Stevens Addresses Brown Trade
Stevens Apologizes to Jaylen Brown for Trade Disrespect, Cites Financial Strategy for George Deal
Key Points
Stevens disclosed the exact trade package: Boston sent Jaylen Brown to the 76ers in exchange for Paul George and four draft picks — two first-round selections (2028 and 2031) and two second-round selections (2028 and 2030).
The deal included timing and financial considerations: Paul George is 36, has appeared in 78 games over the last two seasons, and is owed about $54.1 million next season, which Stevens framed as a factor relative to Brown’s $57 million cap hit.
The trade tied Boston’s roster move to a division rival, as Brown moved to Philadelphia in a deal that reshaped the Celtics’ early post-title era dynamics.
Brad Stevens stated he did not involve Jason Tatum in the trade discussions, explicitly saying there was no input from Tatum and that he "didn’t keep him in the loop" or talk to him the next day.
Stevens framed the trade as a strategic move to add depth and optionality, acknowledging the challenge of navigating the cap when roughly 70% of the cap was tied up in two players, which influenced the path forward for the Celtics.
Boston Celtics president Brad Stevens publicly apologized to Jaylen Brown after trading the 2024 NBA Finals MVP to the Philadelphia 76ers, saying the process lacked the respect Brown deserved. Brown confirmed the slight on a Twitch stream, telling fans the communication around the deal did not treat him right, according to Basketball Forever.
In return for Brown, Boston received Paul George plus two first-round picks (2028 and 2031) and two second-round picks (2028 and 2030). Stevens held a 45-minute media session at the Auerbach Center to address the fallout, per Pro Football Network.
Stevens Admits He Lost Sleep Over Fan Reaction
Stevens did not hide his discomfort. He said he lost sleep over how Celtics fans would respond to losing a homegrown star who helped deliver a championship. "I'm not saying it was right," Stevens told reporters, according to MassLive. He acknowledged Brown's feelings were valid and said the emotional weight of the decision hit hard.
Stevens also said he never looped in Jayson Tatum. He was direct: Tatum had no input, was not kept in the loop, and Stevens did not even speak with him the following day. Stevens drew a firm line between player relationships and front-office decisions, per Basketball Forever.
The Cap Math That Forced Boston's Hand
Stevens framed the trade as a financial necessity. With Brown earning $57 million and Tatum locked into a supermax deal of similar size, roughly 70% of Boston's salary cap was tied to just two players. That left little room to build depth around them, according to ESPN Sports.
Paul George is 36 years old and has played just 78 games over the last two seasons. He is owed about $54.1 million next season — nearly the same cap hit as Brown. Stevens acknowledged the age and health risk but argued the four draft picks attached to the deal gave Boston future flexibility, per Pro Football Network.
Trading Brown to a Rival Made the Deal Even Harder
Boston sent Brown directly to Philadelphia, one of the Celtics' oldest and fiercest rivals. Stevens admitted that destination made the trade more painful. The Celtics and 76ers have clashed repeatedly in the playoffs over the past decade, making the optics of the move harder to defend, according to MassLive.
The deal reshapes the early post-title era for Boston. Brown was a cornerstone of the franchise's 2024 championship run. Sending him to a division rival added an emotional layer that went beyond the numbers, Stevens acknowledged during the press session.
Stevens and Chisholm Believe Reconciliation Is Still Possible
Stevens was not alone at the podium. Lead owner Bill Chisholm joined him to address the backlash. Both men said they believe a path to reconciliation with Brown still exists, per Essentially Sports. Neither offered a specific plan, but both said the relationship mattered to the organization.
Stevens said the Celtics had to weigh short-term loyalty against long-term competitiveness. He argued the draft capital and roster flexibility gained from the trade give Boston the best chance to stay relevant. Whether fans accept that reasoning remains an open question.
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