Jaylen Brown, Celtics Relationship Discussed by Brad Stevens After McGrady's 'Frustration' Comments

Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has been given no indication that Jaylen Brown is unhappy with anything about the organization.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Stevens opened up about a conversation he had with Brown that was "nothing but positive" in the aftermath of the Celtics' playoff loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

"He has not expressed those frustrations to me," Stevens added.

The discussion came up after Basketball Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady said on his Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady podcast that there is a "frustration" from Brown toward the Celtics organization.

"I think his frustration lies deeply within the organization and other things that we don't really have the details to," McGrady said. "There's just been a lot of stuff that I've been hearing just going on with the Boston organization, with JB."

Stevens, who has been with the Celtics for Brown's entire career to date, went on to express admiration for the five-time All-Star.

"We've been here 10 years together, and I do think that — obviously I love JB," Stevens said. "Everybody around here loves JB, and I think — just like any of our other guys, as we get to the end of the season — I'll be here, and my door is always open."

Brown has not said anything publicly to suggest he is unhappy with the Celtics. He did say in the aftermath of Saturday's Game 7 loss to the Sixers that this was "probably one of my most fun years playing basketball," even if it "wasn't always perfect."

The NBA did fine Brown on Wednesday for comments he made on a Twitch stream that were critical of the officiating throughout the playoff series against Philadelphia, specifically saying there was "an agenda" on their part:

"They clearly had an agenda. Maybe because I spoke and was critical of refs in the regular season. So they responded, 'You're gonna lead the playoffs in offensive fouls.' That's how that was, the response from the officiating crew. You could clearly tell. And I've actually spoke to some refs, and they said it was an agenda going into each game. 'So anytime Jaylen brings his arm up, just from reputation, just call it.'"

After clearing money off their books last offseason by trading Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday, the Celtics are in good financial shape this summer. They are projected to be $21.3 million under the first apron.

Brown, who is under contract for three more years, had to carry a heavier burden for most of this season as Jayson Tatum only played 16 games rehabbing his torn Achilles. He responded with arguably the best year of his career, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game in 71 starts.

The Celtics earned the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 56-26 record, but lost in the first round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2020-21 season.