When the Boston Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this month, they didn’t just lose an elite two-way wing player who is still in his prime.
In Paul George, they also took back one of the worst contracts in the entire NBA, at least according to Dan Favale of Bleacher Report.
Paul George’s Contract Ranked as Third-Worst in Entire NBA
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 08: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Favale recently ranked the eight worst contracts in the league, and George’s deal came in at No. 3, behind only Joel Embiid’s contract with the 76ers and Trae Young’s new max deal with the Washington Wizards.
George still has two years and over $110 million remaining on the four-year max deal he signed with the Sixers in 2024. The final year of the contract is a player option worth $56 million, which seems like a near-guarantee that George will opt into.
Availability has been an issue for George as of late, and while he’s still a productive player when available, he’s not productive enough to justify the big numbers on his contract.
“Players entering their late-30s generally don’t get better or more available. George has missed a combined 86 games over the past two seasons and has made 70 appearances (or the shortened-schedule equivalent) just once since 2018-19,” Favale wrote.
“A strong close to last year doesn’t change anything. George’s end-of-season kick came after a forced 25-game sabbatical, and he wasn’t exactly spectacular during the Philadelphia 76ers’ second-round exit at the hands of the New York Knicks.”
George averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 steals in 37 games for the Sixers last season.
Celtics Don’t Plan to Move Paul George After Acquiring Him in Jaylen Brown Trade
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 28: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers defends Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the second half of Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoff at TD Garden on April 28, 2026 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Celtics fans hoping that the team will look to flip George after acquiring him will be disappointed. Despite the size of his contract, the Celtics don’t plan to trade George, according to a recent report from from Jay King and Sam Amick of The Athletic.
It would be difficult for the Celtics to flip George again at this point anyway. However, next summer George’s contract will become an expiring deal with just one year remaining, and it could become much more moveable at that point.
Contract for New Boston Celtics Star Ranked as Third-Worst in Entire NBA