For most fans and critics, the Boston Celtics took a big step back this summer. After trading Finals MVP Jaylen Brown for an aging Paul George, it’s hard to see the vision that team President Brad Stevens has for the franchise moving forward.
According to NBA analyst and Celtics superfan Bill Simmons, the idea of the trade wasn’t to disrespect Brown. Rather, they genuinely believe that Paul George is a better on-court fit next to Jayson Tatum for the upcoming season. Plus, with Brown gone, they see an opportunity for their other young wings to step into bigger roles.
“I think one of the reasons they made this trade is that they felt he might be a better fit at this point in Tatum’s career,” said Bill Simmons on SiriusXM NBA radio. “Not to say I agree with that; I didn’t like the trade and wish they didn’t do it. But I think they were feeling like it was a better basketball fit, and I think they wanted some of their other wings to play more.”
On paper, Jaylen Brown is one of the best two-way guards in the league. He was a Celtic for 10 years and led them to the championship in 2024, capturing his first-ever Finals MVP in the process. Last season, without Tatum, Brown delivered his best stretch to date with averages of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 47.7% shooting from the field.
Despite the stats, however, there were signs that not all was well internally. For starters, they gave up a 3-1 lead in the first round, the first of its kind in franchise history. After it was all said and done, Jaylen turned around and called it his favorite season ever, feeding the narratives that he would rather lead a team of his own than continue being Tatum’s sidekick.
Besides all the drama, the Celtics want players who know and accept their role, even if it means sacrificing their own pride. Until he ages out or opts to force a trade, the Celtics are Jayson Tatum’s team, and everyone else must fall in line behind him. As a 36-year-old veteran who is no longer in the prime of his career, playing around Tatum should be much easier for Paul George, who was already acting as a sideshow in Philly behind Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.
Ultimately, despite Brown’s age and career-high production last season, the Celtics felt more comfortable with someone who won’t demand being such a big focus of the offense. Unlike Jaylen, Paul George does not demand any special treatment or authority in the offense. He can play within the rhythm of the game while still bringing critical shooting and defense on the perimeter (17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists per game last season).
If they can just stay healthy, the Celtics could surprise some people as they look to maintain their contender status. Of course, it will take time for fans to properly rate and respect their new-look roster, but Brad Stevens is confident that his team is trending in the right direction.
