The Eastern Conference hierarchy just experienced a major shift at the top, and it could have implications that are felt for years to come. Today, the big news comes out of Philadelphia, where the 76ers just made the second-biggest trade of the summer (behind the deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo).
As announced on Wednesday by ESPN’s Shams Charania, former Celtics star Jaylen Brown has been sent to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George, a 2028 first-round pick, a 2031 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2030 second-round pick.
It’s a massive blockbuster trade between two Eastern rivals that nobody saw coming. At 29 years old, Jaylen Brown (a champion, Finals MVP, and five-time All-Star) was at the end of his rope in Boston, and he became one of the summer’s most coveted players. This past season, in 71 games, he averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 47.7% shooting from the field and 34.7% shooting from three.
Initially, there was no word on the 76ers’ interest in Brown. The race was believed to be between the Trail Blazers, Clippers, and the Denver Nuggets. Even the Detroit Pistons were floated as a potential trade partner. But as trade talks commenced, and the Celtics realized Brown’s true trade value, they were seemingly forced to settle on a less-than-lucrative return.
Now, after 10 years in Boston, Brown joins a stacked 76ers team that includes Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, and Joel Embiid. Last season, after going 45-37 in the regular season (7th in the East), the 76ers beat the Celtics in the first round, only to get swept by the Knicks in the Conference Semis. Now, with Jaylen, the Sixers will have another go-to scorer and elite defender to guard the NBA’s best wing players.
Meanwhile, in Boston, there’s still confusion over the Celtics’ return. While Paul George is a nine-time All-Star, he’s a shell of his former self at 36 years old. What’s worse is that he’s owed $110 million over the next two seasons, making it one of the worst contracts in the NBA right now. Still, he averaged 17.3 points per game last season, and there’s hope internally that he can thrive in their culture of success.
The real prize for the Celtics here appears to be the draft picks. They get back two first-rounders and two seconds from the 76ers, increasing their draft stock and setting up a quick rebuild for Boston. It’s a pretty underwhelming return, and many Celtics fans were expecting more for an NBA champion who averages 20.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 47.7% from the field and 34.7% shooting from three for his career.
In the end, this marks the end of an era for both Jaylen and the Celtics. For two sides who accomplished so much together, it’s surprising to see them part ways like this, but it’s even more surprising to see where Brown ended up. He never asked to be in Philly, but we can expect him to make the most of his time there, with an opportunity to make some noise in the Eastern Conference.
