Clippers discuss Jaylen Brown trade

The Los Angeles Clippers have signaled serious interest in Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown as a potential replacement should Kawhi Leonard leave the team. League sources told ESPN that the Clippers “want Brown bad,” according to reporter Vincent Goodwill. Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists last season.

Leonard has one year and $50.3 million remaining on his current deal. He averaged 27.9 points per game across 65 appearances, earned All-NBA second-team honors and finished seventh in MVP voting. The Clippers finished 42-40 and exited in the play-in tournament.

Leonard turns 35 on Monday. Leonard previously informed other teams he would only sign an extension with the Toronto Raptors if Los Angeles did not retain him.

Toronto has engaged the Clippers in trade discussions about bringing Leonard back to the franchise he led to the 2019 championship. Leonard’s camp seeks a long-term commitment that the Raptors appear more willing to meet. If traded, Leonard would become eligible for a two-year, $123.7 million extension with his new team.

Brown would require substantial assets because he has three years and roughly $183 million left on his contract. A Leonard trade to Toronto could supply the Clippers with pieces to facilitate a larger transaction involving Boston. Owner Steve Ballmer has shown little appetite for a full rebuild, and the reported pursuit of Brown aligns with that stance.

The NBA is separately investigating whether the Clippers circumvented the salary cap through Leonard’s $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration. Ballmer, who invested $60 million in the firm, has denied knowledge of the arrangement. Leonard and his uncle Dennis Robertson have been interviewed by investigators.

Commissioner Adam Silver stated on June 3 that the league aims to conclude the review.