Jaylen Brown played a role in limiting his potential trade market before the Boston Celtics finalized their blockbuster deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to Zach Lowe.
“I think there was at least one or two other teams who might have been interested in Jaylen Brown and who got intel that Jaylen Brown wasn’t interested in them and to maybe stay out of the bidding,” Lowe said. “I think Boston felt the circle closing.”
The Celtics eventually traded Brown to Philadelphia in exchange for Paul George and multiple draft picks, ending a 10-year partnership between Brown and Boston. The move came after Brown produced one of the best offensive seasons of his career, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 71 games during the 2025-26 season while earning All-NBA honors.
According to Chris Mannix, Boston had at least one other serious suitor for Brown before accepting Philadelphia’s package. Mannix reported that one “good team” made an offer for Brown and was surprised the Celtics accepted the 76ers’ proposal, believing its own package was competitive.
Lowe’s report suggests Brown’s influence may have narrowed the Celtics’ options before the trade was completed. By making teams aware that he was not interested in certain destinations, Brown potentially reduced the number of realistic bidders involved in negotiations.
Brown signed a five-year, $285 million extension with Boston in 2023, but his future with the franchise changed after the Celtics failed to return to championship contention.
He became Boston’s leading scorer in 2025-26 as the team dealt with injuries and roster changes. Jayson Tatum appeared in only 16 games, while Derrick White, Payton Pritchard and Neemias Queta took on larger roles throughout the season.
For Brown, the trade sends him to Philadelphia after a decade in Boston, where he developed from the third overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft into an All-NBA player and one of the league’s most productive wings.
