‘Our focus is on us’ – Brad Stevens speaks on Jaylen Brown trade to the 76ers that helped land LeBron James

The Boston Celtics went through a major revamp this offseason, with their biggest move being parting ways with Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.

Since drafting the player in 2016, he had been one of their most consistent performers, and is one of the key reasons they have banner number 18.

However, after an offseason of constant trade talks, they finally decided it was time to trade Jaylen Brown, which they did in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks (one of which is unprotected), and a pair of second-round picks.

Just under 20 days later, it was confirmed that LeBron James had decided to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. A decision that instantly made the franchise a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference.

During the introductory press conference for the Celtics’ newest players, Paul George and Mike Conley Jr., General Manager Brad Stevens was asked about the Brown trade that led to James’ decision and how he felt about making the Conference stronger.

The reigning Executive of the Year’s reply was predictable, but enough for the fans to believe that the team is ready for the battle.

“Our focus is on us,” said Stevens in the press conference.

“Obviously, we will look forward to any challenges, obviously there are a lot of good teams all around the league, but we have to do what’s in the best interest of us both in the short and long term, and that was the decision we went through that in July.”

The Celtics finished second in the Eastern Conference last season, despite not having their franchise star Jayson Tatum.

It was Brown who led the way for them, averaging 28.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 5.1 APG.

Losing a player with that level of production is going to bring more challenges for the Celtics, but they have added two players in George and Conley, who are both veterans in the league.

While George’s production has seen a significant dip, he showed glimpses with the Philadelphia 76ers last season.

If he manages to produce consistently and help Tatum, the Celtics might end up with another good regular season.

However, whether the Celtics now have enough to overcome the 76ers is something that will be questionable, as Philly not only added stars like Brown and James, but also brought in a strong supporting cast, including the likes of Anfernee Simons, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Dean Wade.

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