Celtics Analyst Admits Jaylen Brown Did Not Technically Demand Trade

Brian Scalabrine stated on Monday that Jaylen Brown technically did not demand to be traded by the Boston Celtics. The former player and current NBC Sports Boston analyst made this correction during the network’s pregame show, reversing a claim he had repeated multiple times that morning on his SiriusXM NBA Radio program.

Scalabrine acknowledged receiving 48 calls since his morning broadcast. He admitted that while he initially summarized the situation as a demand, he later clarified that Brown presented a list of conditions. The player reportedly told the organization, “Do these things right here or else.” One specific condition involved receiving a 140 million dollar extension, for which Brown was eligible during the offseason.

The Celtics traded Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in July. The deal sent Paul George and four future draft picks to Boston. Brad Stevens, the president of basketball operations, said the team moved Brown because they felt it was no longer feasible to keep two high-usage players who consumed 70 percent of the salary cap. Stevens noted in July that the move was obviously unpopular and that most people believed it would be viewed as a mistake.

The trade sparked a public dispute between Brown and Jayson Tatum. Last Thursday, Tatum commented on an Instagram post by calling Brown’s account of the trade cap. Tatum said he was caught off guard when he saw Brown had been shipped to Philadelphia. On Friday, Tatum said he had no beef with Brown and welcomed a conversation. Brown responded on Saturday, suggesting there might be some tension and telling Tatum to stay ready at all times.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla commented on the situation Sunday. He said he was grateful for Brown’s accomplishments but remained focused on Tatum, whom he described as the team’s best player and highest character guy. Scalabrine’s co-host Frank Isola asked on Monday why Brown would be angry at Tatum if he had requested the trade. Scalabrine said he did not understand the dynamic, noting that Brown was not documented as demanding a trade at the time the deal was finalized.

Scalabrine maintained his belief that Brown went to the organization with a list of demands and rooted for a trade to the Milwaukee Bucks. He claimed Brown spoke with teammates about joining him in Milwaukee. The Celtics reportedly made an offer to the Bucks to send Giannis Antetokounmpo to Boston in exchange for Brown. The Miami Heat beat the Celtics for Antetokounmpo, leading Boston to trade Brown to Philadelphia instead.

The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers will play their first matchup of the season on November 10 in Philadelphia.