The Boston Celtics sent shockwaves through the NBA by moving on from star forward Jaylen Brown.
Not only did the Celtics trade the former Finals MVP, but they traded him to a major rival in the Philadelphia 76ers, who just bested the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs earlier this year, for a less-than-overwhelming return that consists of Paul George and four draft picks (two firsts, two seconds).
We’ll have to see how the trade actually plays out on the court, but the early reactions have been less-than-favorable for Boston.
Boston Celtics Receive ‘D+’ Grade From ESPN for Jaylen Brown Trade
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 19: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics takes a shot during warmups before a game against the Miami Heat at TD Garden on December 19, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Zach Kram graded the trade between Boston and Philadelphia for ESPN, and he gave the Celtics an uninspiring ‘D+’ grade for the trade. Kram suggested that the Celtics would have been wise just to hang onto Brown given the return that they ultimately received for him.
“Clearly, the Celtics decided that their relationship with Brown had soured past the point of no return, following various small mishaps and the rumors that he’d be included in an Antetokounmpo trade. But even in a deal-him-at-all-costs scenario, this return is mighty underwhelming,” Kram wrote.
“… Brad Stevens has nailed almost every move — big and small — since becoming the Celtics’ president of basketball operations. It almost feels wrong to question his expertise. But if this was the best return the Celtics could find for Brown, then it’s difficult not to think that they should have tried to patch up that relationship, rather than drastically reduce their 2026-27 title odds and not even save much money in the deal.”
By trading Brown to Philadelphia, the Celtis ensured that they’ll get to play against him four times a season. Clearly they aren’t too worried about that, though.
76ers Receive Much More Favorable Grade Jaylen Brown Acquisition
Meanwhile, the Sixers received a much more favorable grade from Kram, who thinks that Brown could prove to be a great fit alongside the likes of Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe and Joel Embiid in Philadelphia.
“Brown could be a very good fit in Philadelphia. The 76ers have two excellent guards in Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, and one excellent-when-healthy center in Joel Embiid. But they’ve never had adequate forwards to connect those positional strengths, and George on a maximum contract was evidently not the answer,” Kram wrote.
“But the 76ers entered this offseason with the profile of a fringe playoff team at best after three consecutive years in which they were a play-in team twice and a 24-58 bottom-feeder once. Now they look like a legitimate contender to reach the Finals — all thanks to their greatest historical rival.”
After years of domination in the other direction, the Sixer seem to be getting the best of Boston in 2026.
Boston Celtics Receive Terrible Grade For Trading Jalen Brown to 76ers