Jaylen Brown is a Sixer. Those are not words I ever thought I’d write, let alone out of nowhere in 2026 free agency after he was dealt for the 36-year-old Paul George of all players.
But here we are. Mike Gansey has not been messing around after taking over as the Sixers’ president of basketball operations. The shocking blockbuster for Brown is really happening, and Philly’s new incoming star has now made his first statement since the trade.
Brown shared his full comments:
Like all of us, Brown is probably still in a state of shock. After spending all 10 years of his NBA career so far in Boston, becoming a five-time All-Star and NBA champion and Finals MVP there, it’s an awful lot to leave behind both personally and professionally.
Of course, Brown shared just how grateful for is everything he had in Boston:
First and foremost, thank you to the Most High, even in the midst of adversity. I’m here with gratitude.
I’m still processing how this all went down. I’m excited and disappointed at the same time. I earned my respect from this city. I never asked for shortcuts or special treatment. I simply showed up every day, put my head down, and accepted every challenge.
The relationships I built here, the battles we fought together, the championship we brought to this city, and the connection I shared with the fans, I’ll carry on with me.
And when it came to talking about heading to Philly, as you’d expect Brown shared his excitement for the new opportunity. Plus, he put emphasis on how he’s looking forward to earning respect in his new city through hard work. The kind of hard work that’s allowed him to develop into such a high level player.
I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful for the opportunity to join Philadelphia. Every city has its own identity, its own passion, and its own expectation. I respect that, and I’m looking forward to earning that respect the only way I know how.. through the work.
Philly – throw the ball up let’s get it!
Brown is fresh off a career year averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game with a 57.3 true shooting percentage, showcasing such talent as a creator and making the All-NBA Second Team for the second time. It’s still just two years since he rose to Finals MVP level. Waiting to see what Brown does with the Sixers is exciting to say the least.
The good news just keep going, too! How about the Sixers adding even more offensive creation and much needed high-volume, highly accurate three-point shooting to their bench with the excellent value signing of Anfernee Simons.
I won’t dig into everything here, though. Instead, I’ll send you over to some of the great pieces we’ve already published here at LB. Erin Grugan has written all about why this trade was such a no-brainer. Or for a different perspective on why the trade makes sense but (for some) it can be harder to like, Josh Grieb has you covered.
