Jaylen Brown is still adjusting to his new surroundings after a blockbuster offseason trade sent him from the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers, but the 29-year-old is approaching the transition one day at a time.
Speaking during Philadelphia’s media day on Monday, Brown acknowledged that moving to a new team and city has been a process involving several different layers.
“It’s phases for sure. It’s a mental side, it’s an emotional side, it’s a physical side. It’s a bunch of phases to just getting comfortable, getting set up, and it’s an adjustment. It’s new,” Brown said. “So, I’m still every day is a day four. So, I’m just putting my best foot forward.”
Brown is expected to have a significant role on a 76ers team that also features LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. He emphasized that Philadelphia’s defensive identity will be particularly important as the new group develops familiarity.
“I think anchoring defense is important for all of us. I think that should be where we should hang our hats as a team,” Brown said. “I think, you know, offensively, we got a lot of firepower, but we got to all hold each other accountable on defense.”
Brown added that learning Philadelphia’s defensive systems and calls will take time, while reiterating his desire to improve every day.
The veteran forward also agreed with James’ comments about the importance of sacrifice. James said earlier during media day that sacrifice can be beneficial when a team is pursuing major goals.
“100%. That’s what’s needed,” Brown said. “Anytime you going for, you know, something great, something of high, you know, high metric, it’s going to take a level of sacrifice.”
Rather than relying heavily on his previous experience with Boston, Brown said he is treating the move as a fresh start.
“I’m approaching this with an empty slate,” Brown said. “Just coming in every single day and just trying to maximize every opportunity. I’m not taking anything for granted.”
Brown added that his previous experience could help in some areas, but he also recognizes that the new team may require him to approach certain things differently.
The 2025-26 season was the strongest statistical regular season of Brown’s career. He averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 71 games, earning All-Star and All-NBA Second Team honors.
Brown also discussed the human side of his move to Philadelphia after being traded away from Boston. He said that while the NBA is a business, he places significant value on the connections players can build with teammates, fans and communities.
“I think what I value about this game is the human connection,” Brown said. “To be able to bring people together, to be able to uplift your community, inspire people.”
He also addressed reports about him during the summer, saying some claims were “concerning” and “a little bizarre.” Brown argued that anonymous sourcing requires balance and that reporting can lose its integrity when that balance disappears.
Looking ahead, Brown said his favorite part of last season was the opportunity to lead and bring his teammates together. With Philadelphia’s roster looking considerably different, he expects that leadership role to evolve.
“This group looks different. So just got to be ready for any and everything,” Brown said.
