Paul George is beginning a new chapter with the Boston Celtics after a blockbuster offseason trade sent him to Boston in exchange for Jaylen Brown.
While George appears fully prepared to embrace his new opportunity, NBA fans remain split after the veteran star made his first visit to the team’s practice facility.
NBA Fans Have Mixed Reactions to Paul George’s Boston Arrival
Few trades this offseason generated as much shock as the blockbuster deal involving George and Brown. Along with George, Boston received draft capital from Philadelphia. Both stars have since turned their attention toward settling into their respective new teams.
Over the weekend, the Celtics shared behind-the-scenes footage of George visiting the Auerbach Center, where he toured the facility and met several members of the organization, including franchise cornerstone Jayson Tatum.
During the visit, George was photographed holding up his new No. 13 Celtics jersey, expressing his excitement about beginning the next chapter of his career in Boston.
“It’s surreal,” George said. “I’m ecstatic, man. I’m looking forward to the journey; I’m looking forward to wearing that green and representing for Boston.”
Paul George during his first visit to the Celtics facility
“It’s surreal. I’m ecstatic… I’m looking forward to wearing that green & representing for Boston….I’m gonna give y’all everything.”
(Via celtics YouTube) pic.twitter.com/Q0hjcOg4fR
— CELTICS ☘️ BANNER 19 (@BiggLynch) August 16, 2026
Injuries and a 25-game suspension heavily disrupted George’s second season with the 76ers. Philadelphia entered the season with a talented core featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe alongside George, but the group ultimately failed to make a deep playoff run.
Because of his struggles during his Philadelphia stint, some fans remain unwilling to celebrate George’s arrival and are questioning whether the veteran can still perform at an elite level.
“Don’t believe this guy. [He’s] not going to get y’all anything. This is basically Celtics Shaq,” one X user wrote.
Don’t believe this guy. His not going to get yall anything. This is basically Celtics shaq
— Jameswhite 🇺🇸🦅 (@Realjameswhite0) August 16, 2026
“He’s gonna be so brutally washed,” another added.
He’s gonna be so brutally washed
— 🎯 (@yunggrimace_) August 16, 2026
However, George did provide glimpses of his former All-NBA form during Philadelphia’s first-round playoff series against Boston last season. He played an important role in the 76ers’ series victory, averaging 17.4 points per game on 48.9/55.0/77.8 shooting splits.
Those flashes were enough for the Celtics to recognize that George may still have plenty left in the tank, ultimately motivating the franchise to make the blockbuster move. And while some supporters remain skeptical, others are already optimistic about what the nine-time All-Star can bring to Boston.
“He’s gonna be a lot better than what people are anticipating,” a fan predicted.
He’s gonna be a lot better than what people are anticipating
— Tony G 🇮🇹 (@TGTatum4_3) August 16, 2026
“He can still hoop, media disrespectful [expletive],” another fan supported.
He can still hoop, media disrespectful AF.
— E Stewart (@Sixers615) August 16, 2026
“My GOATs going to cause a problem this year,” an observer wrote.
My GOATs going to cause a problem this year pic.twitter.com/4fQKb2JABT
— Kevv (@CoffeeKyng) August 16, 2026
The trade initially drew criticism from Boston fans because the Celtics moved on from Brown after arguably the best season of his career. Brown delivered significant leadership and standout two-way play while Tatum was sidelined, finishing sixth in MVP voting.
The Celtics also took on the final two years and $110.6 million remaining on George’s contract as part of the deal. That financial commitment adds more pressure to his arrival.
Hence, George enters his first season with the Celtics carrying plenty of expectations and something to prove. His performance on the court will ultimately determine whether Boston’s blockbuster gamble becomes a major success or a costly mistake.
