Derrick White and Neemias Queta reflected on Jaylen Brown’s departure from Boston after the Celtics traded their longtime star forward to the Philadelphia 76ers in a blockbuster deal finalized on July 6.
White, who joined the Celtics in 2022 and became one of Brown’s closest teammates, said the trade was difficult to process because of their relationship both on and off the court.
“It’s tough to see someone get traded, and JB’s been an amazing teammate, amazing friend to me, and kind of welcomed me when I got traded to Boston,” White said, via Celtics Blog. “So I’m always thankful for my time that I spent with JB, and it’s obviously always tough to get traded, and I know how that feels.”
White added that his first message to Brown after the trade was focused on gratitude.
“Tell him thank you for everything he did for me, and just know how much he means to me,” White said, via Bobby Krivitsky.
The Celtics traded Brown to Philadelphia in exchange for Paul George, a 2028 first-round pick that can convert into a swap favorable to Boston, an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and two second-round picks in 2028 and 2030. The move came after Boston’s first-round playoff exit against Philadelphia and the team’s unsuccessful pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Brown spent nine seasons in Boston after being selected No. 3 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft. He developed into a two-time All-NBA selection and was one of the Celtics’ primary offensive options, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 71 games during the 2025-26 season.
Queta, who played alongside Brown for three seasons, also acknowledged the impact of losing one of Boston’s franchise cornerstones.
“It’s not easy,” Queta said. “I think you feel for him. Obviously, it wasn’t easy for him as well. But at the end of the day, it’s part of the business. You know what’s happening. You know it can happen at any moment.”
Queta highlighted Brown’s importance to both the Celtics organization and the city.
“Jaylen’s a guy that you can’t replace in the city. Really, really hard to replace on the court as well. He did so much for Boston in general, and he will definitely be missed,” Queta said.
The trade reshapes Boston’s roster after the Celtics finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 56-26 record, second in the Eastern Conference. Brown led the team in scoring while Jayson Tatum was limited to 16 games because of injury, leaving Boston without its usual All-Star duo during much of the season.
White now becomes one of the longest-tenured Celtics players and a key part of the team’s new backcourt structure. He averaged 16.5 points, 5.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 77 games last season while earning a top-six finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Queta also enters the post-Brown era as an important interior piece after averaging 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 76 games, including 75 starts, during the 2025-26 campaign.
Brown’s departure ends a significant chapter in Celtics history, but Boston will move forward with George, Tatum and a reshaped roster after the organization opted for future flexibility and a new veteran core. Philadelphia, meanwhile, adds Brown to a lineup featuring Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey as it looks to contend in the Eastern Conference.
