Report: Charlotte Hornets Explore Trade For Jaylen Brown In Exchange For Newly-Acquired Big

The Charlotte Hornets are reported to have been exploring a trade with the Boston Celtics for Jaylen Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, with Charlotte offering Naz Reid along with draft compensation. HoopsHype’s insider Michael Scotto described the talks as “exploratory,” noting the Hornets had also been positioning Reid in discussions after the team acquired LaMelo Ball in a recent deal from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The draft package involved an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps, and three second-round picks. The Celtics had reportedly pursued Reid since early in the season, including earlier Brown trade conversations between Boston and Minnesota. Scotto said Charlotte may need to include forward Miles Bridges, who has an expiring $22.83 million contract, for salary-matching purposes, but he also reported that the exploratory talks have cooled. Brown is under contract through 2029 and is set to earn $57.07 million in 2026–27. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Shams Charania said the Hornets plan to keep Reid, despite calls from other teams, and cited his 2025–26 averages of 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 77 games.