Boston Celtics describes the procedure as minimally invasive and not expected to impact his readiness for the start of the 2025-26 NBA season. The surgery, performed to address lingering discomfort and a partially torn meniscus, comes after Brown played through pain during the latter part of the regular season and the Celtics’ playoff run.

Playing through injury

Brown, 28, missed eight of Boston’s final 16 regular-season games and was on a minutes restriction due to ongoing knee issues, including a bone bruise and what was later revealed as a partially torn meniscus. Despite these setbacks, he played in all 11 of the Celtics’ postseason games, averaging 22.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.

However, his shooting efficiency dipped to 44.1 percent, a career playoff low, compared to 51.6 percent during the previous postseason. Brown admitted after the Celtics’ second-round loss to the New York Knicks that he was not at full strength, and team president Brad Stevens confirmed the knee issue had been managed for several months.

The decision to undergo arthroscopic debridement—a procedure to clean out the knee joint—was made after the season concluded. According to the Celtics, the expectation is for Brown to participate in training camp “without limitation,” a sentiment echoed by multiple team and league sources.

What this means for the Celtics’ offseason

Brown’s surgery is the second major procedure for a Celtics star this offseason, following Jayson Tatum’s surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered during the playoffs. With Tatum expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 campaign, Brown is poised to become Boston’s primary offensive option and team leader as the Celtics look to retool their roster.

Brown is entering the second year of a five-year, $304 million supermax contract, and his health will be critical to Boston’s hopes of remaining competitive in the Eastern Conference. The team is expected to explore significant roster changes this summer, but Brown’s return to full strength is a central focus for the franchise’s immediate future.

Jaylen Brown’s recovery

Arthroscopic knee surgery is considered routine for NBA players, and recovery timelines are generally favorable, especially for procedures involving debridement rather than ligament reconstruction.

Brown’s commitment to playing through pain in the postseason has been widely praised by coaches and teammates, and the Celtics’ medical staff is confident in his ability to be at full capacity when training camp opens in September.

With Brown’s leadership and expected return to health, the Celtics will look to regroup after a disappointing playoff exit and the loss of Tatum for the coming season. All eyes will be on Brown as he takes on an even greater role for Boston, both on and off the court.