The Boston Celtics shocked the basketball world on Wednesday night by trading Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks.
The move ends a decade-long run for Brown in Boston, where he won a championship in 2024, earned Finals MVP honors, and posted career-best numbers of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists this past season while carrying the Celtics through Jayson Tatum’s Achilles recovery.
Jaylen Brown Speaks Out on Celtics Exit, Fresh Start With 76ers
On Thursday, Brown broke his silence on social media with a heartfelt, unfiltered farewell to Boston.
“First and foremost, thank you to the most high, even in the midst of adversity. I’m here with gratitude. I’m still processing how this all went down. I’m excited and disappointed at the same time. I earned my respect from this city. I never asked for shortcuts or special treatment. I simply showed up every day, put my head down, and accepted every challenge,” Brown said.
He then turned to the relationships that made the decade in Boston mean something: “The relationships I built here, the battles we fought together, the championship we brought to this city, and the connection I shared with the fans, I’ll carry on with me. Saying goodbye isn’t easy when you’ve invested your heart into something. I’m big on respect and actions speak louder than words. To the people of Boston, thank you. To the community I built here, I love you…”
Closing out his statement, Brown expressed his excitement about starting a new chapter in Philadelphia.
“As one chapter closes, another begins. I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful for the opportunity to join Philadelphia. Every city has its own identity, its own passion, and its own expectation,” he wrote. “I respect that, and I’m looking forward to earning that respect the only way I know how – through the work. Philly… let’s get it.”
The reality is that Brown didn’t request a trade. Just weeks ago, he mentioned on a stream that he loved being in Boston. However, Brown’s name was constantly surfacing in trade rumors over the last few months. When Boston failed to land Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Celtics continued trying to offload Brown, it was a clear sign that his career as a Celtic was over.
What awaits him in Philadelphia is an excellent opportunity. Brown joins Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, and recent-signee Anfernee Simons on a 76ers roster that knocked the Celtics out of the playoffs in the first round just two months ago after coming back from a 3-1 deficit. The irony of Brown now suiting up for the team that ended Boston’s season is not lost on anyone. Only time will tell how he fares on a stacked Sixers roster that will enter next season with championship aspirations.
