What happened: Brown had not requested a move before Boston dealt him last month. The Celtics received a veteran forward and four draft picks.
Why it matters: Thomas’ criticism adds to scrutiny of Boston’s handling of a homegrown Finals MVP. The decision prioritized salary flexibility entering the 2026-27 season.
By the numbers: Brown averaged 28.7 points across 71 games in 2025-26 as Boston finished 56-26.
What to watch: Attention turns to how the reworked roster fares in 2026-27 and how Brown responds after the move.