The Boston Celtics made the Jaylen Brown trade official when the moratorium was lifted on Monday afternoon. They gave up the five-time All-Star for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-rounders. The Celtics clearly felt like they had to move on, and it has started a national discourse about analytics. Brown just finished sixth in MVP voting, but other teams clearly didn’t see him as a top ten player in the NBA.
The Lakers shockingly gave up more to acquire Walker Kessler, who has never even been close to being an All-Star. The Brown trade will be debated for years and may just be the worst move of the offseason. The Celtics won a championship in 2024 and have already traded away the Finals MVP.
Boston only got one unprotected first-round pick in this trade. The other is a complicated swap that could result in a lottery pick. Here is a look at the full details of the now official move.
Full details of the Celtics’ shocking Jaylen Brown trade
Fans knew Brown was on the trade block, but it was still stunning to see the return. Things were made more shocking by being with the rival 76ers and taking back Paul George. Philly was trying to dump George’s contract with a first-round pick, which made the Brown trade look even worse. See the full details below.
Celtics received: Paul George, 2028 protected first round pick (that could turn into swap), 2031 unprotected first round pick, 2 second round picks
76ers received: Jaylen Brown
That doesn’t do it justice. Fans want to know what picks and when, so here is a detailed breakdown of the draft capital.
- 2028 1st round pick (via Clippers). Swap with Boston’s 2028 1st if it lands top 16. Can be swapped with Philly if 76ers land in top 8. Goes to Celtics outright if 17-30.
- 2031 unprotected 1st round pick
- 2028 2nd round pick (most favorable of Golden State, Milwaukee, and Oklahoma City)
- 2030 2nd round pick (most favorable of Phoenix, Portland, and Washington)
For those confused on the 2028 selection, Hoops Rumors has a detailed breakdown here. The Celtics get the most favorable of a top 16 selection, but have to part with their 2028 first-rounder. If it falls 17th or later, Boston gets the selection outright.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded to the Heat for three first-round picks, one second, and one first-round swap. That is considerably more than Boston got for Brown, and the Greek Freak is entering the final year of his contract. Clearly, teams were not eager to trade for JB. Missing out on Giannis started this saga and left the Celtics with a disappointing return.
Fans shouldn’t fret. Jayson Tatum is still elite, and head coach Joe Mazzulla will find a way to maximize this roster. Don’t be surprised to see Boston win 50-plus regular season games and be one of the top seeds in the East. Their playoff ceiling is lower, and this trade will haunt them if Paul George can’t stay healthy or Brown reaches new heights in Philly.
The Boston Celtics didn’t want to wait. They quickly moved on and let the Philadelphia 76ers fleece them in a superstar trade. Brad Stevens is never afraid to be bold. He certainly was here, and the full details further prove this trade will follow the Celtics. For better or for worse.
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