Boston Celtics lose Game 7 without Jayson Tatum and trade Jaylen Brown

The Boston Celtics were eliminated from the NBA playoffs after a 109-100 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7. Starting point guard Jayson Tatum was ruled out for the game because a left‑leg injury prevented him from completing the required return‑to‑play protocol. The team, which had held a 3‑1 series lead for the first time in its history, could not recover, and Philadelphia advanced.

Days later, the Celtics completed a blockbuster trade that sent All‑Star forward Jaylen Brown to the 76ers. The deal, announced on July 6, sent Brown, along with two first‑round and two second‑round picks, to Philadelphia in exchange for Paul George and additional draft assets. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said Brown’s impending $140 million, two‑year super‑max extension was a key factor, noting that “the path looked a little bit more challenging… with 70 % of our cap.” Brown’s teammate Jayson Tatum called the move “weird” but acknowledged the emotional impact on the city.