Photo: Peter Baba

The Portland Trail Blazers have emerged as the frontrunner in trade discussions for Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown, with Boston reportedly seeking a massive return that could include up to four first-round picks.

Sam Amick of The Athletic reported on Sunday that the Celtics “have been asking for up to four first-round picks” in Brown trade talks, while Portland is viewed around the league as the team best positioned to make a deal happen.

The Blazers remain engaged in discussions but appear unwilling to include several of their most valuable young players. According to Danny Marang, Portland’s expected framework would likely center around Jerami Grant, Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson and draft capital rather than Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan or Toumani Camara.

Keeping Avdija out of negotiations would significantly change Boston’s potential return. The 25-year-old forward became one of Portland’s most important players in 2025-26, averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 66 games while earning his first All-Star selection.

Brown would give Portland a proven offensive centerpiece as the franchise tries to accelerate its timeline. The Celtics forward averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists during the 2025-26 season, earning All-NBA Second Team honors and finishing sixth in MVP voting.

Portland finished the regular season 42-40 and entered the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference before losing to the San Antonio Spurs in five games. Adding Brown would give the Blazers another elite creator alongside Avdija, Sharpe, Henderson and Clingan.

Sharpe and Henderson remain the biggest young assets the Celtics could target. Sharpe averaged 20.8 points per game while shooting 33.7% from three, while Henderson posted 14.2 points and 3.7 assists in his second NBA season. Both players have upside, but Portland may view Brown as the type of established star who can immediately raise its ceiling.

Grant remains a logical salary-matching piece. The veteran forward averaged 18.6 points per game and shot 38.9% from three in 2025-26, making him a player who could fit Boston’s rotation if included.

The biggest obstacle appears to be Clingan. Marang reported Portland does not expect to include the 22-year-old center, who started all 77 games last season and averaged 12.1 points, 11.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while shooting 52% from the field.