Jaylen Brown is officially a Philadelphia 76er, and he finally has something to say about it.
The five-time All-Star released his first public statement Monday after the NBA’s moratorium period ended, making the blockbuster trade official. Brown was dealt from the Boston Celtics to the 76ers in exchange for Paul George and multiple draft picks, a move that reshuffled the Eastern Conference power structure overnight.
In a statement distributed by the team, Brown kept it direct.
“I’m excited to begin this next chapter in Philly. From every conversation I’ve had, it’s clear this is a group that’s hungry, competitive, and committed to winning, and that’s the kind of environment I’ve always embraced,” Brown wrote. “I’ve always believed that success comes from sacrifice, accountability, and putting the team above yourself. I’m looking forward to building with this group, earning the trust of my teammates, and chasing something special together.”
The 28-year-old also made clear his off-court work won’t stop at the city line. He plans to stay active in Philadelphia through his 7uice Foundation, the same community-focused organization he ran in Boston.
Why the Celtics Moved Him
Boston’s decision to trade Brown wasn’t random. Rumors had been swirling for weeks that the Celtics were shopping him after their failed pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Once that didn’t materialize, the front office shifted gears. The return was substantial — George, a future Hall of Famer when healthy, plus picks — but moving a homegrown star in his prime is still a gamble.
For Philly, the math is simple. Brown slots in alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgcombe to form a foursome that, if healthy, could be the most dangerous in the East. The 76ers are also reportedly still in the mix for LeBron James in free agency, though nothing is close to finalized there.
His Best Season Yet
Brown is coming off an MVP-caliber year. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for extended stretches, Brown carried Boston to a top-three seed in the East. He posted career highs across the board: 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.0 steals per game. His shooting splits were solid — 47.7 percent from the field, 34.7 percent from three and 79.5 percent from the line.
That kind of production doesn’t grow on trees. The 76ers are betting he can replicate it in a new system, without the benefit of a decade of chemistry.
Training camp can’t come soon enough.
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