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Brad Stevens admits salary cap reason behind Celtics' shocking Jaylen Brown trade
New York Post • • general
Key Points:
- Celtics president Brad Stevens justified trading Jaylen Brown to the 76ers by emphasizing the need for “optionality” in the roster, citing concerns about having 70% of the salary cap tied up between Brown and Jayson Tatum.
- Despite Brown’s MVP-caliber 2025-26 season, Stevens highlighted the difficulty of maintaining a competitive roster under Brown’s large contract, which extends three more years with increasing salary commitments.
- The trade brought Paul George and draft picks to Boston, with George’s contract being slightly more cap-friendly, allowing the Celtics more flexibility and depth moving forward.
- Stevens denied any dissatisfaction with Brown, praising his contributions and relationships within the team, while Celtics owner Bill Chisholm rejected claims that financial constraints drove recent roster moves.
- Chisholm stressed that all decisions were basketball-driven, aimed at building a winning team, and confirmed the Celtics have salary cap space for future acquisitions if needed.
