The Boston Celtics recently traded star player Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks.
"I'm still processing how this all went down," Brown said in a statement. "I'm excited and disappointed at the same time. The relationships I built here, the battles we fought together, the championship we brought to the city, and the connection I shared with fans, I'll carry with me. To the people of Boston, thank you."
Though a trade involving Brown reportedly seemed inevitable due to the drama that had stirred up surrounding him in Boston, Celtics fans across the globe were saddened by the loss.
Six-year-old Giovanni Jean (pictured above) was among them.
"I love you so much," he cried in a viral video. "You mean a lot to me, and you are my favorite player in the whole NBA."
For Jean, the trade hit very close to home. He has met Jaylen Brown twice and describes him as his hero. So, when Brown saw the video, he left Jean a comment saying, "It's ok lil bro, we will always be friends."
Days later, he invited the heartbroken young fan to meet him at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for an event with his Juice Foundation, which provides opportunities for underprivileged kids to get access to state-of-the-art STEM equipment designed to immerse students in the principles of science, technology, engineering, and math
When Jean's mother spoke to CBS Boston, she praised Brown for all the work he has done for the local community.
"We are so grateful," she said. "Jaylen continues to pour into the community, even as he leaves. We are also happy for the new state that he's going to, because all children deserve a Jaylen Brown."
Others agree that Brown's impact on Boston is invaluable and everlasting.
