💣 Bombshell Trade Shakes NBA Landscape: Kings Land Celtics’ $100M Star in Shocking 3-Team Blockbuster — DeRozan Heads East in Power Shift
August 2, 2025 – Sacramento, CA
In a seismic move that has jolted the league just weeks before training camps begin, the Sacramento Kings have pulled off a stunning 3-team blockbuster trade, acquiring Celtics’ All-Star forward Jaylen Brown, a $100M centerpiece of Boston’s core, in a deal that also sends DeMar DeRozan to the Eastern Conference and resets title trajectories across three franchises.
The deal — finalized late Friday night and confirmed by multiple league sources — involves the Kings, Celtics, and Bulls, and is already being hailed as one of the boldest gambles in recent NBA history.
🔁 Full Trade Details:
🔹 Kings Receive:
Jaylen Brown (via Celtics)
2027 second-round pick (via Bulls)
🔹 Celtics Receive:
DeMar DeRozan (via Bulls)
Davion Mitchell (via Kings)
2026 first-round pick (top-10 protected, via Kings)
🔹 Bulls Receive:
Keegan Murray (via Kings)
Payton Pritchard (via Celtics)
Cash considerations
👑 Kings Go All-In
For Sacramento, this marks a dramatic shift in team-building philosophy. After back-to-back playoff appearances ended in the second round, GM Monte McNair pushed all chips in for Jaylen Brown, a two-way wing who has long been viewed as a franchise-caliber piece but struggled to coexist in Boston’s offense-heavy system alongside Jayson Tatum.
Brown, fresh off a season where he averaged 25.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals, brings the Kings a legitimate elite perimeter defender and proven playoff performer to pair with All-NBA point guard De’Aaron Fox and big man Domantas Sabonis.
> “This is the move we’ve been building toward,” said Kings coach Mike Brown. “Jaylen changes our identity — he gives us a closer, a stopper, and a leader.”
Brown, 28, has two years left on his deal but is reportedly open to a long-term extension in Sacramento.
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☘️ Celtics Reset with Veteran Star and Picks
The Celtics, who reached the NBA Finals in 2023 and the Eastern Conference Finals last season, shocked fans by parting ways with Brown. But sources close to President Brad Stevens say the front office had grown increasingly concerned with Brown’s fit, ball-handling in tight moments, and future financial demands.
In return, Boston acquires DeMar DeRozan, a six-time All-Star and elite midrange assassin, who brings leadership and shot creation. While 35, DeRozan remains productive — averaging 21.1 PPG and 5.7 APG last season — and is seen as a strong short-term complement to Jayson Tatum.
Boston also acquires rising defender Davion Mitchell and a protected first-rounder, ensuring flexibility if DeRozan’s contract expires after this season.
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🐂 Bulls Bet on Youth
Chicago, long stuck in NBA purgatory, decided it was time to pivot. Sending DeRozan east, the Bulls land Keegan Murray, one of the league’s most promising young forwards. Murray, 24, averaged 15.3 PPG on 41% 3-point shooting and is expected to flourish with a larger role.
Adding Payton Pritchard, a tough-nosed guard with deep range, gives Chicago a reliable backup for Coby White.
> “We needed a reset,” said Bulls GM Marc Eversley. “This deal gives us young talent and future flexibility.”
📉 The Ripple Effect
The Western Conference arms race just got tighter, with Sacramento now boasting one of the most dynamic trios in the league.
Boston’s move hints at a win-now push, but also raises questions about long-term roster structure around Tatum.
Chicago is signaling a shift toward youth and rebuild, likely making Zach LaVine the next trade candidate.
🔮 What’s Next?
Jaylen Brown is expected to be introduced at a press conference in Sacramento on Monday. His jersey — #7 — has already become a best-seller in the team store.
DeRozan, meanwhile, heads to Boston with unfinished business, likely his final shot at contending for a title. His reunion with the East — and a new version of the Celtics — could make for a compelling redemption arc.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear:
This wasn’t just a trade. It was a league-altering statement.