Celtics once nearly traded for Jalen Brunson

Billy Heyen

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Celtics once nearly traded for Jalen Brunson image

The nugget was tucked deep into a feature in The Boston Globe about new Celtics owner Bill Chisholm.

But it was there. The reporter, Adam Himmelsbach, tucked it in there: The Celtics almost had a trade for Jalen Brunson.

Of note: This was when Brunson was still with the Dallas Mavericks, before he joined the New York Knicks.

This is what Himmeslbach reported:

"Stevens projected his computer screen onto a wall and shared a rare glimpse into his basketball mind. He described how big deals were finalized, and why others crumbled, such as a near-miss for then-Mavericks point guard Jalen Brunson. Chisholm was captivated."

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The anecdote is meant to exhibit Chisholm's interest in the Celtics and how Stevens allowed him insights into how the organization operates.

But man, Brunson on the Celtics?

Brunson's last season with the Mavs was 2021-22. What would he have cost Boston? It's hard to think the Celtics would've parted with Jaylen Brown (or certainly Jayson Tatum) in a deal.

Maybe Marcus Smart or Derrick White would've been involved?

There's no way to know now, but it's a fascinating background.

Brunson, of course, ended up signing with the Knicks in free agency and has blossomed into one of the best players in the Eastern Conference. He would've looked good in Celtics green, that's for sure.

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Staff Writer