76ers GM confirms Jaylen Brown's role in LeBron James joining team
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 9:20 PM
Last updated Aug 6, 2026
The Philadelphia 76ers made a significant move this offseason by acquiring Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics, sending Paul George and three first-round picks in return. 76ers GM Mike Gansey indicated that Brown's arrival played a pivotal role in attracting LeBron James to the franchise. He contacted LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, after the acquisition, suggesting that it changed the dynamics of James's free agency considerations. The acquisition of Brown allowed the 76ers to present a competitive roster to LeBron, aiming to fill gaps, particularly at power forward and playmaking positions. With other potential landing spots, including the Cavaliers and Heat, the 76ers emerged as an appealing option for James as they look to contend for a title.
- •76ers trade Paul George and three first-round picks for Jaylen Brown.
- •Mike Gansey confirms Brown's impact on LeBron's free agency decision.
- •LeBron's potential signing addresses the 76ers' roster gaps.
- •Team includes summer additions Anfernee Simons and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
- •LeBron could become the first player to win titles with four different teams.
- 9:20 PMYahoo Sports — Jaylen Brown processing how he became a former Celtic. Ready to win with LeBron, Embiid and 76ers
- 5:58 AMYahoo Sports — 76ers GM confirms the one move that ensured LeBron James would join the franchise
"Jaylen Brown got the call that Boston — the franchise that drafted him as a teenager and where he blossomed into an NBA Finals MVP and champion — had traded him and heaved his phone across the room. Brown was indeed headed to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he was set to form an All-Star trio with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Little did he know LeBron James was on his way to Philly, too.
"The Philadelphia 76ers started their offseason with an aggressive acquisition of Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics. Philly sent Paul George and three first-round picks to their bitter rivals for Brown, with many questioning the end-goal with that move, as Brown and Joel Embiid are both on supermax contracts.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 6, 2026, 9:20 PMJaylen Brown processing how he became a former Celtic. Ready to win with LeBron, Embiid and 76ers
Jaylen Brown got the call that Boston — the franchise that drafted him as a teenager and where he blossomed into an NBA Finals MVP and champion — had traded him and heaved his phone across the room. Brown was indeed headed to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he was set to form an All-Star trio with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Little did he know LeBron James was on his way to Philly, too.
- Yahoo SportsAug 6, 2026, 5:58 AM76ers GM confirms the one move that ensured LeBron James would join the franchise
The Philadelphia 76ers started their offseason with an aggressive acquisition of Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics. Philly sent Paul George and three first-round picks to their bitter rivals for Brown, with many questioning the end-goal with that move, as Brown and Joel Embiid are both on supermax contracts.
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