Boston Celtics fans expressed outrage on Wednesday when news broke that five-time All-Star and 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. In return, the Celtics acquired former All-Star Paul George, along with first-round picks in 2028 and 2031, and second-round picks in 2028 and 2030.
The trade provoked strong reactions, with critics heavily criticizing the decision. Former Boston Celtics player Kendrick Perkins called it a “dumb” trade on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.” He argued, “This is a sad day for the Boston Celtics, and as a former Celtic, I do not approve.” Perkins continued, “If you’re gonna trade a guy that’s a top 10 player, you at least have to get back a guy that’s a top 15, top 20 player, and Paul George is not that.”
Perkins also commented on Paul George’s inconsistency, joking, “Paul George hasn’t been consistently good, since I was skinny, and that’s been a long damn time.” He dismissed the trade as “nothing but sloppy seconds.”
According to Perkins, Celtics GM Brad Stevens “handed the 76ers a trip to the NBA Finals next year” by trading Jaylen Brown.
Brown will join 76ers’ All-Stars Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, alongside emerging talent VJ Edgecombe. Notably, the 76ers had eliminated the Celtics from the NBA Playoffs in a seven-game series a few months prior.
The Celtics received nine-time All-Star Paul George, who last appeared on the All-Star team in 2024. George has past accolades, including an All-NBA First Team selection in 2019 and two All-Defensive Team selections.
However, at age 36, George’s performance has been inconsistent. Last season, he averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game for the 76ers, with a 43.9% shooting percentage. These statistics have raised concerns about his impact on the Celtics.
Despite this, George had notable playoff performances against the Celtics, including a 23-point show in a crucial Game 6 win for the 76ers.
The forthcoming season will reveal the impact of this trade for both teams. Observers will closely watch to determine which team benefits most from the deal.