NBA Trade Drama: Brown Denies Demanding Move to Sixers

Jaylen Brown rejected the claim that he forced Boston to trade him this summer. The Philadelphia 76ers forward spoke Wednesday night after a victory over the Indiana Pacers. He stated clearly that he never requested a deal and never set out a list of ultimatums for his former team.

The dispute began earlier this week. Brian Scalabrine, a former Celtics star who now works as a broadcaster, said on air that Brown demanded to be moved. Scalabrine later walked back his initial report. Brown says he has no interest in letting false accusations follow him into his new role with Philadelphia.

Brown joined the Sixers in a blockbuster deal involving Paul George. He was the 2024 NBA Finals MVP and the league's fourth-leading scorer in the previous season. He has made five All-Star selections in his career. His move to the East Coast has already generated friction with his former Boston teammate Jayson Tatum.

Tatum posted a video this month where he said the trade caught him off guard. Brown responded on Instagram with an image of a baseball cap. In slang, a cap implies a statement is not true. Tatum said he holds no animosity or ill will toward Brown. Brown offered a slightly different take on their relationship last week. He said there is no beef between them, but there might be some lamb chops and gravy. He advised Tatum to stay ready at all times.

Brown says he has no plans to speak with Tatum before Boston visits Philadelphia. That game is scheduled for Nov. 10. Brown is focused on his current opportunity with the Sixers. He described the chance as tremendous and said he is looking forward to the season ahead.

In Wednesday's game, Brown contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Sixers defeated the Indiana Pacers by a score of 114 to 109. The result marked another strong performance in his first month with his new team.