The NBA world is still trying to make sense of the blockbuster trade that sent Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Philadelphia landed the former Boston Celtics star in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks. The move instantly reshaped the Eastern Conference and gave the 76ers another elite talent alongside Joel Embiid.
As Brown and basketball fans continue processing the move, 76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey revealed how Embiid responded when the deal became official.
Mike Gansey Recounts Joel Embiid’s Reaction to Jaylen Brown Joining the 76ers
After news of the trade broke, Gansey himself called Embiid to hear his reaction, and the franchise centerpiece welcomed Brown with excitement.
“He’s in a really good space right now,” Gansey said during a Thursday appearance on “Unfiltered with Ricky Bo & Bill Colarulo” on 97.5 The Fanatic. “He’s fired up. I called him right after the trade. He was excited — surprised — but he’s excited.”
Mike Gansey shares a conversation he had with Joel Embiid after the Jaylen Brown trade 💪 pic.twitter.com/6JWXY3mStt
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) July 9, 2026
The response made plenty of sense. After all, Philadelphia is adding a 29-year-old star who is at the peak of his career. Brown gives the 76ers another proven scorer and a two-way player capable of shifting games on both ends of the floor.
Brown is joining Philadelphia after the most productive year of his career. He averaged a career-high 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 47.7% from the field, 34.7% from 3-point range, and 79.5% from the free-throw line over 71 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign.
The former Celtics star also guided Boston to the No. 2 seed in the East with Jayson Tatum sidelined for most of the season. As a result, Brown finished sixth in MVP voting.
Because of that, many expected the Celtics to keep Brown for years to come. Instead, the trade became reality. Since then, the star wing has made it clear that he is ready to embrace a “villain” role once he suits up for Philadelphia.
With Brown now in the mix, the 76ers suddenly boast one of the NBA’s strongest cores. Tyrese Maxey continues to lead the backcourt, while standout guard VJ Edgecombe adds another exciting dimension. Meanwhile, Embiid remains the anchor in the frontcourt.
Add Brown’s scoring, defense, and championship experience, and Philadelphia now has a foundation that can challenge anyone in the league.
“He is going to bring some championship habits, attitude, and toughness to us that I know the city of Philly loves. It is like music to my ears talking to him,” Gansey added.
Of course, the biggest concern remains the team’s overall depth. Still, 76ers fans have every reason to be excited. Few teams can match a roster featuring three established stars and another young talent with star potential.
There is also speculation that LeBron James might head to Philadelphia after Rich Paul’s recent comments about the 41-year-old’s preferred free-agent destinations. If James eventually joins the 76ers, Philadelphia would enter next season with one of the NBA’s deepest and most talented lineups.
Even if James doesn’t follow suit, the team is capable enough. With Embiid, Maxey, Brown, and Edgecombe leading the way, Philadelphia could finish among the East’s top seeds and make a legitimate championship run.
