The Philadelphia 76ers made the decision to trade for Jaylen Brown. They moved Paul George and a few draft picks in order to acquire him. Putting Brown into the starting lineup makes them one of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference.
Brown was seen as the second-best player on the Celtics behind Jayson Tatum. Last year, with Tatum hurt, Brown had his best season as a pro. He led Boston to the second seed in the East, and he had the best scoring season of his career.
Apparently, Brown hasn’t spoken to Tatum since the trade.
GettyBoston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown drives the ball in a game against the 76ers. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
76ers Forward Jaylen Brown Says He Hasn’t Spoken to Jayson Tatum
During his introductory press conference, Brown was asked if he has spoken to Tatum since the trade. He simply said, “Not really.”, showing that he is ready to move on. However, Brown made it clear that he still respects what they were able to accomplish together.
“We won a championship together. So anybody that you win a championship with, you think that’s what a brotherhood or a life-long legacy would entail. Obviously, there’s ups and downs in any type of relationship, for sure. On my end, it’s nothing but respect. Besides when he plays the Sixers, I hope he does well. Other than that, everything else is based in respect.”
Brown seems like he is ready to move on to a new chapter in his NBA career. Brown seems like he is ready to be the top option on a team, although he still might not have that in Philly. Tyrese Maxey still might be the number one option. LeBron James will have the ball a lot, too.
Last season, Boston had the second-best offense in the league with Brown leading it. The 76ers are hoping to have something similar with Brown and James now in the starting lineup. Philly is going to be scrutinized for their lineups all year long.
GettyBoston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown drives the ball in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Has Title Aspirations
The 76ers believe this is a year in which they can actually compete for a championship. That is why they went hard after James. He allows them more optionality when it comes to starting lineups. With the injury history that Joel Embiid has, that’s something they needed.
Embiid is going to be the key player for them to really contend for a championship. He has to be healthy when the playoffs start for them to beat the Knicks, Pacers, Celtics, Heat, Cavaliers, or the Pistons. All of those teams also have title aspirations next year.
The Sixers will likely be plastered on national TV plenty next season now that James is in Philadelphia. With that comes a lot of pressure to perform to avoid criticism. Embiid and James will take the brunt of that criticism, while Brown will likely skirt past it.
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