This offseason has been a major success for the Philadelphia 76ers, as they added two NBA stars in Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. Surprisingly, Philadelphia’s acquisition of Brown came with little reporting beforehand about the franchise’s interest in the former Boston Celtic.
Before the shocking trade, the Golden State Warriors reportedly had a chance to acquire Brown themselves but ultimately decided against making the move for one major reason.
Why Warriors Said No to Jaylen Brown Trade Before Deadline
Brown’s name had been heavily involved in trade discussions after the Celtics began exploring a potential deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks. Even after Boston’s pursuit of the two-time MVP failed, reports continued to suggest that Brown’s future with the Celtics remained uncertain.
The Warriors had an opportunity to trade for Brown before this past February’s NBA trade deadline. League insider Shams Charania reported that Golden State turned down a potential package for the five-time All-Star that involved parting with several first-round picks, pick swaps, and second-round picks.
The revelation surprised many around the league, especially considering Brown just finished a career-best season in which he averaged 28.7 points per game and finished sixth in MVP voting. He also demonstrated his leadership by carrying Boston through much of the regular season while Jayson Tatum was sidelined with an Achilles injury.
Despite Brown’s stellar production and leadership, the Warriors apparently remained unconvinced that he was the “right player” for their future. According to The Ringer’s Logan Murdock, Golden State’s biggest concern was whether Brown could eventually take over the franchise once 38-year-old cornerstone Stephen Curry retires.
“Should they have gotten in on the Jaylen Brown sweepstakes?” Murdock reported. “The Warriors had an opportunity to trade for the former Celtic before the deadline in February, but couldn’t build an organizational consensus that Brown would be the right player to carry the Warriors beyond the Curry era.”
REPORT: The Golden State Warriors decided not to trade for Jaylen Brown in February 2026 because they felt he wouldn’t be able to carry the franchise after Stephen Curry retires, according to Logan Murdock of Ringer.
“Should they have gotten in on the Jaylen Brown sweepstakes?… pic.twitter.com/bRSljNF7Cv
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) July 30, 2026
Brown’s arrival ultimately proved extremely valuable for Philadelphia, particularly because it helped the franchise eventually land James in free agency. The four-time NBA champion’s agent, Rich Paul, later confirmed the 76ers weren’t initially considered a serious destination for James until they acquired Brown.
MORE: ESPN’s Shams Charania Sheds Light On Jaylen Brown’s Mindset After LeBron James’ Move to 76ers
Charania also reported that Brown wanted James to join Philadelphia and actively recruited the NBA legend. His efforts eventually paid off, allowing the 76ers to complete a stunning offseason in which they added two of the league’s biggest names.
