Boston Celtics trade Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia 76ers in shock deal
Boston Celtics have traded five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown to Eastern Conference rivals the Philadelphia 76ers in a shock deal involving veteran forward Paul George and future draft picks.
The move has stunned executives across the NBA due to the perceived low return for the 29-year-old.
In exchange for their premier scorer, the Celtics received one unprotected first-round draft pick, a conditional first-round selection, and two second-round picks.
Boston also absorbed the remaining two years and $110.7m (£86.5m) of George’s contract as part of the agreement.
Baffling return for Finals MVP
The 2024 Finals Most Valuable Player leaves Massachusetts after a stellar individual campaign.
He averaged a career-high 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists last season, guiding his team to a 56-26 record in the absence of an injured Jayson Tatum.
Despite these elite statistics, front office peers are questioning president of basketball operations Brad Stevens’ decision to accept such a modest package.
“I mean, the guy got traded for less than Walker Kessler. That’s baffling to me,” one general manager said.
Another general manager admitted they were asking the exact same questions regarding the hasty nature of the transaction.
Chilly market and missed opportunities
Rival executives are struggling to comprehend why the market was so subdued for a player who recently finished sixth in regular-season MVP voting.
The trade is being compared to the Dallas Mavericks’ abrupt decision to send Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in early 2025.
However, the Mavericks at least managed to secure a superior draft package without absorbing a burdensome salary like the 36-year-old George.
Questions also remain over why the reigning Executive of the Year did not push harder to use his elite wing in a proposed blockbuster deal for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
For now, the Philadelphia franchise secures a formidable two-way presence who regularly defends the opposition’s top offensive threat.