The Philadelphia 76ers acquiring Jaylen Brown this offseason was a twist nobody expected this offseason, but his relationship with the Celtics soured enough that Boston found it palatable to ship him away to their biggest rival. Still, that does not erase the fact that the All-Star led them to the championship just a couple of years ago, which makes it natural that his former ball club reportedly intends to retire his jersey eventually.
Brad Stevens, who is the team president for the Celtics, recently said that Brown's No. 7 jersey will likely go up in the rafters in the iconic TD Garden. That would be a huge honor for Brown, who is now set to receive a privilege only enjoyed by very few figures, especially for a team with a rich winning history like the Celtics. That being said, the timing of this announcement could not get any more awkward.
76ers star Jaylen Brown is set to get his jersey retired by the Celtics after an awkwardly timed announcement
Well, as everyone knows, Brown's decade-long relationship with the Celtics brass did not end particularly well. After an early playoff exit thanks to an unlikely upset care of the 76ers, who were down 3-1 in the first round, Boston wanted to go big and zeroed in on Giannis Antetokounmpo as a trade target, with the 2024 Finals MVP as the centerpiece of their intended return package.
Once that deal fell through and Giannis got sent to Miami instead, it was clear that Brown's relationship with Boston had become irreparable. As such, the Celtics' front office sent him to the 76ers for a win-now package that they felt had enough draft capital to go along with it.
Now, Brown arrives in Philly bringing with him ample playoff and finals experience. With LeBron James as their other blockbuster addition, the 76ers now have the most formidable team in the East, at least on paper. Meanwhile, the Celtics are a bit of a mystery, as no one knows what their new pairing in Jayson Tatum and Paul George will look like.
The 76ers' rivalry with the Celtics will only intensify from here on out thanks to the narrative flair which Jaylen Brown brings to this dynamic. Nevertheless, despite the tense relations from both camps, it is nice to see the All-Star get his due from his former ball club for leading them to a championship.
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