If the Boston Celtics end up trading Jaylen Brown this offseason, don’t expect him to be playing for the Utah Jazz. In the process of breaking down the team’s choices in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, Jazz president Austin Ainge ripped down those rumors. Despite a claim that the Jazz recently “made an aggressive push” in an effort to pry Brown out of Beantown (h/t Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints), Ainge says that the franchise has had no discussions about the four-time All-Star.
Jazz President Austin Ainge Rips Down Celtics, Jaylen Brown Trade Rumors
To play contrarian, front office executives aren’t under oath during their pressers. In fact, executives are like poker players. They hold their cards close to the vest. They bluff and play chicken. Nevertheless, Ainge didn’t sound like he was politicking for the cameras:
“I don’t like to confirm or deny rumors,” he tells reporters (h/t Ryan Miller of KSL.com). “… But I will this time.”
Austin Ainge says there have not been any discussions with Boston over Jaylen Brown.
“I don’t like to confirm or deny rumors … but I will this time.”
— Ryan Miller (@millerjryan) June 26, 2025
If taken at his word, then where does that leave the Jazz?
In drafting Rutgers forward Ace Bailey with the fifth overall pick, Utah was able to add a top-three talent in this draft class. In fact, he’s the type of player who could’ve appealed to the Celtics if they decided to move on from Brown. The Jazz didn’t just pull that ace from their sleeve though, as they completed a draft night trade for the 18th overall pick. With that selection, Utah brought in Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr., a scoring-minded guard that can get sizzling-hot.
Both Bailey and Clayton could feasibly work their way into the rotation early next season. Bailey’s upside is so high that he could wind up as a starter, not just playing alongside them. Nonetheless, the Jazz’s depth chart suggests that the room could get stuffy if they don’t move at least one player. This is one reason the rumored 2-for-1 trade packages featuring Collin Sexton and John Collins have a certain appeal.
Plan B?
Say that they can’t get Brown or Philadelphia 76ers swingman Paul George.
Perhaps the Jazz would have a level of interest in a Bradley Beal trade. Clayton may not benefit from this, especially if vintage Beal makes an entrance. However, minutes would free up in the frontcourt, aiding Bailey. The Jazz should be expecting draft capital as well, with the Phoenix Suns prepared to offer several picks to move the St. Louis native.
Alternately, Utah could attempt to trade Sexton and Collins to the Portland Trail Blazers for Deandre Ayton and Matisse Thybulle. In this situation, Bailey sees more opportunities free up with the absence of Collins. As Thybulle is no longer a shoo-in for a rotation spot, Clayton could as well.
© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
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