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Yesterday, Celtics President Brad Stevens and principal owner Bill Chisholm faced the music for 45 minutes at a press conference discussing the controversial trade of Jaylen Brown. The key takeaway, and word of the day, is “Optionality”, which Stevens used about a dozen times. Apparently, that was the reason to trade away a 10-year NBA veteran, 5x All-Star, MVP Finalist this season, and Finals MVP. And according to Chisholm, money had nothing to do with it.
When Chisholm was pressed about his resume since he took over, he was asked about every move, which led to a reduction of payroll. He said they were all basketball decisions, citing penalties, taxes, and aprons. He turned it around on the reporter, saying that aprons are real. But he tried to use the aprons as some sort of basketball decision, and not a financial decision. Talk about a stretch.
MORE: Celtics made a big mistake with Jaylen Brown trade
Apr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
True, aprons are real, but there is no rule saying a team must stay below the aprons. If an owner wants to write the checks, they can spend as much as they want. I’m not suggesting that any owner of any team, in any sport, should write limitless checks. But don’t pee on my leg and tell me it’s raining. Don’t insult my intelligence.
This was about money, plain and simple. Another lie that Chisholm spewed is that this was Stevens’ decision. This was reminiscent of a recent Red Sox press conference after the team fired manager Alex Cora. Team President Sam Kennedy laid the blame right at the feet of GM Craig Breslow. And if it proves to be a mistake, Breslow will be the fall guy. If this trade fails, Chisholm is going to cut Stevens off at the knees. He made that clear by saying Stevens went to him, telling him this move was necessary. When in reality, Chisholm clearly told him to shed the salary the minute he became the owner.
And that’s exactly what Stevens has done… from trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, to letting Al Horford leave. And then subsequently trading away Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic. Every move has shed salary, as has this one. There is no difference in salary in the upcoming season, and if Paul George opts to stay with the team in the 2027-28 season, there won’t be any difference in that year either. The Celtics save money in year three. With Brown off the books in the 2028-29 season, the C’s save $65M. That $65M savings apparently gives the Celtics “optionality”.
Apr 24, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Stevens did cite the contract differences between the two contracts. He even mentioned George’s player option in year two, almost begging him to opt out. I can’t see a scenario where a 37yr old George turns away $58M. Stevens also mentioned the two first-round picks they are getting in this deal, one in 2028 and one in 2031. Let’s be clear, this trade is awful.
Shame on you, Brad Stevens. It seems clear this is not what you want to do, and you are just doing the bidding for your owner. Most of us have a boss and do what our boss wants us to do, but Stevens has won executive of the year, and could get another job immediately. I am shocked. The reality is that the last time the two J’s finished the season actually on the court together, they won a title. With just Brown this past season, the team won a remarkable 56 games, and is only two seasons away from him hoisting the Finals MVP Trophy.
Another explanation/excuse that Stevens made is that two players cannot occupy 70% of the team’s payroll. A reporter did point out that with this move, the team is still paying two players 70% of the team’s payroll. Stevens quickly responded, for at least one year less, and possibly two, if George opts out. Again, imploring him, almost subliminally, to do so at season’s end. It’s also ironic because this ball started rolling when Stevens tried to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, who also has a max contract. A Tatum/Giannis team would also occupy 70% of the team’s payroll.
None of this makes sense, and the 45-minute press conference was nothing but propaganda and spin. Dan Shaughnessy of The Boston Globe asked Stevens, point-blank, does this move make the Celtics better this upcoming season. Stevens responded that it remains to be seen. And then Shaugnessy asked what he’d say to the 10yr old kids at home who love Brown and wear his jersey. Stevens said he bought a couple of Brown’s #7 jerseys through the years, too, which he understands.
Chisholm said Stevens has a mandate to win, is accountable to him, and that the team is accountable to him. What Chisholm failed to mention, and may not realize, is that they are all accountable to the fans. This trade has been universally panned as a failure. In a way, the team’s regular-season success last year may have contributed to this trade. They won 56 games with just Brown and that supporting cast. They have now effectively swapped Brown with Jayson Tatum, who missed the majority of the year. It stands to reason that if they could win 56 games with just Brown, they should win close to the same number of games with just Tatum.
Winning cures all woes. Stevens is banking on that scenario to calm the masses. Call me skeptical.
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When Chisholm was pressed about his resume since he took over, he was asked about every move, which led to a reduction of payroll. He said they were all basketball decisions, citing penalties, taxes, and aprons. He turned it around on the reporter, saying that aprons are real. But he tried to use the aprons as some sort of basketball decision, and not a financial decision. Talk about a stretch.
MORE: Celtics made a big mistake with Jaylen Brown trade
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Apr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
True, aprons are real, but there is no rule saying a team must stay below the aprons. If an owner wants to write the checks, they can spend as much as they want. I’m not suggesting that any owner of any team, in any sport, should write limitless checks. But don’t pee on my leg and tell me it’s raining. Don’t insult my intelligence.
This was about money, plain and simple. Another lie that Chisholm spewed is that this was Stevens’ decision. This was reminiscent of a recent Red Sox press conference after the team fired manager Alex Cora. Team President Sam Kennedy laid the blame right at the feet of GM Craig Breslow. And if it proves to be a mistake, Breslow will be the fall guy. If this trade fails, Chisholm is going to cut Stevens off at the knees. He made that clear by saying Stevens went to him, telling him this move was necessary. When in reality, Chisholm clearly told him to shed the salary the minute he became the owner.
And that’s exactly what Stevens has done… from trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, to letting Al Horford leave. And then subsequently trading away Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic. Every move has shed salary, as has this one. There is no difference in salary in the upcoming season, and if Paul George opts to stay with the team in the 2027-28 season, there won’t be any difference in that year either. The Celtics save money in year three. With Brown off the books in the 2028-29 season, the C’s save $65M. That $65M savings apparently gives the Celtics “optionality”.
You must be registered for see images attach
Apr 24, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Stevens did cite the contract differences between the two contracts. He even mentioned George’s player option in year two, almost begging him to opt out. I can’t see a scenario where a 37yr old George turns away $58M. Stevens also mentioned the two first-round picks they are getting in this deal, one in 2028 and one in 2031. Let’s be clear, this trade is awful.
Shame on you, Brad Stevens. It seems clear this is not what you want to do, and you are just doing the bidding for your owner. Most of us have a boss and do what our boss wants us to do, but Stevens has won executive of the year, and could get another job immediately. I am shocked. The reality is that the last time the two J’s finished the season actually on the court together, they won a title. With just Brown this past season, the team won a remarkable 56 games, and is only two seasons away from him hoisting the Finals MVP Trophy.
Another explanation/excuse that Stevens made is that two players cannot occupy 70% of the team’s payroll. A reporter did point out that with this move, the team is still paying two players 70% of the team’s payroll. Stevens quickly responded, for at least one year less, and possibly two, if George opts out. Again, imploring him, almost subliminally, to do so at season’s end. It’s also ironic because this ball started rolling when Stevens tried to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, who also has a max contract. A Tatum/Giannis team would also occupy 70% of the team’s payroll.
None of this makes sense, and the 45-minute press conference was nothing but propaganda and spin. Dan Shaughnessy of The Boston Globe asked Stevens, point-blank, does this move make the Celtics better this upcoming season. Stevens responded that it remains to be seen. And then Shaugnessy asked what he’d say to the 10yr old kids at home who love Brown and wear his jersey. Stevens said he bought a couple of Brown’s #7 jerseys through the years, too, which he understands.
Chisholm said Stevens has a mandate to win, is accountable to him, and that the team is accountable to him. What Chisholm failed to mention, and may not realize, is that they are all accountable to the fans. This trade has been universally panned as a failure. In a way, the team’s regular-season success last year may have contributed to this trade. They won 56 games with just Brown and that supporting cast. They have now effectively swapped Brown with Jayson Tatum, who missed the majority of the year. It stands to reason that if they could win 56 games with just Brown, they should win close to the same number of games with just Tatum.
Winning cures all woes. Stevens is banking on that scenario to calm the masses. Call me skeptical.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
