Report: Celtics trade Jaylen Brown to 76ers for Paul George, picks
The Boston Celtics have traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers, according to reports. This move sends Brown, who was the 2024 NBA Finals MVP and the league’s fourth-leading scorer last season, to one of Boston’s long-standing rivals. In return, the Celtics are set to receive Paul George along with multiple draft selections.
The draft capital involved in the trade could include two first-round picks and two second-round picks. One first-round pick is from 2028, with the potential to convert to a more favourable swap for Boston, and another is an unprotected 2031 first-round pick. The second-round picks are a 2028 selection (the most favourable of GSW/OKC/MIL) and a 2030 selection (the most favourable of WAS/POR/PHX).
Brown’s Impact and Departure from Boston
Brown’s departure marks a significant change for the Celtics, breaking up a successful partnership with Jayson Tatum. Together, Brown and Tatum were instrumental in leading the Celtics to the 2024 NBA title. Last season, Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, achieving career-best numbers while Tatum was recovering from an Achilles tear sustained during the 2025 playoffs.
Despite his on-court performance, there have been indications that Brown felt undervalued in Boston. Reports suggest he was included in trade discussions with Milwaukee when Giannis Antetokounmpo was available. Brown himself noted on social media that the Celtics have won more combined regular-season and playoff games than any other team since he entered the league a decade ago, with 523 wins during his tenure.
The trade comes after Brown’s 10 years with the Celtics, during which the team consistently performed well, leading the league in both regular-season and playoff wins in the 2020s.
George’s Stint in Philadelphia and Future in Boston
For Paul George, this trade concludes a two-year period with the 76ers that was described as disappointing. George, who was traded with two years remaining on a four-year, $212 million free-agent contract, did not consistently perform at his previous All-Star level in Philadelphia. His time there was also marked by a 25-game suspension last season for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program.
During his two seasons with the 76ers, George averaged 16.7 points per game, a decrease from his previous scoring averages. He played a combined 78 games in Philadelphia, with his first year affected by knee and adductor injuries. He underwent surgery on his left knee in July and missed the initial 12 games of the past season.
George’s contract includes $54.1 million for the upcoming season and a player option for $56.6 million in 2027-28. His age and injury history raise questions about the value of the return for Boston, especially given Brown’s recent performance and his own substantial contract, which includes $57.1 million in 2026-27, $61.0 million in 2027-28, and $65.0 million in 2028-29.
Implications for the 76ers and the Eastern Conference
In Philadelphia, Brown is expected to join Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, potentially forming a formidable trio. Brown has previously acknowledged Embiid’s skill. This new lineup could enhance the 76ers’ offensive and defensive capabilities, providing a strong perimeter defender and an additional scoring option, especially when Embiid is sidelined.
The 76ers have been actively seeking to pair their star players with strong forwards. Brown’s ability to handle scoring responsibilities and act as a secondary playmaker alongside Maxey could address a long-standing need for the team. This move comes under the leadership of new team president Mike Gansey, who replaced Daryl Morey.
The trade is one of several significant moves across the NBA this offseason, including LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, Giannis Antetokounmpo moving from Milwaukee to Miami, and Kawhi Leonard and Brandon Ingram being part of a swap between the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers.
Source: sportsnet.ca
