Jaylen Brown faced consistent criticism, especially after the Celtics blew a 3-1 lead to the 76ers and exited in the first round.
Despite criticism, many expected the Celtics to miss the postseason after Jayson Tatum’s 2025 playoff injury and the departures of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday before the season. Tatum returned late, and Brown guided the Celtics to the No. 2 seed.
Since the season ended, Brown has publicly criticized officiating and remarks by prominent media members, including ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.
Jaylen Brown Fires Back at Stephen A. Smith
For instance, Smith criticized Brown for appearing on camera a day after elimination, calling it his “favorite” year.
“The year that Jayson Tatum was down with an Achilles tear is your favorite year?” Smith asked. “The year that Jayson Tatum had to sit out this pivotal, close-out Gamer 7 because of an injury in Game 6, that’s your favorite year?”
In addition to his criticism of Brown’s comments, Smith also noted that Brown is the only Celtics star ever to lose a 3-1 lead.
“He needs to be quiet … unless you’re trying to get traded.” @stephenasmith reacts to Jaylen Brown doubling down on his previous comments 😳 pic.twitter.com/3xV00b7tXo
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 7, 2026
Tatum, of course, spent most of the season rehabbing from his torn Achilles and was forced to miss the Celtics’ Game 7 loss.
Responding to the situation, Smith said, “He needs to be quiet and like Perk [Kendrick Perkins] said, go on vacation, unless you’re trying to get traded.”
According to Perkins, Tatum has never appeared on Brown’s stream.
Brown responded to Smith’s comments on X. Brown wrote, “I’ll ‘be quiet’ / stop streaming if you ‘be quiet’ and retire. Let’s give the people what they want.”
Since the Celtics were eliminated from the playoffs, there have been several trade rumors involving Brown, stemming from questions about his desire to remain with the team. This reply to Smith will likely only add fuel to the fire.
Former NBA great and current analyst Tracy McGrady has indicated that Brown may be dissatisfied in Boston, and although Brad Stevens has addressed the rumors, they have continued.
McGrady essentially believes that with Tatum back on the floor, Brown will no longer be the top option like he was this season. In the past, Tatum has been known as the Celtics’ 1A, and Brown as their 1B, but this season Brown is putting up 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. He was talked about as a potential MVP candidate.
“I think it’s speculation that has legs,” said NBA Insider Chris Haynes.
Given Brown’s recent use of social media and his stream to voice frustrations, the Celtics may look to potential suitors for Brown, a scenario that was not anticipated two years ago, when Brown and Tatum were celebrating a championship.
