WATCH: A Young Celtics Fan’s Tears Led to the Sweetest Jaylen Brown Surprise!

When NBA star Jaylen Brown was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers, the sports world was certainly thrown for a loop. But for one young Celtics fan, Brown leaving the team marked his first-ever heartbreak at only six years old.

In a post on Instagram, Giovanni’s mother uploaded a now-viral video of his tearful reaction to Brown’s trade. “I love you so much,” Giovanni begins. He’s clearly overwhelmed with emotions as he cries while continuing his message.

“You mean a lot to me, and you are my favorite player in the whole NBA,” he added. “And thank you!” Little Giovanni even wrote a handwritten letter to Brown to ask him to return to the Celtics one day, which was presented in the video.

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It seems the letter never reached Brown’s mailbox, but the NBA certainly got the message! Brown responded to the moving post, which now has over 14 million views on Instagram and thousands more across platforms.

He wrote, “It’s okay, lil bro. We will always be friends.”

While most viewers assumed that would be the extent of Brown and Giovanni’s interaction, it seems the two besties were able to meet in person during a Tuesday (July 7) event honoring the former Celtic’s contributions to the Boston community.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey declared July 7 as 7uice Foundation Day, a nod to Brown’s jersey number and his organization dedicated to empowering the youth. So it was also fitting that Giovanni got a personal invitation to meet his hero.

Brown recognized little Giovanni in the crowd, according to a video recorded at the event by NBC Boston. “I see you looking at me! What’s up, boss,” Brown asked Giovanni.

Clearly excited by the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the 6-year-old proceeded to ask Brown questions about robotics and even his government name. Their exchange ended with Brown asking him, “We’re still friends?” And after receiving an affirmative from Gio, Brown declared they’d be “friends forever.”

Giovanni isn’t the only Boston fan disappointed to see Brown leave, but the athlete later explained to NBC Boston that he’s thankful for the community he’s helped foster for all residents.

On July 1, Brown was traded to the 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks, according to ESPN.

“I get that things didn’t end in a fashion that made sense to me. I’m still trying to make sense of it, I’m still processing,” Brown told NBC Boston. “I’m just grateful to have the opportunity and I’m grateful to the families that allow me to come into their community and get involved and try to find solutions.”

“I want to say there’s nothing to be sad about,” he said. “There’s a lot of opportunities I will still be able to fulfill here. And hopefully they can follow me on my journey.”