Carmelo Anthony criticizes Celtics trading Jaylen Brown to 76ers

Carmelo Anthony has weighed in on the Boston Celtics’ blockbuster trade of Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers, calling the move unsettling.

What happened?

The Boston Celtics sent All-Star forward Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers on July 17, 2026, in a stunning blockbuster deal that reshaped the Eastern Conference. The trade, which included multiple draft picks and young players, left many scratching their heads-and few more vocal than Carmelo Anthony.

Why it matters for Carmelo Anthony

Anthony, a longtime NBA analyst and former superstar, took to social media to express his disapproval. **“It don’t feel right,”** he said in a post on X, echoing the sentiment of Celtics fans who saw Brown as the heart of their franchise. The trade marks one of the most unexpected moves of the offseason, with Brown-just 26 years old-heading to a division rival.

The Celtics’ decision to part ways with Brown, a two-time All-Star and key playoff performer, stunned observers. Anthony’s reaction highlights the emotional weight of such transactions, especially when they involve players of Brown’s stature. **“You don’t trade a guy like that unless you’re all-in on a rebuild,”** he added, questioning the long-term vision in Boston.

What comes next?

The trade sends ripples across the league. The 76ers now boast a formidable duo in Joel Embiid and Brown, while the Celtics enter a new era under new leadership. Anthony’s comments add fuel to the debate over whether the move was a masterstroke or a misfire.

For Brown, the transition to Philadelphia will be swift. The 76ers, fresh off a deep playoff run, now have even more firepower to challenge the Milwaukee Bucks in the East. Meanwhile, the Celtics’ future hinges on how quickly they can reload without their star forward.

Anthony’s take underscores the human side of trades-how they’re not just transactions, but emotional gut-punches for fans and players alike. The fallout from this deal will unfold over the coming months, but one thing’s clear: the NBA’s summer of moves isn’t over yet.