Celtics 'Agonized' Over Jaylen Brown Trade, New NBA Rumors Reveal After 76ers' Surprise Blockbuster

Before Wednesday's blockbuster trade that sent star guard Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Boston Celtics reportedly had a difficult time coming to terms with the likelihood of parting ways with one of the faces of their franchise.

According to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe, the Celtics' front office debated the decision to trade Brown for quite some time before opting to send him to the Sixers in exchange for veteran forward Paul George, two first-round picks (2028, 2031) and two second-round selections (2028, 2030).

"One league source said Boston's brass agonized for days over the decision to trade Brown but eventually determined that acquiring valuable assets along with a nine-time All-Star in George offered the franchise its best path forward," Himmelsbach stated (h/t HoopsHype).

The Celtics had previously included Brown in trade discussions for star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they fell short of their pursuit when the Milwaukee Bucks dealt the two-time NBA MVP to the Miami Heat. Boston continued shopping Brown, but the team struggled to find a viable landing spot for him before accepting what many viewed as a lopsided deal from Philadelphia.

Some may feel that the Celtics moved too hastily, as one league source told Himmelsbach that Brown "never requested a trade." However, the source added that the 29-year-old "had grown frustrated with how the Celtics were handling this situation." His feelings about being sent to the Sixers have yet to be revealed.

"The source said Wednesday that it was too early to know how Brown was processing this trade. Brown did not respond to a text message seeking comment," Himmelsbach stated.