What happened: Momentum is building toward a Jaylen Brown trade, with the Trail Blazers now positioned as the frontrunner to land the 2024 Finals MVP. Deni Avdija is reportedly off the table, while Jerami Grant's salary would need to be included to make the money work. Boston is expected to target Donovan Clingan and Toumani Camara, with Portland more likely to counter using Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson.
Why it matters: The talks trace back to Boston dangling Brown in its pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, only for the Heat to win that race and leave the Celtics committed to moving him. With Brown carrying three fully guaranteed seasons, Portland is going all in, while the Raptors, Hornets, Nets and Hawks linger on the periphery. The pressure builds on a Boston front office that wants the deal done quickly.
By the numbers: Brown is owed three fully guaranteed seasons on his current deal. Jerami Grant's $34.2 million salary is viewed as essential matching money in any Portland framework. A Cleveland scenario would require Evan Mobley, complicating a fit alongside James Harden and Donovan Mitchell.
What to watch: Watch whether Portland sweetens its package toward Boston's ask of Clingan and Camara, and whether Toronto's interest hinges on missing out on Kawhi Leonard.