Zoran initially signed a deal with Miami, securing US$1.7m of guaranteed salary. His brother Goran, meanwhile, "signed a five-year, US$85m deal with the Heat earlier this month", the ESPN said on Monday.

Now, he is being acquired by Boston Celtics, to which Miami Heat will also send cash to help cover Dragić's salary.

Miami was heavily motivated by shedding taxes for this deal, the network says, explaining that with another player's transfer, the club has "potentially shaved off more than US$11m in salary and luxury taxes for the upcoming season".

The brothers began last season with Phoenix Suns but changed sides to Miami Heat in February.

While Goran immediately took on one of the leading roles in their A team, Zoran was assigned to Miami's NBA Development League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

He averaged 1.8 points in 16 games with the Heat and Phoenix Suns last season.

"The trade did not upset Goran Dragić, who is hoping his brother will get more chances at playing time in Boston," the ESPN also said quoting unnamed sources.