The Boston Celtics shocked the sports world on Wednesday, trading Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks (2028, 2031) and two second-round selections (2028, 2030).
Brown, the 2024 Finals MVP, posted a powerful statement on social media on Thursday about the blockbuster trade.
“First and foremost, thank you to the Most High, even in the midst of adversity,” Brown wrote. “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. 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, and to the shiftaz we are locked in for life. 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. I respect that, and I’m looking forward to earning that respect the only way I know how — through the work. PHILLY #THROWTHEBALLUP LET’S GET IT!”
Brown will make $57.1 million next season. He signed a five-year, $285 million extension with the Celtics in 2023. One year later, the Celtics won the championship against the Dallas Mavericks in five games, with Brown winning Finals MVP.
Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game for the Celtics last season. Boston won 56 games and was the second seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Jayson Tatum missed the first 62 games of the regular season recovering from his Achilles tendon tear. Brown carried Boston on his back, which is why he was upset the Celtics were dangling him in trades.
A five-time All-Star, Brown put up 25.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game in the Celtics-76ers playoff series. Tatum didn’t play in Game 7 and Boston blew a 3-1 series lead to Philadelphia.
Brown has career averages of 20.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game in the regular season and 19.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game in the playoffs. The California product was the third overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.
The 76ers now have a “Big 4” of Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. They are also trying to sign LeBron James.
Buckle up.
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