Nearly two months after his controversial trade to the Philadelphia 76ers, Jaylen Brown said a final goodbye to the city he called home for the past decade.
The former Celtics star hosted a farewell block party — dubbed “741 Frequency Fest” — Sunday afternoon on Boston Common.
Occupying the northwest corner of the park along Beacon Street and Charles Street, the five-hour-long event featured musical acts, food trucks, a pop-up shop selling Brown’s 741 Performance sneakers and apparel, and booths giving away backpacks, school supplies and back-to-school haircuts to local kids.
It attracted thousands of fans, most of them clad in Celtics green, though a smattering sported Brown’s new No. 7 Sixers jersey. Many of those in attendance signed a large, standing panel bearing the words “Thank you, Jaylen. Love, the city of Boston,” which was covered on both sides in messages and well-wishes.
Roughly two hours in, Brown stepped on stage, took the mic and thanked those who turned out for his sendoff.
“I ain’t got too much to say because I’m at a loss for words,” he said. “I’m seeing all these people out here, and honestly, I love each and every one of y’all. I appreciate y’all for pulling up.”
On stage with Brown were the symbols of his greatest on-court accomplishments as a Celtic: the Eastern Conference finals MVP, NBA Finals MVP and Larry O’Brien Trophies he earned during Boston’s NBA championship run in 2024. He also wore his championship ring.
Jaylen Brown addresses the crowd at his “741 Frequency Fest” on Sunday on Boston Common. Zack Cox/Boston Herald
That title capped Brown’s eighth season with the franchise, five of which produced trips to the East finals or later. He played two more seasons in Boston, posting career-best numbers in 2025-26 while longtime co-star Jayson Tatum recovered from Achilles surgery, before being dealt to rival Philadelphia this summer in a move top Celtics executive Brad Stevens admitted would be unpopular with the fanbase.
Stevens said the Celtics chose to trade Brown and his hefty contract — which will pay him $57.7 million this season — for aging nine-time All-Star Paul George and four future draft picks to increase their roster-building “optionality.”
Brown was Boston’s longest-tenured player at the time of the trade. He ranks 10th on the C’s all-time scoring list, trailing Tatum (ninth) and eight Basketball Hall of Famers, and is a virtual lock to have his number retired once his career is over.
“When I got to this city (as a rookie in 2016), I said I’m going to go to war for this city,” Brown said. “I met so many great people here, people that helped me in the community, that motivated me on my journey. People that have supported me, even when I didn’t support myself at times. So this, I just want to say thank you to Boston. Thank you to the city, and I love you.”
Fans write farewell messages to Jaylen Brown at his “741 Frequency Fest” on Sunday on Boston Common. Zack Cox/Boston Herald
Later, after Brown returned to the stage to perform his 2024 track “Just Do It” with collaborator A$AP Ferg, Mayor Michelle Wu presented him with a ceremonial “Jaylen Brown Way” street sign.
“This is so you’ll never forget our city,” Wu said, “and we’ll never forget you.”
Brown also received a “key to the state” from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, recognizing the off-the-court impact he made through his Boston XChange initiative, 7uice Foundation, Bridge Program and other community endeavors.
The gathering was a rare occurrence in professional sports: a superstar athlete, mere weeks after a trade, holding a public celebration with his former team’s fanbase. Brown, who will join new teammates Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and LeBron James next month at his first 76ers training camp, said he’ll always have love for the city of Boston.
“When I first got to Boston, none of this I imagined,” Brown said. “My grandma and my mom taught me to just dive into my community. I never expected anything like this, so I don’t even know what to say. And I don’t do stuff for recognition, but I’m so grateful that there’s so many people here showing so much love. Just know the feeling is mutual. Just know Boston, I love you. You know what it is. So Boston, thank you.”
Fans attend Jaylen Brown’s “741 Frequency Fest” on Sunday on Boston Common. Zack Cox/Boston Herald