Rumors surrounding a potential trade involving Jaylen Brown have intensified as the 2025 NBA draft approached, especially after ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported interest from the top 10 draft teams in acquiring Brown and Derrick White. Despite these reports, no trade agreement occurred before the draft’s first day. The Utah Jazz were among franchises suspected of pursuing Brown, but Austin Ainge, the Jazz’s President of Basketball Operations, firmly dismissed these claims.
During the post-draft press conference on Thursday, Ainge addressed the rumors directly, ending speculation about any ongoing trade talks.
“I don’t like to confirm or deny rumors, just as a policy, but I will this time. No, that hasn’t happened,” Ainge said. “No conversations that way.”
Utah Jazz Draft Moves and Strategy
The Jazz held the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, selecting Ace Bailey from Rutgers. Later, they picked Will Riley from the Illinois Fighting Illini with the 21st pick but then traded Riley to the Washington Wizards. While Austin Ainge’s statement ruled out past conversations about Brown, it left open the possibility of future discussions as the season progresses.
Jaylen Brown also shares a connection with Austin Ainge’s father, Danny Ainge, the Utah Jazz CEO, who originally drafted Brown to the Celtics, adding another layer to the trade speculation narrative. However, no concrete moves involving Brown have occurred as of now, and any development will likely depend on decisions made closer to the trade deadline.
Latest on Jaylen Brown’s Rehabilitation and Team Outlook
The Boston Celtics, holding the 28th pick in the first round, selected Spanish wing Hugo Gonzalez in the 2025 draft. Shortly after, Celtics’ President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens provided an update on Jaylen Brown’s health during the post-draft press event, indicating progress in his recovery following injury.
“He’s doing great,” Stevens said. “His rehab looks good. He was actually on the court the other day doing some ball handling and doing some light work around the rim. Nothing big movement-wise yet.”
Brown sustained a meniscus injury during the conference semifinals against the New York Knicks but continued to play to support his team despite the setback. After the Celtics’ playoff elimination, Brown underwent a successful arthroscopic procedure on his right knee and is now on track for a full recovery in time for the upcoming season.
Injury Challenges for Celtics Key Players
Meanwhile, Brown’s teammate, Jayson Tatum, faces a prolonged absence after suffering an Achilles tendon tear in Game 4 of the semifinals. Brad Stevens noted that the team is cautious about predicting Tatum’s return timeline, as the star forward is still in early rehab stages.
This season’s injury woes for the Celtics highlight the difficulty of maintaining peak competitiveness, and how the health of players like Brown and Tatum will be crucial for the franchise’s prospects moving forward.