The trade stunned Celtics fans, who have long regarded the franchise as one of the NBA’s model organizations. Brown, a core piece of Boston’s group that reached the playoffs consistently, advanced to six Eastern Conference finals, and won the NBA title in 2024 (earning Finals MVP), was sent to Philadelphia in a deal that included Paul George and multiple first- and second-round picks returning to the Celtics.
The move arrived after weeks of trade chatter that at times linked Brown to players like Giannis Antetokounmpo. Reports indicated Brown never requested a trade, making the scale of the deal even more jarring for a fan base that had just celebrated a recent championship.
Brown addressed the trade publicly on a Twitch stream, saying, “I’m still processing everything so give me some time,” and adding that “there was a message being sent… and that message was received.” He also discussed his relationship with Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, noting “a bit of a lack of respect” and expressing frustration with how conversations were handled. He reiterated the sentiment during the broadcast, and a clip circulated showing him saying he wished the underlying reasons could have been explained more clearly.
The forward did not spare Boston’s front office from criticism, repeating his claim of a “lack of respect” from the organization. He described the Celtics’ decision to trade him as “packing me up” and “packing ya bags,” emphasizing his perception of the move as disrespectful.
Brown also commented on the broader Celtics–76ers rivalry, explaining that a decade of animosity would need to be undone. He described his intent to reverse his previous stance toward Philadelphia, embracing the city’s identity as he starts a new chapter. Throughout the stream, Brown repeatedly referenced the word “respect,” highlighting his desire to build mutual respect with his new teammates.
During the broadcast, Brown indicated he had spoken with new teammates Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, marking their first conversations since the trade. Maxey suggested he would join Brown on a future stream. Brown also acknowledged a young Celtics fan who went viral after the trade, promising to stay connected and planning a visit.
Older remarks from Brown resurfaced, including a May Twitch appearance in which he praised Joel Embiid as “one of the best bigs in basketball history” while criticizing flopping as detrimental to the game. Those comments took on new context now that Brown and Embiid will share a locker room.
Brown wrapped up the stream noting his appreciation for the team’s black throwback jerseys, which had long been among his favorites in the league, even during his Celtics years.
This trade represents a significant shift for both franchises as they navigate the immediate future and the evolving dynamics of one of the NBA’s most storied rivalries. Brown’s comments reflect his process of adjusting to a new environment while maintaining a focus on mutual respect and team chemistry with his new teammates.
