. With Robert Williams potentially entering free agency, moving Clingan would create a major frontcourt need.
Draft assets may ultimately determine whether talks progress. Portland controls valuable future first-round picks, including Milwaukee’s 2028-2030 selections, and Boston could prioritize flexibility as it evaluates Brown’s future.
The Celtics remain in a position to reshape their roster after finishing 56-26, the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, but losing in seven games to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round. A Brown trade would represent a major pivot, and Portland’s willingness to sacrifice draft capital could decide whether discussions move forward.
