Brad Stevens broke Boston Celtics fans’ hearts by trading Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers last week.
The Celtics received Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks from their Eastern Conference rivals.
Given that the Los Angeles Lakers gave up more assets for Walker Kessler, many were shocked by Brown’s low value.
Most Celtics fans would rather Brown had stayed in Boston than been replaced by George and some draft picks.
Even though he signed off on the controversial deal, Stevens says he understands why the fanbase is frustrated.
Brad Stevens explains why trading Jaylen Brown kept him awake at night
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have been the Celtics’ two biggest superstars for the last decade, winning a title in 2024.
Although Tatum has always been considered the better player, Brown will also be remembered as a Celtics legend.
He will be sorely missed in Boston, and many fans have already criticised Brad Stevens for breaking up the Tatum-Brown duo.
Stevens recognises that trading Brown was an unpopular decision and has even “lost sleep” over upsetting the fans.
“Listen, I lost sleep over the fan part of this,” he said. “I get it. There are a bunch of [No. 7] jerseys around. I’m pretty sure I bought a couple. I get it.
“And somebody asked me earlier today, ‘Do you miss coaching?’ I did this week. This is not for the faint of heart.”
Celtics fans will now be focused on Stevens’ next move after acquiring significant draft capital from the 76ers.
They will be expecting him to trade at least one of those picks for a quality player who can help them contend immediately.
Stevens must also be wary of the 76ers making a deep postseason run, especially if the Celtics are eliminated earlier.
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