Jaylen Brown touched on a plethora of topics at his introductory press conference with the Philadelphia 76ers, including his relationship with star center Joel Embiid.
There have been questions about how the two longtime rivals will be able to coexist now that they’re on the same side, but Brown doesn’t seem concerned.
Jaylen Brown Says Relationship with Joel Embiid is Built on ‘Mutual Respect’
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 02: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics embrace after the 76ers defeated the Celtics 109-100 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 was asked directly about his relationship with Embiid during his presser and he pointed to a longstanding mutual respect between the two. He also acknowledged that Embiid reached out to him shortly after he was traded from Boston to Philly.
“It’s been good. Me and Joel been friends throughout the years. We have mutual respect. He loves soccer. I love soccer. So, we talk about that a lot and stuff like that. He reached out, too, when I got traded. He reached out the same day. I talked to him on the phone,” Brown said.
“So, I’m looking forward. I’m looking forward to earning everybody’s trust and respect and grind and be impactful. That’s what I’ve done my whole career. I’m looking to do the same thing here.”
After competing against each other for the past decade, often in the postseason, Brown and Embiid will now have an opportunity to accomplish some great things together in Philadelphia.
New-Look 76ers Already Building Chemistry With Group Chat
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 6: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to the media at Francis J. Myers Recreation Center on August 6, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Brown, Embiid and the rest of the new-look 76ers, including LeBron James, have been staying in touch this summer via a group chat, which Brown detailed during his press conference. This has been a way for the guys to build some chemistry before the season starts.
“We talk damn near every day, almost,” Brown said. “We have group chats, multiple now, and we’re all trying to figure this thing out. LeBron, he’s active in the group chat. So, we’re just trying to all get on the same page. I think everybody knows how incredible the opportunity that we have.”
The 76ers will report to training camp late next month to begin what they hope will be a special season. In the meantime, the group chat will have to do.
76ers’ Jaylen Brown Sends Clear Message Regarding Relationship with Joel Embiid