Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Jaylen Brown‘s 741 brand has been growing in popularity over the last year or two. The Boston Celtics‘ forward launched the standalone company as a way of creating affordable designer wear for both his and the Celtics fans, along with the wider community.
During a recent appearance on the “Big Tigger Morning Show,” Brown revealed that he previously turned down a $50 million multi-year brand deal before launching 741. He noted how he refused to have his voice compromised due to contracts he’s signed.
“When you sign these contracts, there will be a little catch phrase that’s in there. That’d be like if you say anything controversial or anything that disrupts our ecosystem of our company. We can terminate your deal. Terminate your contract. So that kind of makes you not have a voice… I don’t like compromising my voice for nothing or nobody. So, I just told him ‘I’ll pass.'”
Brown has often spoken out on social justice issues and is often seen working with the local Boston communities during the offseason. His decision to protect his voice while also creating a legacy and brand is likely a wise one. The design of his sneakers and clothing has also been a welcome change from the norm that we’ve come to expect from athletes’ partnerships with bigger companies.
Brown Didn’t Rule Out Leaving The Celtics
During the same interview, which was taking place in his hometown of Atlanta, Brown was asked if he would ever suit up for his hometown team, the Atlanta Hawks. And while Brown didn’t say “yes,” he also avoided declining the idea.
“You never know,” Brown said.
Brown, an Atlanta native, has often discussed his enjoyment of getting to play in his hometown. If the opportunity to join the Hawks ever arose, it would be human nature for him to at least explore the potential of making that happen.
However, it’s worth remembering that Brown didn’t drive that discussion, nor did he add fuel to the fire. All he did was leave his answer open-ended, which for a player in the modern NBA, is the wisest move.
Celtics Face a Tough Season
This summer has Brad Stevens make a string of tough decisions. He traded away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. Luke Kornet and Al Horford were allowed to leave in free agency. And, of course, Jayson Tatum will be sidelined for the 2025-26 campaign due to an Achilles tendon injury.
Stevens’ moves were designed to cut a growing and unsustainable payroll. However, it’s clear that Boston is now in a retooling phase and will need some time to create another contending-level roster.
Nevertheless, the decision to start getting younger and adjust the team’s style of play was the right one. Teams can’t rest on their laurels, even after winning a championship. Tatum’s injury gave Stevens the perfect reason to begin his summer of change in Boston. And, while the upcoming season could be challenging, the Celtics should bounce back stronger because of it.
After all, Joe Mazzulla still has a team built around Tatum, Brown and Derrick White, and that’s a great starting point for any retooling process.