It was only a matter of time until the Boston Celtics accepted a deal to trade Jaylen Brown this summer. However, they shocked the NBA world with the return package and destination.
Boston sent him to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks. Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony hates this move for the Celtics.
Carmelo Anthony Roasts Celtics for Trading Jaylen Brown to 76ers
Anthony hosted an episode of his ‘7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony‘ podcast on July 2. He broke down how Boston’s shocking move makes little sense.
“I don’t like how it went down. It don’t feel right … You are two years removed from a championship, finals MVP … It’s not about Brown and JT not working together … Boston exposed their hand. You don’t go out there and dangle Jaylen Brown out there like that,” said Anthony.
Melo is not a fan of how the Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the Sixers 😬
“Boston exposed their hand. You don’t go out there and dangle Jaylen Brown out there like that.” pic.twitter.com/hDl5YCrpo6
— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) July 2, 2026
The 10-time All-Star is referring to how public the Celtics were with their intention to trade Brown. Boston offered the 29-year-old for Giannis Antetokounmpo and two first-round picks this summer, but the Milwaukee Bucks took the Miami Heat’s offer instead.
According to Charania, Boston also tried to trade Brown in the 2022 offseason, along with Derrick White and a first-round pick, for Kevin Durant.
Ultimately, neither of these deals panned out. When the Celtics let the league know a player of Brown’s caliber is available, they lost a lot of leverage. In fact, on the morning of July 1, Charania stated Boston was seeking “at least four first-round picks” from some teams. It settled for an aging star in George and half of its requested draft capital instead.
Anthony’s negative view of the blockbuster deal is not surprising, especially when factoring in that Brown is coming off a career-best 2025-26 scoring season. He averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.0 steals. The five-time All-Star led the Celtics to a 56-26 record when Jayson Tatum only played 16 regular-season games.
Philadelphia beat Boston in the first round just a few months ago, and now Brown is headed there to team up with Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and VJ Edgecombe.
“We’re not just talking about a regular player. How many of these guys, like a Jaylen Brown, have went through this? You sent him to the team that just walked you down,” Anthony commented.
76ers Put Their Name on the Long List of Teams That Made Big Moves This Summer
Many star players have already switched teams this summer. LeBron James will not wear a Los Angeles Lakers uniform in 2026-27. Antetokounmpo now plays for the Heat. LaMelo Ball will team up with Anthony Edwards on the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Toronto Raptors traded for Kawhi Leonard. The Portland Trail Blazers brought in Ja Morant.
The 2026-27 NBA campaign will look a lot different compared to last season.
