Celtics Seek Four First-Round Picks for Jaylen Brown as Pistons and Knicks Face Contract Decisions
Boston reportedly demands four first-round picks to trade Jaylen Brown, while Detroit’s Jalen Duren explores sign-and-trade options and New York’s ownership and front office disagree over the team’s salary-cap strategy.
Boston is said to be asking for four first-round draft picks in any deal that would send Jaylen Brown to another franchise, according to league reports. The price reflects the Celtics’ recent willingness to consider large-scale moves, such as the earlier pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, though the team has not confirmed a concrete trade plan.
In Detroit, restricted-free-agent forward Jalen Duren, who earned his first All-Star selection this season, is reportedly dissatisfied with the Pistons’ initial contract proposal and is evaluating sign-and-trade scenarios. Duren is eligible for a five-year, $287.1 million extension that would represent roughly 30 % of Detroit’s salary cap, a figure that exceeds the team’s current offer.
"We are actively exploring all options to ensure the best fit for both the player and the organization," a Pistons spokesperson said.
The Pistons have recently added shooting guard Isaiah Joe from Oklahoma City in exchange for two second-round picks and have moved forward with a trade of center Isaiah Stewart to Memphis for three future second-round selections, indicating a focus on addressing roster gaps after a postseason loss.
Potential trade scenarios for Brown include a sign-and-trade that would send Duren to Boston, though analysts note that Boston would lose significant playmaking by parting with Brown and would need to weigh Duren’s defensive strengths against that loss.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks face internal disagreement over the team’s salary-cap approach. Owner James Dolan has publicly stated he does not want the franchise to exceed the league’s second-apron threshold, a move that could limit the ability to retain players such as Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet and Jose Alvarado. Front-office executives Leon Rose and William Wesley reportedly favor using the second apron to keep the championship roster intact.
"Our goal is to maintain the core that brought us success while staying within the league’s financial framework," Rose said.
The outcome of these negotiations will shape the roster composition of three Eastern Conference teams ahead of the upcoming free-agency period.
