Celtics showed extreme disrespect to Jaylen Brown with 76ers trade — now he could make them pay

Jaylen Brown wanted to return to the Celtics — they did not want him to return

ESPN reporter Kris Rhim published a story detailing the communication between Brown and the team during the trade process, and it revealed an eye-opening level of disrespect.

The Celtics notably tried to send Brown to the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the trade never materialized. Rhim writes Brown was open to returning to Boston, but the team declined.

“He let the Celtics know that despite the failed trade he was willing to remain in Boston, but the team informed him he would be dealt anyway,” writes Rhim, citing a source.

For a player who spent 10 years on the team and brought a championship to the city, it’s surprising that Boston was so willing to move on and burn a bridge. In a spot like that when a team is determined to move a star, it oftentimes allows the player to pick his next destination, but that’s not what happened with Brown.

“Brown asked to have a say in where he was sent or at a minimum be given a heads-up on the destination. But he learned he’d be going to the Sixers only after the deal was finalized,” writes Rhim.

Jaylen Brown has many chances to make Celtics regret trading him

It’s shocking that the Celtics showed that level of disregard for Brown’s thoughts or opinions on the situation, and even more so that they sent him to Philadelphia. It is arguably their biggest rival, and now they’ll have to see the five-time All-Star multiple times every season and whenever they meet in the playoffs.

Brown has fit in smoothly with the 76ers so far, averaging 22.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game on 47.7% shooting from the field and 39.2% from three-point range.

They will be facing off against Boston for the first time this season on Tuesday night, and there’s no doubt Brown will be a major storyline. He’s also had a back-and-forth media battle with Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, his former teammate, so there will be a lot to look forward to in the game.

Brown doesn’t seem like the type of person who forgives and forgets easily, so he likely wants to prove a point to Boston. Only time will tell if he can make the Celtics pay for the lack of respect they showed during his trade process.