Brad Stevens downplays how the Jaylen Brown trade led to the 76ers getting LeBron James

Jaylen Brown was recognized as one of the greatest Boston Celtics of the modern era. Trading him away would have always been a major deal, but it became even more significant after the Philadelphia 76ers doubled down on their team by signing LeBron James.

Now, the Celtics have to deal with competing against a 76ers team with a vengeful Brown in the 2026-27 season while being flanked by a loaded roster. To some people, it could look like team president Brad Stevens strengthened a rival, but it seems that he is not too worried about that.

Brad Stevens is not worried about how the Jaylen Brown trade strengthened a rival

The Celtics might have traded Brown away, but they are not tracking how impactful that move might have been. Stevens' stance on the trade is that it happened, so he and the Celtics are focused on what they are doing with the current team.

It is an interesting dynamic because it seems that the Celtics might not have expected to strengthen the 76ers even more because LeBron was convinced to join up with a team with Brown and the rest of the 76ers' elite core.

MORE: Derek Fisher speaks on how Jaylen Brown's drawing power helped the 76ers build the current roster

Stevens and the Celtics seem to be minding their own business, but it does hurt that they basically gifted LeBron James to the 76ers. Now, the Celtics will have to face the consequences, so preparing will matter ahead of the new season.

"Our focus is on us, and obviously, we look forward to all the challenges. Obviously, there are a lot of good teams around the league, but we have to do what's in the best interest of us, both short and long-term, and that was the decision; we went through that in July," Stevens said in the introductory presser for Mike Conley and Paul George.

It will certainly be challenging to play against that 76ers team. Considering the 76ers and the Celtics are in the same division, they will meet quite often. This will be challenging, but it seems Stevens is not worried about their rivals, at least, publically.

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• Jaylen Brown's emotional farewell to the Celtics fans after getting traded to the 76ers
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• Bob Myers recalls what happened in the 76ers' trade for Jaylen Brown