The Philadelphia 76ers have acquired five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics in a significant trade, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The deal sends Paul George and four draft picks—two first-rounders and two second-rounders—to Boston.
Brown is coming off his most productive NBA season, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists over 71 games. Despite his individual success, Brown has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason, with the Celtics reportedly shopping him during the NBA draft.
Earlier in the offseason, Brown was reportedly part of a trade package discussed for Giannis Antetokounmpo, which ultimately ended with Antetokounmpo joining the Miami Heat. Reports indicated the Celtics offered Brown and two unprotected first-round picks in that scenario.
Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens previously emphasized Brown's value to the team. "Jaylen Brown is a big part of us," Stevens stated. "I’m never going to predict the future. Every indication, everything I think about, over the last few years, has been building around those guys. You never know. But at the same time, the one thing I want to make very clear is how valued he’s always been. He’s been amazing. He’s been an amazing teammate and a great person to be around."
Following Stevens' comments, reports also suggested the Minnesota Timberwolves had engaged in discussions with the Celtics about Brown before acquiring LaMelo Ball. The Celtics had also reportedly explored trading Brown in a package for Kevin Durant in 2022.
This trade marks Brown's second NBA team after spending 10 years with the Celtics.