Former Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown still has some lingering feelings over the trade that sent him to Philadelphia. It’s the first time he has switched teams in 10 years, and he’s feeling betrayed over how the ordeal was handled.
This week, in an appearance on IShowSpeed’s stream, the 2024 Finals MVP did not mince words about the Celtics franchise. He shaded his former team for their “lack of loyalty” while citing the harsh nature of the NBA business.
“They packed me up. It’s a crazy business, bro. Don’t become a basketball player. There’s no loyalty, there’s no love,” said Brown on Twitch. “I think a lot of people are asking questions right now. They packed me up, sayonara chat, I’m out of here.”
Brown never asked to be traded, and nothing was forcing the Celtics to give up one of the best two-way wing players in the game. Nevertheless, it didn’t stop them from shipping him to Philly in exchange for a modest return of Paul George, two future first-round picks, and two future second-round picks. As much as the Celtics have tried to justify the move, it’s widely being considered one of the worst team decisions in recent NBA history (second to the Luka Doncic trade).
For Brown, it wasn’t just that Boston traded him. It was all the noise that came after, with claims trying to downplay his value and discredit his full body of work. Despite career averages of 20.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 47.7% shooting and 34.7% shooting from three, analytics labeled his game as overrated, and the Celtics no longer believed he was worth his max-level salary.
In Philadelphia, Brown will have the chance to change the narrative and prove the Celtics wrong once and for all. Alongside Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, and Joel Embiid, the potential for greatness is high in Philly. Even so, Brown is doing his part to recruit LeBron, who apparently has the 76ers near the top of his preferred landing spots.
Jaylen Brown: “You gotta tell LeBron he gotta pull up, man. Pull up to Philly.”
IShowSpeed: “LeBron, pull up to Philly. Think about it. LeBron, Jaylen Brown, PG13…”
Jaylen Brown: “He’s gone. He’s gone, bro.”
Brown is clearly ecstatic about his new situation, and he seems eager to enact revenge on the team that traded him. Fortunately, he’ll have plenty of opportunities for that on a stacked Sixers team capable of competing with some of the best in the West. If they’re able to add four-time champion LeBron James to the mix, it would only improve their title odds for the 2026-27 season.
In the end, this trade marks a shift in the NBA’s balance of power. The Celtics, who had been regularly competitive for years, will take a step back as they rebuild around Jayson Tatum. In turn, the 76ers will step up in their place, and Jaylen Brown will lead the way. With feelings of betrayal still fresh on his mind, he’ll be more determined than ever to play his best basketball and reward the 76ers for putting faith in his game.
