The Boston Celtics made the most controversial move of the NBA offseason, trading Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George and draft capital. Celtics fans were flummoxed by the return considering Brown is seven years younger than George and has won a championship in Boston.
But while Celtics fans lament the move, George is ready to show them why team president Brad Stevens pulled it off.
“No personal feelings towards how it received here in Boston," George said. "To be honest, it's fair. One foot in front of the other, hopefully with how we start this year they understand this is a new team and something that they can be proud of.”
George, 36, is still an effective 3-and-D player who should thrive stylistically alongside
Jayson Tatum. The nine-time All-Star insists he's not trying to replicate what Brown did in Boston, but is rather trying to build something new.
"It's fair to live with that emotion given what JB stood for and what he brought," George said. "And the history -- he was a part of raising a banner and winning a championship here. That's gonna forever stick. But it's a new group, it's a new opportunity. And they're getting someone that's ready to not fill the shoes or fill the void of JB, but I think I can come in and help keep us in that contention."
While George is the big offseason addition, the pressure falls primarily on Tatum, who Jaylen Brown outshined en route to NBA Finals MVP honors in 2024. It's unquestionably Tatum's team now, and whether he can deliver is one of the most pressing question heading into the season.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Paul George has classy response to Celtics fans who criticized Jaylen Brown trade
