When the Boston Celtics boarded their team plane last season, Jordan Walsh would sit next to Jaylen Brown. It was a chance for a young wing trying to find his footing in the NBA to learn from a star teammate.
Brown provided pep talks, inspiration, and told Walsh that he could fill the defensive void Boston needed to address after its offseason makeover. He went as far as to discuss the matter with head coach Joe Mazzulla on the former second-round pick's behalf.
When the playoffs arrived, Brown and Walsh watched film together on Tyrese Maxey. The former Finals MVP would give his 22-year-old teammate, getting his first real taste of the postseason, advice on defending one of the NBA's top scorers.
For Walsh, Brown's trade from the Celtics separates him from one of his closest friends on the team. It was a person who poured confidence into him and someone who he could go to for answers throughout a breakout season.
"It's one of the guys that I was probably the closest with, maybe the second guy I was the closest with. But for him to do so many things for me that he's done, on and off the court, like I've always got to show love and appreciate that because he is the realest. He is one of the realest people I know. And so, obviously, having him gone, that's a blow," Walsh told NBC Sports Boston's Chris Forsberg in an interview where he discussed his contract extension and the sense of peace it gives him.
'It sucks': Jordan Walsh, Ron Harper Jr. reveal emotional weight of Jaylen Brown trade
Boston's burgeoning wings understand that this is a business. Harper's learned that firsthand from his odds-defying journey. It's a basketball pilgrimage that has led him to a three-year, $9 million contract, extending his Celtics tenure.
As for Walsh, last summer, he watched some of his top teammates walk out the door because the organization had to get under the second apron.
"It sucks, it's tough, it's a business. We all know this," expressed Walsh. "We all understand that. But just it being a business doesn't make it any more easier, them leaving. It's tough. I think the organization feels like they've done what they've done and it's gonna help us to win. So we're all just kind of trusting in their build and in their position and try to make the best of it."
Like the former Arkansas Razorback, Harper was someone who had Brown in his corner. The two-time All-NBA selection was a pillar of support for him throughout their time together in Boston.
Ron Harper Jr. on the Celtics trading Jaylen Brown:
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) August 4, 2026
“Obviously, sad to see him go. A guy that I've grown close to in my time at the Celtics…A guy that still trusted me when I was still on an Exhibit 10.
“So, I remember the message he shared with me, the motivation he's given… pic.twitter.com/wsjksATWhb
"Obviously, sad to see him go. A guy that I've grown close to," said Harper after a recent appearance at the Jr. Celtics Academy summer camp presented by New Balance. "A guy that I have a lot of respect for, and a guy that still trusted me when I was still on an Exhibit 10. So, I remember the message he shared with me, the motivation he's given me, and the advice he's given me. And it sucks to see him go. But this is a business more than anything. So, I wish him luck in the future, except when he plays us."
The Celtics must fill the leadership void after trading Jaylen Brown
It's the least-talked about part of Boston's decision to send a homegrown star to a rival franchise in Philadelphia. From Joe Mazzulla to Jayson Tatum, Brad Stevens, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard, there is still plenty of leadership within the organization's infrastructure.
However, Walsh and Harper are sterling examples of the impact Brown had on his teammates. He was someone who players leaned on. He didn't just make himself available, like watching film with Walsh; he came to them. It's an initiative highlighted by Harper's reflection on their relationship.
From his fiery kinship with Pritchard to offering support and guidance to the younger players on Boston's roster, the five-time All-Star had a significant impact on those he shared a locker room with.
This situation doesn't resemble when the Celtics traded Marcus Smart and wanted Tatum and Brown to take on larger roles as leaders. However, it once again creates a void that must be filled.
The spotlight will naturally shine on Tatum. However, it's a group effort that the veteran leaders Brown is leaving behind must embrace. Adding Paul George, who has 16 years of NBA wisdom, should help too.
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