Stevens apologizes to Brown! Celtics owner addresses multiple controversial moves: nothing to do with saving money

On July 7, Beijing time, the Celtics and the 76ers officially announced the Brown trade. Boston traded Brown to the 76ers for George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks. Celtics owner Chisholm and president Stevens held a press conference to address the team's recent operations.

For weeks before the trade was finalized, Brown had been caught up in trade speculation. Earlier, during a live stream on Twitch, he openly stated that he did not feel enough respect from the Celtics before the trade occurred. In response to these feelings from the former core player, president Stevens proactively apologized to Brown.

"If he truly feels that way, I am sincerely sorry," Stevens said. "It is an apology from the bottom of my heart. He is a very important person to all of us, especially to me. We have had multiple open conversations about various possibilities of him staying or leaving. At the very least, we kept him and his agent informed about any team that showed even slight interest—we shared all relevant information and ensured full transparency. We did our best to communicate. But as the trade progressed to the later stages, there were naturally many variables in making it happen smoothly. If he feels disappointed, I truly apologize."

"I once said that if the day ever came when we had to trade Jaylen, it would be an extremely sad day for me personally," Stevens said. "The emotions and struggles we all feel are rarely about the high-light moments on the court; they are more about what he means to the fans, to the team staff, and the long-standing bond we share."

When a reporter asked whether there were any financial requirements to cut spending, owner Chisholm was very firm in his response:

"Absolutely not, not at all... I believe we have the best management in the entire league. They did thorough research and evaluation and ultimately concluded that this trade is the best choice for the team to contend for a championship right now. Our only core goal is to win. I must emphasize repeatedly that the team is willing to pay any price to win the title. The only instruction for the team is to strive for victory."

Chisholm also discussed several moves the team made after he took over, including letting go of players like Porzingis, Al Horford, and Jrue Holiday. He confidently stated that each trade was purely based on competitive reasons and aimed at winning a championship.

"This has nothing to do with saving money... We are doing all of this simply to assemble a championship-contending roster and draft assets that will be suitable for now, next year, the year after, and beyond."

Chisholm also acknowledged that repeatedly trading away core players definitely looks bad from the outside. However, from the very first day he acquired the team, he said the team needed a salary cap adjustment and reset in order to rebuild a championship contender around Tatum. As long as Stevens determines the timing is right, the owner will fully delegate authority and allow the management to make large investments.

Chisholm is aware of the negative public perception, and he made it clear that he will soon change people's views through concrete actions. The Celtics have always aimed for the highest honor. "I know we need to prove it with results, and we will definitely achieve that."