Jaylen Brown ‘wasn’t thrilled’ with Celtics’ lack of respect before shocking 76ers trade

Jaylen Brown isn’t hiding what everyone already sensed.

Brown, a former NBA Finals MVP who was traded from the Celtics to the rival 76ers earlier this week, said he “wasn’t thrilled with the amount of respect I was shown during this process.”

Speaking on a livestream to say goodbye to Celtics fans, Brown reacted to being traded for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks.

Brown initially was offered to the Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and it appears there was no putting the toothpaste back in the tube after it became public knowledge that the Celtics were willing to part with the player who carried the load while Jayson Tatum missed most of last season due to injury.

Antetokounmpo was ultimately traded to the Heat instead of the Celtics.

“I will say, there was a message being sent,” Brown said, “and that message was received.”

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has been getting pilloried for the perceived lopsided trade.

Jaylen Brown discussing “respect” on his live stream. @big_business_/X

Brown didn’t exactly take him off the hot seat, though he implied that other factors were at play.

“I think there was a bit of a lack of respect – I think it was fine at point – and then out of nowhere things kind of went left,” Brown said. “I think Brad is probably getting a lot of the criticism. I wasn’t thrilled the way he facilitated some of the conversations but there’s definitely more to it.”

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens. Boston Globe via Getty Images

The Celtics and 76ers make strange bedfellows considering that Philadelphia just eliminated Boston from the playoffs by winning a Game 7 on the road, and now the hierarchy of the Eastern Conference behind the Knicks looks much different because Brown is teaming up with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecomb.

“There’s a bunch of excitement, disappointment, a bunch of emotions,” Brown said.

“I’m still processing everything, so give me some time. I’m also looking forward to what’s to come next.”