A blockbuster on the first full day of NBA Free Agency frenzy: the 76ers are acquiring Jaylen Brown from the Celtics for Paul George, two future first-round picks, and two future second-round picks.
Per Shams Charania, the first-round picks are a 2028 first-rounder that could convert to a swap if it is more favorable for Boston and an unprotected 2031 first-rounder. The second-round picks are a 2028 pick that is the most favorable of Philly’s picks acquired from Golden State, Oklahoma City, or Milwaukee, and a 2030 pick that is the most favorable of picks acquired from Washington, Portland, or Phoenix.
Brown, who will play next season at age 30, has been the subject of trade rumors for weeks, after the five-time All-Star and 2024 NBA Finals MVP averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game this past season – all career highs or matches – and placed sixth in MVP voting, but saw his and the Celtics’ seasons end prematurely at the hands of the 76ers in the first round of the playoffs.
He is entering Year 3 of a five-year, 304 supermax extension that still owes him $183 million - $57.1 million next season, $61 million in 2027-28, and $64.9 million in 2028-29. George was owed $54.12 million in 2026-27 and has a player option $56.6 million in 2027-28, so it’s a small salary increase for Philly in the next two years with the hefty price tag for the final season.
George, 36, played just 37 games for Philly last season, averaging 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. He had an average line of 16.7-5.3-4.0 over two seasons with the Sixers, but played in just 78 of a possible 164 games.
