Stephen A. Smith says he was “validated” by Jaylen Brown trade; Calls him “not liked” around league [VIDEO]
The ESPN personality questioned why Boston would move a player who “gave you 28 a night”
Stephen A. Smith has doubled down on his criticism of Jaylen Brown following the blockbuster trade that sent the Celtics star to the Philadelphia 76ers, claiming the deal validates his long-held position that Brown is “not liked” around the league. The 4-minute, 25-second clip, posted by @ItsKingSlime, shows Smith delivering the remarks on his SiriusXM program.
The trade, completed on July 1, sent Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George and multiple future draft picks. Smith’s commentary has drawn sharp reactions across social media. Some agree with his assessment, but others have accused the ESPN personality of inflating his own role in the narrative surrounding Brown’s departure.
Stephen A. Celebrates Trade and His Own Predictions
Stephen A. Smith speaks directly to the camera with his characteristic animated delivery, gesturing emphatically as he breaks down the deal. “I’ve been nothing but complimentary about Jaylen Brown, because he’s a stud,” Smith states. “He’s an all world player and he’s gonna do wonders in the city of Philadelphia.”
But the praise comes with a caveat. Smith immediately pivots to his prior commentary, insisting he was never wrong about Brown being unpopular within NBA circles. “All the stuff that I’ve said has been validated,” he claims, before questioning Boston’s decision: “Why in God’s name, if you’re the Boston Celtics, and you’re gonna move away from a dude that gave you 28 a night and proved he can be a 1 option?”
A persistent lower-third graphic displays the trade details throughout the monologue: “Celtics Trading Jaylen Brown to 76ers for Paul George. Philadelphia also receives two 1st round picks and two 2nd round picks.”
Trade Details and Boston’s Return
The blockbuster deal sends Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George and significant draft compensation. Philadelphia receives the 28-year-old wing who helped lead Boston to the 2024 NBA championship, while Boston acquires the 36-year-old veteran forward along with two first-round picks and two second-round selections.
Brown, who averaged approximately 28 points per game in key stretches of the most recent season, had been a cornerstone of the Celtics alongside Jayson Tatum. His substantial contract, reported in the range of $54 million, and his demonstrated ability to serve as a primary scoring option made him a valuable asset for Philadelphia.
The Celtics’ decision to trade Brown to a division rival has drawn widespread criticism, with many analysts describing the return as insufficient for a player of his caliber. The inclusion of only two first-round picks for a Finals MVP has been particularly scrutinized.
Predating History Between Stephen A. Smith and Jaylen Brown
Stephen A Smith’s commentary on Brown predates the trade by years. The ESPN personality has periodically questioned Jaylen Brown’s standing within the Celtics organization and suggested he was viewed differently than his co-star Jayson Tatum. These comments have drawn pushback from Brown’s supporters and Celtics fans alike.
The trade has allowed Smith to frame his prior commentary as prescient. His claim that “he’s not liked” in league circles positions the deal as confirmation of his analysis, though critics have pointed out that Smith’s platform and influence may have contributed to the narrative he now claims to have predicted.
The dynamic between media figures and the stories they cover has become a central point of debate in the reaction to Smith’s comments. Some view his framing as self-promotional, while others agree that the trade reflects organizational discomfort with Brown.
Stephen A’s Comments Lead to X Saying He’s Inserting Himself into the Trade
The post received over 170 responses, with the comments fiercely divided between those who agree with Smith’s assessment and those who view his commentary as self-serving. One high-engagement reply stated “Boston didn’t want their face to be a pro black muslim… that’s it apparently,” receiving over 400 likes and reflecting a perspective that racial and social dynamics influenced the trade.
Critics of Smith accused him of inflating his own importance in the narrative, with one user commenting “Stephen A. really couldn’t just say ‘good trade for Philly’ without sliding in the ‘I told you he’s not liked’ part. Ego never sleeps.” Another added “You HEAVILY influenced the trade Stephen A. You were pushing that he gets traded with your platform.”
Defenders of Smith argued that his assessment was accurate, with one user noting “Great players are often not popular with other players. Maybe some envy involved?” Another stated “The fact all Boston could get for him was a 36 year old Paul George and trash picks reaffirmed what SAS said.”
Heartbreak and Frustration Abound Among Boston Celtics Fans
Celtics fans have responded with a mix of heartbreak and frustration at losing a player who had become a fixture of the franchise. Jaylen Brown’s journey from the 2016 draft pick to Finals MVP made him a beloved figure, and his community work in Boston deepened his connection to the city.
One reply quoted a post highlighting Brown’s impact: “Jaylen Brown embraced this city & community in a way few pro athletes have. The youth in this city will never forget it. There’s a legacy/impact here that is so much deeper than basketball.” The replier added “Read this @stephenasmith. The impact Jaylen’s had on the community. Something you can’t imagine.”
Some fans questioned whether the trade represented addition by subtraction, with one lengthy reply arguing “He was a ball stopper, a turnover machine, and fell asleep in off-ball defense. When he didn’t play, the c’s won and often had breakout offensive games.” Others dismissed the deal entirely, with one comment calling it “the two worst trades in Boston’s history, Babe Ruth and Mookie Betts.”
Racial and Social Dynamics Enter Discussion
The trade has also sparked conversations about race and the treatment of outspoken Black athletes. Several replies referenced Boston’s history with racial issues. One user tackled that history directly, saying: “Boston is one of the most racist places I’ve ever been to.. I’m glad JB left to somewhere he will be appreciated.”
Jaylen Brown has been outspoken on social issues throughout his career. That’s a trait that some observers believe may have influenced organizational decisions. Comparisons to other athletes who faced similar dynamics appeared in the discussion. As a result, one person invoked the “shut up and dribble” narrative as a framework for understanding Brown’s treatment.
The intersection of race, player voice, and organizational decision-making has become a recurring theme in broader discussions about the trade. Smith’s commentary, while primarily focused on basketball, has been interpreted by some through this lens.
Conclusion: A Trade That Redefines Two Franchises
The deal between Boston and Philadelphia has become one of the most discussed trades in recent NBA memory. The combination of a star player moving to a division rival, the underwhelming return for the Celtics, and the media narrative surrounding Brown has created a story that extends beyond basketball.
Stephen A. Smith’s commentary has added another layer, positioning himself as a central figure in a narrative he may have helped create. Whether his assessment of Brown’s unpopularity was accurate or self-serving remains a point of debate.
As the 2026-27 season approaches, both franchises will move forward with significantly altered rosters. For Philadelphia, the addition of Brown represents a chance to compete for a championship. For Boston, the trade signals a new direction with uncertain outcomes.