Hornets pursue – Charlotte has already made a major move by sending LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and now a Charlotte TV personality says the Hornets are targeting Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown as they try to keep building momentum in the Eastern Conference.
The Hornets didn’t even finish settling into life after their offseason shock when a new name started getting pulled into the conversation.
After Charlotte sent LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves. the Hornets have reportedly turned their attention toward a trade pursuit of Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown. according to Charlotte TV personality Mike Lacett. The pitch fits the story Charlotte is trying to write: a team pushing forward after finally reaching a winning season in five years.
The timing matters. Charlotte’s previous success had to be measured through disappointment, not expectations. The Hornets missed the postseason because of their play-in loss to the Orlando Magic. but the fanbase still had reason to feel optimistic. Even with the setback still fresh. the organization found a way to act—reshaping its roster and. now. potentially reshaping its centerpiece plan again.
Jaylen Brown, for his part, would arrive with serious gravity. The five-time All-Star has been described as available in trade talks this offseason. with the belief that the Celtics are open to discussing him after failing in a pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Brown would also be a different kind of fit than the ones Charlotte has depended on in the past: a star the Hornets could build their identity around after Ball’s departure.
There’s also the question of whether this would even require Brown to want out. The reported situation is that Brown has not asked for a trade from the only franchise he’s ever known.
That creates the kind of tension that can make or break a negotiation—because the Hornets. on their side. would need to decide what they’re willing to give up for a player who has never been elsewhere. It’s been rumored that the Celtics are asking for a “haul” from teams interested in dealing for the former No. 3 overall pick, including multiple first-round picks.
And Charlotte would be doing this with eyes open about the damage that Ball’s absence could cause. Losing Ball is described as a blow for the team. But the Hornets have already taken steps to keep their structure intact. They addressed their need for a starting center with the acquisition of Naz Reid in the trade. They also re-signed Coby White as their starting point guard.
Those moves are part of why this latest rumor hits like more than chatter. Charlotte already delivered the second biggest blockbuster trade of the offseason—coming after the Miami Heat’s acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Now the Hornets are being linked to another major deal. with Brown positioned as the potential centerpiece in the aftermath of Ball’s departure.
The coming weeks will determine whether Charlotte’s next step is a gamble that pays off or a move that runs headfirst into Boston’s asking price.
NBA rumors Charlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball Minnesota Timberwolves Jaylen Brown Boston Celtics Mike Lacett Naz Reid Coby White Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jaylen Brown?? Hornets about to start winning overnight lol
So they traded LaMelo to the Timberwolves and now they want Jaylen Brown… idk how that makes sense. Like isn’t Brown super good already? Feels like a desperate move.
Mike Lacett said it so it’s probably already done 😂. Also didn’t Charlotte already get enough? I mean Hornets act like they can just swap stars like Pokémon. If Brown hasn’t asked out then how is this even a trade talk thing.
I swear every time Charlotte finally gets a lil momentum they go chasing another headline. LaMelo to Minnesota?? And now Brown bc the Celtics “failed” on Giannis—so basically they’re stealing leftovers? I don’t follow the logic but I hope they don’t ruin their lineup again. This is gonna be one of those things where it sounds good in January and then everybody’s mad by March.