Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Reveals NBA Legend Who Convinced Him Not to Demand Trade

Tracy McGrady advised Brown to stay with Boston after a tough playoff loss.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown recently revealed that NBA legend Tracy McGrady had convinced him not to demand a trade from the Celtics last summer. Brown said he was considering a trade request after the Celtics' second-round playoff loss, but McGrady advised him to stay in Boston, telling him 'it's going to be you.' Brown has since signed a lucrative contract extension and is having a career-best season, with the Celtics currently second in the Eastern Conference standings.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of NBA player movement and the influential role veteran players can have in guiding younger stars. It also highlights Brown's growth and commitment to the Celtics franchise, which has paid off with the team's success this season.

The details

Last summer, there were rumors that Brown and teammate Derrick White could be traded from the Celtics. However, Brown revealed that after the Celtics' second-round playoff loss to the Bucks, he traveled to Houston to work out with NBA legend Tracy McGrady. McGrady convinced Brown to stay with the Celtics, telling him 'it's going to be you' and providing advice on how Brown should approach the next few years of his career.

  • In the summer of 2022, after the Celtics' second-round playoff loss to the Bucks.
  • In the 2022-23 NBA season, Brown has played in 58 games and is averaging career-highs of 28.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.
  • In 2023, Brown signed a 5-year, $304 million contract extension with the Celtics.

The players

Jaylen Brown

A star forward for the Boston Celtics who was considering a trade request last summer before being convinced by Tracy McGrady to stay in Boston.

Tracy McGrady

An NBA legend and Hall of Famer who advised Jaylen Brown not to demand a trade from the Celtics.

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What they’re saying

“Right around that time after that season that we lost in a second round to the Bucks, I came right after that to Houston to get some work in. And I'm so grateful for that time and I'm I'm grateful to this day for you opening up your crib to me and just coming to be able to kick it with the fam and just ask questions and get some good advice about how I should look at the next couple years and how I should think about and where my mind should be at at the time.”

— Jaylen Brown (Cousins with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady Podcast)

“He's telling me all the stuff that all just manifested itself. So, I can't even like, it's crazy looking back on it now.”

— Jaylen Brown (Cousins with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady Podcast)

What’s next

The Celtics will look to continue their strong season and make a deep playoff run, with Jaylen Brown playing a central role.

The takeaway

Veteran players can have a significant impact on the careers of younger stars, as demonstrated by Tracy McGrady's influence in convincing Jaylen Brown to stay with the Celtics. Brown's decision has paid off, as he is having a career-best season and the Celtics are among the top teams in the Eastern Conference.