The recent trade that sent Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers has understandably stirred quite a bit of emotion in Boston.
Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell reminded everyone that even iconic players can’t shield a team from the reality of the business aspect of basketball.
In a WBZTV interview, Cassell shared his thoughts on Brown’s move from Boston to Philadelphia.
“We won a championship in Boston with Jaylen Brown,” Cassell noted. “Jalen did everything he could for this city… We’re going to miss him, but that’s just part of the NBA. Wilt Chamberlain was also traded after averaging 50 points a year. So, that’s how it goes.”
Cassell continued, “Trades are a part of the league, and I genuinely wish Jaylen all the luck. He’s a fantastic basketball player and a wonderful person. Life continues.” Cassell has been with the Celtics for three seasons now.
His insights carry significance, especially as he has himself won four championships both as a player and coach.
Brown’s exit marks the end of a significant chapter in Celtics history.
Selected as the third overall pick in 2016, he transitioned over ten years from a raw talent to one of the NBA’s top two-way players.
During his time with the team, he became a five-time All-Star, received two All-NBA selections, contributed to multiple NBA Finals runs, and earned the Finals MVP title in the 2024 championship.
When Jayson Tatum suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in May 2025, Brown rose to the occasion, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, helping Boston secure the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Now heading to Philadelphia, Brown’s trade has elicited mixed reactions, particularly in Boston.
“We’ll be fine,” Cassell reassured. “Yeah, it’s all good. We’ll sort it out. The games will happen on the court. We’ll manage.”
