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According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim, Brown was vacationing overseas when he discovered that Boston had attempted to trade him to the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Brown was on a month long vacation that included stops in China, Africa and Europe when news of the Celtics’ trade discussions reached him.
After the potential deal fell through, Brown reportedly informed Boston that he was willing to remain with the organization. However, the Celtics told him that they intended to trade him anyway.
As Boston continued exploring the trade market, Brown reportedly made one request: He wanted to have some input into where he would be sent or, at the very least, receive advance notice of his destination.
That request reportedly went unanswered.
Brown ultimately learned he was being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers only after the deal had been finalized.
The situation adds another layer to an increasingly complicated departure for a player who spent 10 seasons in Boston, earned five All-Star selections and helped deliver the franchise’s 18th NBA championship in 2024.
Brown previously expressed disappointment with how the organization handled his departure, describing the process as a lack of respect.
Boston president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has previously explained that the financial commitments to Brown and Jayson Tatum made building a sustainable championship contender more challenging.
The Celtics ultimately sent Brown to Philadelphia in exchange for Paul George, two first-round draft picks and two second-round selections.
Now, with Brown and Tatum facing each other as Eastern Conference rivals, the circumstances surrounding their separation are receiving renewed attention.
One thing is becoming increasingly clear: According to ESPN’s reporting, Jaylen Brown didn’t ask out of Boston. He simply wanted a voice in what happened next.
Source: ESPN – Kris Rhim | NBA.com – Trade details
