Overview
- Reporting Monday confirmed the Timberwolves held serious summer talks with the Celtics about acquiring Jaylen Brown but declined to continue the pursuit.
- According to multiple reports, Boston’s asking price included center Rudy Gobert and forward Naz Reid, which Minnesota judged to be too high for Brown.
- Minnesota instead completed a separate multi-team deal to acquire LaMelo Ball while keeping Rudy Gobert and sending Naz Reid to Charlotte.
- Jaylen Brown was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers on July 10, completing the chain of moves that reshaped rosters for the 2026-27 season.
- The decision reflected fit concerns — pairing a high-usage scorer like Brown with Anthony Edwards risked overlap, while adding LaMelo aims to reduce Edwards’ playmaking burden and change Minnesota’s on-court dynamics.