Collins and Murray for Brown and Smart
That is a steal for ATL. Smart is more valuable right now than Collins and Brown is significantly better than Murray, in my opinion.
But to the original topic, of course there are teams plotting to see if they might be in position to sign Brown if he becomes a UFA in 2024. That is not surprising in the least. Brown is saying and not saying just enough to allow teams to believe there is a chance.
Nothing of course is going to happen with Brown until we see if he qualifies for a super max extension or whatever it is called. If he does, I predict he takes an extension. If he doesn't, he will wait until he is a UFA. If he does not accept an extension, there is some chance that the Celtics could trade him in the off season but I think the chances are slim.
I don't actually think Smart is more valuable than Collins right now. Smart has been awful this year and I don't think he is going to get better. I think he is one of those guys that is going to "age" at a young age and not last that long. And Brown is "better" than Murray, I think Murray's passing and better team oriented style of play would fit better with Tatum. I'd ask for another asset, perhaps Bey, but probably would end up doing that trade this summer (assuming Boston does not win the title this year).
White, Murray, Tatum, Collins, Rob with Brogdon, PP, Al, Grant, Moose, Gallo, Hauser
That is a better more cohesive team in my view than one with Smart and Brown instead of Murray and Collins.