Grading Brown-George trade: Did 76ers or Celtics win blockbuster?
Boston shipped Jaylen Brown for Paul George and picks. Instant analysis on which team landed the better end of the deal and how it shifts the East.
Boston shipped Jaylen Brown for Paul George and picks. Instant analysis on which team landed the better end of the deal and how it shifts the East.
The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers executed a franchise-altering NBA trade, sending Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia in exchange for Paul George and multiple draft picks. The move reshapes both teams’ championship trajectories and immediately ignites debate over which side secured the better end of the deal. Boston parted with Brown, a two-time All-Star and cornerstone of its recent Eastern Conference dominance, after years of contract negotiations failed to yield an extension.
In return, the Celtics landed George, a seven-time All-Star and two-way wing with elite playoff pedigree, plus two first-round picks and a pick swap. The package also includes a 2027 second-rounder, adding depth to Boston’s draft capital. The Celtics now face the challenge of integrating a high-usage scorer into a system that thrived on selfless ball movement, a transition that could test their offensive flexibility.
Philadelphia gains Brown’s explosive scoring, elite three-level shooting, and championship-level intensity, addressing its need for a high-volume scorer alongside Joel Embiid. The 76ers now boast a top-tier duo capable of contending for a title, though questions linger about fit and chemistry with a roster already loaded with stars. 6 million for 2024–25—creates long-term cap pressure that could limit Philly’s flexibility in future moves.
The trade’s ripple effects extend beyond the court. For Boston, the loss of Brown erodes a cultural pillar built over six seasons, a void that won’t be filled by draft capital alone. The Celtics’ identity as a defensive fortress and cohesive unit now hinges on George’s ability to slide into a leadership role without disrupting the locker room’s chemistry.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s aggressive push for a championship window forces the franchise to confront the reality of a compressed timeline, where every regular-season game carries added weight. Analysts are already dissecting the strategic calculus. Boston’s move reflects a calculated risk: swapping a proven All-Star for a rental-style star in George, whose 2024–25 contract expires, potentially freeing up cap space for a 2025 free-agent splash.
The Celtics’ front office appears to be betting on George’s playoff resume and two-way impact to elevate them past the conference finals, but the loss of Brown’s scoring and locker-room presence introduces a tangible drop in offensive firepower. For Philadelphia, the trade is a high-stakes gamble on synergy. The Sixers’ core now features Brown and Embiid, two players who thrive in high-usage, isolation-heavy sets.
While that alignment could unlock elite offensive production, it risks clogging the paint and diluting defensive rotations. The Sixers’ defensive rating ranked 13th in the league last season, and adding Brown—a non-traditional wing defender—doesn’t automatically solve that issue. The trade also accelerates the timeline for Embiid, who turns 31 in March, making every season a potential championship-or-bust scenario.
Reaction poured in within hours. ” Analysts split on the deal’s value, with some praising Philly’s star pairing and others questioning Boston’s long-term scoring punch without Brown. What’s next: The Sixers face roster construction challenges, including cap management and role definition for a now-crowded starting lineup.
Boston must integrate George quickly while navigating a compressed timeline before the 2024–25 season opener. The trade’s ripple effects extend to draft boards, free agency, and the East’s pecking order, with both teams’ 2025 playoff aspirations now under new pressure. Read at ESPN
This trade isn’t just a roster swap; it’s a seismic shift in the Eastern Conference power structure. Boston’s identity as a two-way juggernaut is traded away for a star-laden, high-ceiling roster in Philly, while the Sixers bet on pairing two elite wings to finally break through in the playoffs. The deal’s success hinges on fit, health, and execution—factors that could redefine the East for years. The trade also accelerates the timeline for both franchises, forcing them to either maximize their new assets or face the consequences of overcommitting to a single window. It’s a high-stakes gamble that could either cement legacies or backfire spectacularly within 12 months.
ESPNespn.comBy Zach KramJul 2, 1:31 AMen
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