Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla admitted Thursday that he is still processing the organization’s decision to trade Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George and additional draft assets.
Speaking after the Celtics’ Summer League practice, Mazzulla said parting ways with a player who spent 10 years with the franchise has been an emotional experience.
“There’s a feeling that goes into it. There’s an emotion that goes into it. There’s a processing pattern that goes into it. The quicker you can get to just a level of gratitude – he made me a better coach. I know that for a fact. The way he pushed me, the way he pushed himself, the way he pushed the locker room, he made me a better coach, and that’s what you focus on.”
Mazzulla said difficult decisions are part of professional sports and believes those emotions reflect the relationships built within an organization.
“I think when things happen like this, when it doesn’t feel hard, is when you’re not in it for the right reasons. And I think that’s where Brad is one of the best at, and this organization has been one of the best at. Of course, something like that is going to be difficult. But I think if you could just get through and act as if nothing happened, then that’s when I think that you’re not in it for the right reasons. So yeah, it was difficult. It will be difficult … but I think it will be difficult because of what Jaylen did for us as an organization, what he was able to do. You have to be grateful for that.”
Mazzulla also explained that while Brad Stevens kept him informed throughout the process, he did not influence the front office’s decision.
“Not input, just Brad comes to you and talks to you and gives you a breakdown and an understanding,” said Mazzulla. “And in moments like this, obviously, there’s great alignment within the organization, and there’s conversations that are always going to be had. But I think in moments like this, this is where you just trust, you listen, you trust, and you have an understanding for what they do.”
The Celtics have also reshaped their roster this offseason by signing Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley as they look to bounce back from consecutive disappointing playoff exits.
Joe Mazzulla Still ‘Processing’ Celtics’ Trade Of Jaylen Brown To 76ers https://t.co/LWfjSPGgHV
— RealGM (@RealGM) July 10, 2026
