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
Chad Finn: I’ll also say that I’ve been in a few rooms with Jaylen over the years, like the “Celtics City” premiere.
All I ever saw was someone who was effortlessly engaging and didn’t act above anyone. Really admirable people-person. He’s had to deal with the “too smart” crap since before the draft. — 7/8/2026
Bluesky
Fullcourtpass: Per @ZachLowe_NBA
“I think there was at least one or two other teams who might have been interested in Jaylen Brown and who got intel that Jaylen Brown wasn’t interested in them and to maybe stay out of the bidding. I think Boston felt the circle closing.” — 7/8/2026
x.com
NBA Hoops:
Bob Myers defends Jaylen Brown after Max Kellerman said analytics don’t favor him. Myers points out, “You know who else analytics didn’t favor? Klay Thompson. Analytics doesn’t value the nuances of the game like shutting down the opposing teams best player — 7/8/2026
x.com
Tsoj: Jeff Teague says the Jaylen Brown hate makes ZERO sense after being teammates on the Celtics.
"They just start making up crap about him. I played on a team with him, he a cool ass n***a. He stays to himself. He still f*ck with everybody, talk to everybody cool... He doesn't do anything wrong, he doesn't hate on nobody." — 7/8/2026
x.com
NBA Courtside: Jeff Teague on Shams Charania report on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown personal relationship:
“Don’t nobody be cool with people like that on a team, bro. I’m going to tell y’all the truth don’t nobody hang with nobody for real, for real, like you might have a couple people that hang but people be work homeboys. I think about all the teammates I was cool with when I was on the team we done had some of them, “You want to do the pod?” They like Nah, I ain’t fu*k with you, I be like damn I used to what the fu*k, it just ain’t my homeboy.” (Via @club520podcast) — 7/8/2026
x.com
Eddie A Johnson:
What people need to understand is this is not abnormal among athletes at a high level. Those two guys were as professional on the court as any two teammates i have ever observed! I had over 400 teammates and trust me i didnt like them all but i was their bro on the court! — 7/8/2026
x.com
Danny Green: "Jayson Tatum was rehabbing, and he also has a young baby.
As adults, you are grown, guys have families. You do not hang out a lot at home. Most of the hanging out is on the road. If Jayson Tatum is not traveling with the team, going to dinners, and hanging out, he is not going to see him as much." — 7/8/2026
YouTube
Noa Dalzell: Jayson Tatum spoke at length about his reaction to the Jaylen Brown trade today: “The NBA is an incredible business; it’s an incredible job, but there are some downsides to the business and moments like this, where you just kind of feel like you’re going to be on the team with somebody, because that’s all you know.
And then it’s just like, one day you find out that they’re no longer on your team anymore. And, we’re all humans. We feel all those emotions. Going into the facility, and knowing that you have different teammates, and somebody that you’ve been to war with, essentially, is on a different team…” — 7/8/2026
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