After weeks of speculation, the deal is done. The Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics have reportedly agreed on a trade that sends 2024 finals MVP Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia in exchange for Paul George and two future first-round picks.
Let’s dive into the exact details of the trade, who came out on top, and what it means for these Eastern Conference rivals moving forward.
Philadelphia 76ers’ Grade
- Receive: G/F Jaylen Brown
GRADE: A+
Philadelphia basketball has found the break they’ve been desperately looking for in recent years. In exchange for aging, overpaid Paul George and two first-round picks, they receive a 29-year-old superstar guard-forward currently at the peak of his powers.
The 76ers now form arguably the most dangerous core four in the NBA. All-NBA guard Tyrese Maxey and standout rookie VJ Edgecombe will operate in the backcourt, while MVP big man Joel Embiid handles the front-court duties. To round it out, they add a five-time All-Star, ultra-dynamic wing in Jaylen Brown.
The only question at all, pertaining to this group, is the overall depth, but when you have three proven superstars and another one in the making, 76ers fans should be more optimistic than ever. Without a shadow of a doubt, Philadelphia will be a top seed in the Eastern Conference next season and make a push for the title on the backs of their new big four.
BLOCKBUSTER: The Boston Celtics have agreed to trade Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/xNcNlIV2mh
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2026
Boston Celtics’ Grade
- Receive: F Paul George
- Receive: 2028 first-round pick (could convert to a swap)
- Receive: 2031 unprotected Philadelphia first-round pick
- Receive: 2028, 2030 second-round picks
GRADE: D
To put it lightly, this is a head-scratching move for the Boston Celtics. A Brown trade seemed imminent, but this particular trade package leaves a lot to be desired. Brown led the organization to a championship just two seasons ago, and now he is being dealt for 36-year-old Paul George, who is set to earn more than $100 million over the next two seasons.
While the draft picks are somewhat enticing, and the 2031 unprotected first-rounder could benefit Boston significantly long-term, it’s difficult to imagine that no other organization was willing to offer up more. The Nets, Trail Blazers, and Cavaliers, who were all reportedly interested, seemed to have more to offer.
Earlier this offseason, Boston had the opportunity to deal Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but after failing to complete the trade, Brown’s value likely saw an even bigger decrease. Celtics fans will have a tough time sleeping tonight as they await their next offseason move from Brad Stevens and company.
