Celtics trade Jaylen Brown amid concerns over salary cap implications

On July 8, 2026, the Boston Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. Celtics president Brad Stevens highlighted concerns regarding salary cap management, noting the rising costs associated with having two high-paid players. Brown and Jayson Tatum together would account for approximately 70% of the cap, a significant increase from the 47% they accounted for during the Celtics' 2024 championship. The trade reflects a broader trend in the league, where teams struggle to balance star salaries while maintaining competitive rosters.

• 1:18 PMCBS Sports — The next Jaylen Brown? Three high-paid NBA players whose contracts could eventually make them trade candidates