The Philadelphia 76ers have just become a leading contender to win the 2027 NBA title after trading for Jaylen Brown.
The 76ers traded Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks for the former Celtics superstar.
They now have a starting lineup of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Brown, free-agent signing Dean Wade and Joel Embiid.
If they can stay healthy and build chemistry throughout the regular season, they should make a deep postseason run.
The relationship between Brown and Embiid will be particularly important, but they must first overcome an awkward situation.
What Jaylen Brown previously said about Joel Embiid before joining the 76ers
Jaylen Brown has previously criticised Joel Embiid for “flopping” to fool the referees into giving him more free throws.
The former Celtic even claimed that flopping has “ruined” the NBA, which Embiid must not have appreciated.
Brown’s rant has now resurfaced following his surprising trade, with some expecting him to apologise to the 76ers star.
“Flopping has ruined our game. Joel Embiid is a great player, one of the best bigs in f——basketball history, but he flops. He knows it. This isn’t breaking news,” Brown said on Twitch.
Embiid has not changed his game, so Brown’s statement still applies, but he will probably walk back those comments.
Brown will want to develop a strong relationship with Embiid, as they look to take down the Celtics next season.
Their chances may also depend on Embiid’s ability to play in the majority of the 76ers’ regular season games and to avoid injury.
Brown also once took a subtle dig at Embiid and Paul George about not playing in back-to-back games when the Celtics stars did.
“We just have a mindset that we come out, play good basketball, put our best foot forward, whoever is out there,” Brown said. “Some of the adversity, back-to-backs, are tough…
“Those are the moments you have to accept. It’s hard for teams to be great if some of your best players don’t play back-to-backs.”
Therefore, the ex-Celtics star has at least two reasons his first discussion with Embiid should begin with an apology.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
