NBA: Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics
Feb 11, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Brad Stevens the president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics congratulates guard Jaylen Brown (7) for receiving the NBA player of the month award for his performance in the month of January before their game against the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Jaylen Brown trade has significantly changed the trajectory of the Boston Celtics. President of Basketball operations Brad Stevens has given multiple reasons on making the deal, recently expanding on the thought process.
Brown represented the Celtics for 10 seasons, serving as the longest-tenured member as he helped the team win the title in 2024. However, his stint came to an end when Boston sent him to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George and draft compensation.
Stevens, who has been with the Celtics since 2013, got to coach Brown for several seasons before going into the front office in 2021. He understood the magnitude of departing from one of his superstar players but knew that he had to make tough decisions for the long-term benefit of the franchise.
“It’s something that you have to just say, do you think where we currently are…will get us to where we ultimately want to go?” Stevens said in a new Celtics All-Access video. “If not, does it make sense to explore other pathways, even if that could be very tough in the near term?”
Brad Stevens on trading Jaylen Brown:
“It’s something that you have to just say, do you think where we currently are…will get us to where we ultimately want to go?”
“If not, does it make sense to explore other pathways, even if that could be very tough in the near term?” pic.twitter.com/7xG2CpQSPE
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) August 16, 2026
What Lies Ahead for Brad Stevens and Celtics Next Season
NBA: Boston Celtics_Press Conference
Sep 25, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens speaks during a press conference at the Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Brad Stevens and the Celtics look to maintain their success despite trading Jaylen Brown. They fully commit to Jayson Tatum, heading into his first full season after returning from Achilles rehab in the second half of the 2025-26 campaign.
Boston exceeded expectations as they finished with a 56-26 record, securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference standings. However, the Celtics blew a 3-1 series lead as they lost to the 76ers in seven games during the first round of the playoffs.
The Celtics have plenty of questions to answer when it comes to improving their roster. They landed the players they wanted in the draft and in free agency, now turning to the summer to recover and regroup ahead of training camp in the fall.
Notable additions Boston made this offseason include Paul George, Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley. Their biggest pickup from the draft was Chris Cenac Jr., who presents high upside on the wing coming out of college.