The Boston Celtics have reportedly agreed to trade Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. In return, the Celtics will acquire Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks, according to league sources.
This move marks a significant change for the Celtics, ending Brown’s tenure with the team. Brown, who finished sixth in MVP voting last season. He is expected to be remembered as one of the franchise’s notable players.
Details of the Trade
The reported trade involves the 76ers receiving Brown. The Celtics, in turn, will acquire George, a 2028 first-round pick, a 2031 first-round pick (via PHI), a 2028 second-round pick (best of GSW/OKC/MIL), and a 2030 second-round pick (best of WAS/POR/PHX).
Brown is coming off an All-NBA season where he achieved career-high averages of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. He is a five-time All-Star and led the Celtics to a 56-26 season, securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference last season.
George, a nine-time All-Star, averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season during his second year in Philadelphia. He is set to join his fifth NBA team.
Impact and Background
The trade follows a period where the Celtics’ president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, had addressed questions regarding Brown’s status. Stevens had previously stated that Brown was a significant part of the team but refrained from predicting future outcomes, emphasizing their strong relationship and open communication.
One report indicates that Brown, who led the Celtics to 56 wins last season while Jayson Tatum was sidelined for much of the year due to an Achilles injury, grew frustrated with the Celtics’ approach and sought a resolution. He will now join one of Boston’s rivals.
George has two years remaining on his contract and is scheduled to make $54.1 million next season, with a $56.6 million player option for the 2027-28 season. Last season, he contributed to the seventh-seeded 76ers’ upset of the second-seeded Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.
Brown was eligible to sign a two-year, $72 million extension this fall. In July 2023, Brown signed a five-year, $303.7 million super-max extension, which was the richest in NBA history at the time.
The Celtics had previously pursued a trade for Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, with Brown reportedly being a centerpiece of their offer. However, Milwaukee ultimately traded Antetokounmpo to the Heat.
After failing to repeat as champions, the Celtics’ roster saw changes due to the salary cap’s second apron, with players like Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet departing. Despite these changes and Tatum’s injury, the team achieved an improbable 56-win season, with Brown finishing sixth in MVP voting.
However, with Tatum back, the Celtics were considered favorites to win the Eastern Conference but lost a 3-1 series lead against the 76ers in the first round of the playoffs, marking the first time in franchise history this occurred.
Brown had previously stated that the past season was his favorite of his career, a comment that reportedly raised questions around the NBA. He later clarified that he was proud of the team’s performance during a long regular season where they faced doubts.
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Source: nba.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.