The Philadelphia 76ers’ newest player, Jaylen Brown, says he is “excited and disappointed” that the Boston Celtics moved him to their rival in the Atlantic Division.
In a social media post on Thursday, Brown stated:
“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.”
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Brown was traded to the Sixers in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks (2028, 2031), and two second-round picks (2028, 2030). The deal cannot be formally announced until Monday.
“I went up to the facility, my key card got rejected. Damn, I just wanted to see if it was real, packed me up bro”
– Jaylen Brown on being traded 😅
(h/t @MrBuckBuckNBA) pic.twitter.com/f9BwF1PBHb
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) July 3, 2026
For weeks, Brown’s place in Boston had been in doubt as the Celtics tried to move him to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was later traded to the Miami Heat. He said:
“Saying goodbye isn’t easy when you’ve invested your heart into 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,”
“I’m big on respect and actions speak louder than words. To the people of Boston, thank you”.
“I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful for the opportunity to join Philadelphia,” he added. “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.”
After averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game during his career season, Brown, 29, was selected to the second team of the NBA and finished sixth in the MVP voting.
The five-time All-Star led the Celtics to their 18th championship in their history and was named MVP of the NBA Finals and Eastern Conference finals in 2024.
