Jaylen Brown’s exit from Boston got one last local flourish before he heads to Philadelphia next season.
On Sunday, Brown hosted his 741 Frequency Fest at Boston Common, and plenty of fans showed up for what felt like a final sendoff. Boston mayor Michelle Wu also took part in the celebration and presented Brown with a ceremonial street sign that read “Jaylen Brown Way.”
Brown spent 10 years with the Celtics, arriving as a teenager and leaving as a five-time All-Star, a multiple-time All-NBA selection, and the 2024 Finals MVP. His run in Boston was a decorated one, and the city clearly wanted to make sure that part of his story got acknowledged even after the trade.
He also left more than just on-court highlights behind. Brown was active in the community during his Celtics years, visiting schools, supporting education, and working to create better opportunities in some of Boston’s underserved neighborhoods.
There had been some reluctance inside the organization about moving him this offseason, but the deal was eventually made. Around the league, some outsiders pointed to Brown’s lack of friendship with Jayson Tatum as a possible reason he was sent out, though there was never any report of a real feud. A couple of months ago, Kendrick Perkins also questioned whether the two were buddies away from basketball.
Whatever the personal dynamics were, Brown is now with the Sixers, and the warm sendoff from Boston won’t change what comes next. When Philadelphia and the Celtics meet next season, Brown will be lined up against the team and the city that just honored him.
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