The Charlotte Hornets have emerged as one of the teams monitoring the availability of Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, according to Mike Lacett, who tweeted on Thursday, June 25: “I’m hearing the @hornets are one of these teams.”
Brown’s future has become one of the biggest storylines of the 2026 NBA offseason after ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Boston has engaged in trade discussions involving the All-NBA wing. The Celtics explored a potential package centered around Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo before the former MVP was ultimately traded to the Miami Heat, leaving Boston to evaluate its next steps.
A move for Brown would represent a major change in direction for Charlotte after the franchise already reshaped its backcourt. The Hornets recently agreed to send LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps and multiple second-round selections.
Charlotte responded by signing Coby White to a three-year, $74 million contract to take over as the starting point guard. The trade also created a nearly $41 million trade exception, giving the Hornets significant financial flexibility.
Brown would immediately become the centerpiece of a roster that already features young offensive talent. Brandon Miller averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists during the 2025-26 season while shooting 38.3% from three-point range. Rookie Kon Knueppel added 18.5 points per game on 47.5% shooting and 42.5% from beyond the arc, while Miles Bridges averaged 17.1 points and 5.8 rebounds.
The Hornets finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 44-38 record, earning a spot in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament. The team ranked ninth in the East and reached the postseason picture after significant improvement compared with previous seasons.
Brown would bring a proven two-way presence to that young core. The 29-year-old averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists over 71 games in 2025-26, earning All-NBA Second Team honors and finishing among the league’s MVP finalists. Boston went 56-26, finishing second in the Eastern Conference, before losing in seven games to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round.
For Charlotte, the appeal would be adding a veteran star capable of carrying a playoff offense while complementing Miller and White. Brown’s ability to defend multiple positions and create his own shot would address a need created by Ball’s departure.
However, acquiring Brown would require a significant package. Boston must weigh whether to continue building around Brown and Jayson Tatum or reshape the roster after an early playoff exit. Brown is under contract with approximately $183 million remaining on his supermax deal and is eligible for a two-year extension worth up to $141.8 million.
