Celtics trade Jaylen Brown to 76ers, prompting backlash from Paul Pierce

On February 3, 2026, the Boston Celtics traded five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. This move shocked many in the NBA community, particularly Paul Pierce, a Celtics legend, who criticized the club's reasoning. Brown's impressive stats last season, including an average of 28.7 points per game, have raised questions about the rationale behind the trade. The Celtics received aging guard Paul George, two future first-round picks, and two second-round picks in return. Speculation suggests that financial factors and perceived arrogance from Brown may have influenced the decision.

• 5:15 AMYahoo Sports — ’Lamest Excuse for Somebody To Get Traded of All Time’ — Celtics Legend Rips Prevailing Narrative Around Reviled Jaylen Brown Deal