NBA rumors: Why Zach Lowe isn’t sold on Celtics-Nuggets trade idea for Jaylen Brown

With Giannis Antetokounmpo now with the Miami Heat, the spotlight is now focused on Jaylen Brown, whom the Boston Celtics are reportedly trying to move in a blockbuster trade.

Several teams have been linked to Brown, including the Denver Nuggets. The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, a known die-hard fan of the Celtics, floated the possibility of shipping the veteran wingman, along with Sam Hauser, to the Nuggets in exchange for Jamal Murray and Cam Johnson.

Simmons argued that the Celtics should be all in on the idea, as they would benefit from Murray, whom he described as a top-25 player. He noted that the Nuggets should at least consider it, adding that the team would be “better, bigger, and deeper” and have “more flexibility,” while being under the tax.

“This trade makes a ton of sense to me,” said Simmons on his podcast.

His co-host, Zach Lowe, however, begged to differ, stating that it does not sound like a win for the Nuggets due to the roster construction.

“Here’s my obstacle if I’m Denver. Christian Braun is now my only proven rotation, playoff-level guard on the whole team. Out of anyone. Jalen Pickett is the only point guard on the team,” said Lowe.

“You’re going all in on point (Nikola) Jokic. Almost all in, depending on who you get in free agency. Sort of fitting Jaylen Brown into that universe, I think, would be a little sticky.”

Jaylen Brown to the Nuggets? @BillSimmons breaks down his favorite fake trade for the Celtics star. pic.twitter.com/ndMjkYPGna

— The Ringer (@ringer) June 29, 2026

Tyus Jones is also a point guard, although he could sign elsewhere as an unrestricted free agent.

Brown is coming off an MVP-type run, leading the Celtics to the second seed in the Eastern Conference despite not having Jayson Tatum for a chunk of the season. Brown averaged career-highs of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists.

The Nuggets, however, need a floor general, as Lowe pointed out, and they might be better off pursuing Ja Morant or Trae Young if they are serious about making a bold change.

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