Overview
- The Celtics completed the trade on July 6, sending Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for veteran Paul George plus two future first‑round picks and two future second‑round picks.
- Jayson Tatum told ESPN at the ESPY Awards that it feels “weird” not to have Brown after nine seasons together and said the move exposes a real emotional, human side to roster decisions even as the team must move forward.
- Brown has said he is "still processing" the move, expressed excitement and disappointment, criticized a perceived lack of respect from Boston, and remains eligible to sign an extension with the 76ers later this month.
- Celtics president Brad Stevens defended the trade as a response to having roughly 70% of the cap and a large share of usage tied to two players, arguing Boston needed shorter‑term salary and draft assets to build depth.
- The swap alters competition in the East by adding an All‑NBA wing to the Sixers alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, intensifies fan backlash in Boston, and leaves Tatum as the clear focal point for the Celtics next season.