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Joe Mazzulla on Jaylen Brown trade: ‘We have a different identity.’ Brown felt ‘no loyalty’
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla expressed that he is still processing the trade of star guard Jaylen Brown but trusts president Brad Stevens' vision for the team, emphasizing respect and gratitude for Brown's decade-long contribution.
- Jaylen Brown reacted emotionally to the trade, describing it as a harsh business move lacking loyalty and love, and admitted he was unsure about the reasons behind the decision.
- The Celtics traded Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George and draft picks, aiming to manage salary cap concerns and reshape the team after consecutive early playoff exits.
- Mazzulla acknowledged the challenge of replacing Brown’s impact and highlighted the need to build a new team identity with incoming players like Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley.
- Despite the difficulty of the trade, Mazzulla credited Brown for making him a better coach and stressed the importance of gratitude for Brown’s role in the Celtics' recent successes, including the 2024 championship.
