Jaylen Brown has finally addressed the blockbuster trade that ended his decade-long run with the Boston Celtics.
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And while the newest member of the Philadelphia 76ers says he's excited about what's next, he admitted the move hasn't been easy.
"I'm still processing how this all went down," Brown wrote in a statement shared on social media. "I'm excited and disappointed at the same time."
Brown was traded to Philadelphia earlier this week in exchange for veteran forward Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round selections in one of the NBA offseason's biggest moves.
The five-time All-Star said saying goodbye to Boston has been emotional after spending the first 10 seasons of his career with the franchise.
"I earned my respect from this city," Brown wrote. "I never asked for shortcuts or special treatment. I simply showed up every day, put my head down, and accepted every challenge."
Brown helped lead the Celtics to the 2024 NBA championship, earning both Eastern Conference Finals MVP and NBA Finals MVP honors during the title run. This past season may have been the best of his career, as he averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists while finishing sixth in NBA MVP voting.
"Saying goodbye isn't easy when you've invested your heart into something," Brown wrote. "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."
Brown also made it clear he's ready to embrace his next challenge with the rival 76ers.
"I'm excited for what's ahead and grateful for the opportunity to join Philadelphia," he wrote. "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."
