Jaylen Brown comforts young Celtics fan after trade to 76ers
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown responded to a viral video of a 6-year-old fan upset by his trade to Philadelphia, sending a supportive message on Instagram.
A video posted by the parents of 6-year-old Giovanni Rubin showed the boy in tears after learning that Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown had been traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. The clip, which quickly amassed millions of views, captured Rubin holding a sign that read, "I love you JB. Come back one day," and expressing his admiration for the player.
Brown replied to the post on Instagram, writing, "It's ok lil bro, we will always be friends," and adding a heart emoji. Actress Jennifer Coolidge also commented, encouraging the video to be shared with Brown.
WBZ-TV interviewed Rubin at his home in Randolph, where he described his reaction as a "tantrum" and said he missed Brown. His mother, Gigi Jean, noted that Rubin had met Brown during school visits and described the player as a role model who is active in the community.
The trade, announced earlier in the week, sent Brown to Philadelphia in exchange for veteran Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks. The move has drawn mixed reactions from Celtics supporters, with some expressing disappointment over the loss of a player who has been involved in charitable initiatives in Boston.