Overview
- The Celtics formally introduced Paul George and Mike Conley at the Auerbach Center on Tuesday, with Mitchell Robinson absent for personal reasons.
- Paul George acknowledged fans’ anger over the July trade that sent Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia and said he understands the backlash without taking it personally.
- George repeatedly said he feels physically renewed after summer work and framed himself as a complementary partner to Jayson Tatum rather than a Brown replacement.
- President of basketball operations Brad Stevens has cited salary and tax‑apron considerations as part of the rationale for the Brown‑for‑George trade and the shift to shorter‑term veteran pieces.
- The team moves into training camp on Sept. 29 with a narrow window to build chemistry, prove George’s durability and win over a skeptical fan base before the Oct. 20 opener.