It’s been over a month since the Boston Celtics traded star forward Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers, but people are still buzzing about it.
During a recent appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, NBA Hall-of-Famer Isiah Thomas shared his two cents on the situation.
Isiah Thomas Says Celtics Could Have Handled Jaylen Brown Trade ‘Better’
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 29: Isiah Thomas speaks during a ceremony to retire the Dallas Mavericks jersey of Mark Aguirre during halftime of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on January 29, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Thomas expressed surprise at the way the situation was handled by the organization, saying that the team could have gone about things differently.
“It definitely could’ve been handled better, and I think for all of us, we’ve never seen the Celtics organization act this way with one of their better players,” Thomas said.
“The Celtics have always been the model. And those of us who know Brad Stevens, Brad is not that kind of guy who gets into situations like this, that the Celtics organization and himself found themselves in.
Thomas explained how he thought the organization put Brown in an unfair situation while they publicly shopped him around.
“And then Jaylen Brown, I just thought he was an innocent bystander in all of this,” Thomas said. “He caught some strays and people going by just taking shots at him.”
Clearly, Thomas holds the Celtics organization in high regard, which is why he’s surprised by the way they handled this specific situation.
Drama Behind the Scenes of Jaylen Brown’s Departure From Celtics?
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 02: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics is defended by Vj Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on May 02, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Brown seems ready to move on from the trade at this point, but he did hint at eventually sharing some information on how things transpired behind the scenes.
“To be honest, I’m moving on. Maybe one day you share the details of how everything transpired and all the moving parts that took place in this. Obviously it’s a lot of speculation. I feel no need to chime in on it because I’m focused on what’s in front of me,” Brown said.
. . . “It’s been a crazy transition to be honest, but none of it is completely surprising,” he added. “Even though some of these things were said externally, internally and through organization and stuff like that, there’s been conversations.”
Perhaps one day we’ll find out what really went down regarding Brown’s exit from Boston. In the meantime, speculation will continue.
NBA Legend Slams Boston Celtics for Handing of Jaylen Brown Trade