"Gotta Stop Letting People Say Whatever": Donovan Mitchell Reacts Strongly to 'Disease' Comment About Jaylen Brown

The Jaylen Brown trade saga reached a very quick conclusion. However, some drama is still emerging regarding the situation. Mostly, information is being revealed that explains why the Boston Celtics were so quick to trade the 2024 Finals MVP.

Sports commentator Colin Cowherd revealed that a major reason why Boston wanted to trade Brown was his attitude. In fact, Cowherd referred to it as a disease, even though he was quoting anonymous sources.

This comment prompted a response from Donovan Mitchell, who came to Brown's defense.

"Critique basketball all you want, but disease is insane," Mitchell said on 'X.' "We gotta stop letting people just say whatever."

It's clear that talent was not the reason the Celtics traded Brown. Initially, his inclusion in trade talks was seen as perhaps a way for the team to capitalize on their current title window.

That was when he was being dangled so that Boston could acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo. Ultimately, the Greek Freak went to the Miami Heat, yet Brown remained on the trade block.

When he was finally dealt, it wasn't for a star who is still in his prime. It wasn't even for multiple win-now role players.

He was sent to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two future first-round (2028 and 2031) and two future second-round picks (2028 and 2030).

George was once a top player in the league. However, he's been hampered by health issues and has noticeably declined in production as a result.

Since George is already past his prime, people think the Celtics got fleeced. Many believe that it's a lopsided trade and that they could have gotten better returns for Brown.

However, it seemed the front office just wanted him gone, according to Cowherd.

What Did Colin Cowherd Say About Jaylen Brown That Prompted a Response From Donovan Mitchell?

For a team to trade a player away after having just played his best season, there must have been something very wrong behind the scenes. Especially if everyone agrees that the deal is extremely unfavorable for one side.

Jaylen Brown posted career highs in scoring (28.7 points) and assists (5.1 assists) this past season. He led the Boston Celtics to 56 wins during a year where many believed they would struggle. Yet, he was seemingly dealt just so the team could move on from him.

According to Colin Cowherd, it's because of how people perceived him off the court.

"I had two NBA sources tonight, two people in the league. One an executive, one a scout, say that Jaylen Brown — it's a disease," Cowherd said. "He suddenly thinks he's the smartest guy in every room he's in."

Cowherd also revealed that he was told that this was always Brown's personality. He then called out Brown and other pro athletes who livestream. According to him, nothing good comes from doing it, because they need PR people.

Brown has become known as one of the most outspoken athletes in the league. Whether it's during interviews or when he's live on his Twitch channel, he says what's on his mind.

He also isn't afraid to get into it with others, as evidenced by his ongoing beef with Stephen A. Smith.