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SportsPhiladelphia 76ers acquire Jaylen Brown from Celtics for Paul George, four picks
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The Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to a trade to acquire Boston Celtics star forward Jaylen Brown, sending veteran forward Paul George and four draft picks (two first-round, two second-round) to the Celtics, per ESPN. The move comes after the Celtics explored trading Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was instead dealt to the Miami Heat. Brown, who turns 30 in October, is coming off a career-best season averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, earning second-team All-NBA honors and finishing sixth in MVP voting. He is entering the third year of a five-year, $285.4 million contract. For the 76ers, Brown is considered a significant upgrade over the 36-year-old George, who has struggled with injuries and a drug suspension. The 76ers now build around Brown, Joel Embiid (entering a three-year, $187.9 million extension), and Tyrese Maxey, aiming to compete with the Knicks and other top Eastern Conference opponents.
Source report
Overview
Nearly eight weeks after a humiliating playoff exit, the Philadelphia 76ers have reignited their championship hopes by acquiring Boston Celtics star forward Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster trade.
The deal, reported by ESPN's Shams Charania and other outlets, sends Brown to Philadelphia in exchange for forward Paul George, along with two first-round draft picks and two second-round picks.
The Trade Details
| Team | Receives | |------|----------| | 76ers | Jaylen Brown | | Celtics | Paul George, 2 first-round picks, 2 second-round picks |
The move follows the Celtics' reported efforts to trade Brown for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Instead, the Bucks dealt Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat for four players and three first-round picks. Boston then continued exploring the market for Brown, whom they selected with the third overall pick in the 2016 draft.
Jaylen Brown's Profile
- Age: Turns 30 in October
- 2025-26 Season: Career highs in points (28.7 PPG), rebounds (6.9 RPG), and assists (5.1 APG)
- Honors: Second Team All-NBA, finished 6th in MVP voting
- Contract: Third year of a five-year, $285.4 million deal signed in 2024
Brown's Remaining Contract
| Season | Salary | |--------|--------| | 2026-27 | $57 million | | 2027-28 | $61 million | | 2028-29 | ~$65 million |
Paul George's Departure
- Age: Turns 36 in October
- Contract: Set to earn $54.1 million next season, with a $56.6 million player option for 2027-28
- Injury history: Played just 41 games in 2024-25 and 37 games last season
- Suspension: Missed 25 games late last regular season for violating the league's drug policy
Despite helping the 76ers overcome a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs—including a 23-point performance in Game 6—George was less effective against the Knicks in the second round. New York went on to win its first title since 1973.
76ers' New Core
Philadelphia now boasts a high-powered, high-cost lineup:
| Player | Position | Contract Status | |--------|----------|----------------| | Jaylen Brown | Forward | $57M (2026-27) | | Joel Embiid | Center | First year of 3-year, $187.9M deal | | Tyrese Maxey | Guard | $130.7M owed over next 3 seasons | | VJ Edgecombe | Guard (age 20) | $11.6M (2026-27), with club options totaling $27.6M over next two seasons |
Edgecombe averaged 16 PPG last season and finished third in Rookie of the Year voting.
Embiid, a 7-foot center who turns 33 next March, remains one of the league's elite players when healthy.
Outlook
With Brown now in the fold, the 76ers are significantly better positioned to challenge the Knicks and other top Eastern Conference contenders—provided they can manage the financial commitments and health of their star-studded roster.
Source
Forbes - BusinessWestern
Part of this Story
Jaylen Brown Traded to 76ers for Paul George in NBA Blockbuster