The Boston Celtics believed Jaylen Brown would've been untradeable after his next contract extension, per WindhorstESPN "In the case of Jaylen Brown, the Celtics believed that Jaylen Brown was going to be seeking a contract extension this summer. And if they gave him that extension, not only did they think they weren't getting $57M value, but then he'd become untradeable "
x.com
Paul also noted that as much as winning matters at James' next destination, the conversations are about "everything" and are "deeper than the average person would think about." Paul, who's had a relationship with James for 25 years, didn't elaborate but admitted that Philadelphia's acquisition of Jaylen Brown is a "great thing" that could help James choose the Sixers. Paul also has ties to Philadelphia, serving as the agent for Sixers star Tyrese Maxey and former point guard Ben Simmons through Klutch Sports Group. — 7/9/2026 New York Times
Bob Myers didn't mind laying out a case for the Sixers, who feel they've seriously strengthened their team by trading for Jaylen Brown. They've also drafted Labaron Philon Jr. and signed Dean Wade, Anfernee Simons and Ariel Hukporti. "When you're talking about the Sixers, if he was here I'd say, 'I honestly believe this is your best chance to win. You have to decide all the other things that are equally important.' It's his life, right? He has to play. He has to face the scrutiny of his decision," Myers said. "Half the people will say, 'You should've done this' or 'You should've done that' and criticize him for whatever. It's his life; he's been through all that. What I would just say is, 'If it's about winning, let's talk about this team, because you can win here in Philadelphia.'" — 7/8/2026 NBC Sports Philadelphia