Here’s what a Celtics executive said about trade rumors involving Jaylen Brown and Derrick White

The front office of the Celtics comments on trade rumors: The Celtics leadership has been operating under a constant barrage of trade speculations concerning key players Derrick White and Jaylen Brown in addition to the pre-draft deals and a flurry of draft-day maneuvers (including making three picks).

Since Boston had already cut costs by eliminating Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, there was conjecture that another blockbuster, maybe involving either Brown or White, might be in the works. However, the two are still on Boston’s roster once the draft is over, and team vice president Mike Zarren played down the likelihood.

Zarren questioned the speculations when asked about possible trade offers after Thursday’s second round of the draft.

According to Souichi Terada of MassLive, Zarren stated, “Those two guys are really, really great NBA players, and there hasn’t been anything close to serious about trading them.” We’re fortunate to have those guys on our team, however I’m not sure where all of this reporting originated.

In the end, Zarren and the Celtics did make a transaction, but it was for a lesser stake: Boston traded the Magic the 32nd overall pick for the 46th and 57th picks this season, along with second-round picks in 2026 and 2027.

Regarding the Orlando move, Zarren stated, “We’re always looking for the ability to get more assets in the future and still get a bunch of good players.” Additionally, we were fairly certain that we would be able to add a few excellent future draft selections in addition to the kids we loved who were lower in the draft. That is what we did, then.

Schedules and scores:

Tonight at 7:10 p.m., the Red Sox kick off a three-game series against the Blue Jays at Fenway Park.

The Revolution will play the Colorado Rapids at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow.

Additional information from Boston.com:

Here s how Celtics draft selections could factor into team in 2025
5 things to know about Celtics 2nd-round picks Amari Williams, Max Shulga

Brad Stevens offers up blunt reason why Celtics traded Porzingis, Holiday
Celtics reportedly laughed at Derrick White trade offer
5 things to know about Celtics 2nd-round picks Amari Williams, Max Shulga
Celtics trade down in NBA Draft after Suns swoop in and take Rasheer Fleming at No. 31 overall
What are the Bruins top needs in 2025 NHL Draft?
Will Red Sox buy or sell at trade deadline? Craig Breslow responds
NBA analyst thinks Celtics got one of the steals of the draft in Hugo Gonzalez

One of this decade’s five most foolish trades: Bill Simmons was unable to remain silent when the Pelicans were brought up. Strong language is used.

Today: The Celtics agreed to a trade in 2013 that has already established itself as one of the team’s greatest transactions. With an aging team that still contained several future Hall of Famers, Boston leadership (under governor Wyc Grousbeck and then-president of basketball operations Danny Ainge) decided to take a bold approach.

Under the bold and aspirational new ownership of Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, Ainge found an eager trading partner in Brooklyn as he rushed headlong into a reconstruction. During discussions, Grousbeck encouraged Ainge to go grab another one of Brooklyn’s first-round picks, and Boston eventually managed to achieve a sizable blockbuster haul.

The potential of the Nets picks and pick-swaps rapidly became apparent, despite the initial skepticism of some (such as then-ESPN commentator Bill Simmons, who learned about the transaction mid-draft as a television pundit). Simmons swiftly changed his position.

As Ainge used the trade to guide Boston to its next title, adding players like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum either directly or indirectly, the move’s legacy has increased over time.

Highlight of the day: On Thursday, Hamad Medjedovic defeated Felix Auger Aliassime with an incredible between-the-legs lob shot.

#MallorcaChampionshipspic.twitter.com/kKo9uHBVk8 “DAYLIGHT LOBBERY”

Since 2016, Hayden Bird has been employed at Boston.com as a sports staff writer. He covers every aspect of New England sports.