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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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The Portland Trail Blazers are among multiple teams interested in trading with the Boston Celtics for 2024 NBA Finals MVP and five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown.
They've been linked to the Celtics ever since Boston was unable to land Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks ahead of the NBA Draft, and may or may not be able to provide enough in a trade package.
Some speculation has focused on the Celtics wanting to get a big man, such as Deni Avdija or Donovan Clingan from the Blazers, and early speculation suggested that getting those players might be an issue.
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However, Hoops Hype reported that Portland also has a backup plan in mind, with recent rumors suggesting they're "interested' in potentially acquiring Aaron Gordon, if a Celtics trade for Brown doesn't happen for them.
More news: Jaylen Brown Fires Back at Insider’s ‘Analytics Guy’ Claim Amid Trade Buzz
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Per Hoops Hype's report, Gordon was a player that the Miami Heat would've had interest in acquiring if they were unable to make a trade with the Bucks for Giannis. Now Gordon is a potential backup plan for the Blazers should they not acquire Brown.
He joined the Denver Nuggets in 2021 and was part of their championship-winning roster in 2023, but the team may be looking to rebuild around their two-time MVP, Nikola Jokic.
Gordon played in 36 games last season for Denver, averaging 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, with a nearly-50% field goal percentage.
Meanwhile, the Celtics are rumored to have interest in upgrading their frontcourt, particularly at the center position, which points to potential interest in Portland's big man, Clingan, who was a lottery pick several seasons ago.
They'd also likely want 2025 NBA All-Defensive Second Team forward Toumani Camara as a replacement for Brown in the lineup, but neither Camara nor Clingan was "put on the table" yet in trade talks. Instead, Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe are said to be available in a deal.
In addition to Portland, several other teams were rumored to be interested in adding Brown to their roster. They included the Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, and Los Angeles Clippers, but some may have more interest in Brown right now than others.
Most of those teams either appeared in the NBA Playoffs or nearly got in via the NBA Play-In Tournament. However, the Brooklyn Nets are a team continuing to rebuild, having recently added Julius Randle in last week's trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Hornets also dealt star guard Lonzo Ball to the Timberwolves last week, and Hoops Hype noted their interest in getting Brown from the Celtics may have "cooled" since that major trade.
Read more: Stephen A Smith Defends Jaylen Brown After Stunning Insider Comment
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