The Philadelphia 76ers shocked the basketball world by acquiring star forward Jaylen Brown in a trade with the rival Boston Celtics.
The Sixers gave up Paul George, two first-round picks (2028, 2031) and two second-round picks (2028, 2030) to get the deal done. In Brown, the Sixers acquire a 29-year old five-time All-Star and former NBA Finals MVP, who will be extremely motivated to show the Celtics, and everyone else, just how good he is.
Philadelphia 76ers Receive ‘A’ Grade 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)
Considering what they had to give up, this trade looks like a great one for the Sixers, on paper. Obviously we’ll have to wait and see how things play out on the court, but early reactions have been overwhelmingly positive.
Bleacher Report gave the Sixers an ‘A’ grade for the acquisition of Brown, who is basically a younger version of Paul George. Last season, Brown was the fourth-leading scorer in the NBA with a per game average of 28.7.
From Bleacher Report:
The writing has been on the wall for a Jaylen Brown trade for weeks, but this news still managed to be surprising based on where he wound up. The Philadelphia 76ers have barely been mentioned as a possibility, but as soon as this came out, they made all the sense in the world.
Brown is younger and more available than George. At this point in their careers, he’s probably a better defender, too. This is a big swing for a team that can compete for a conference finals berth if Joel Embiid is healthy in the playoffs. And having an innings eater like Brown should make it easier to be very gentle with Embiid’s regular-season minutes.
After a long stretch of disappointing seasons, this trade immediately provides fans in Philadelphia with a newfound reason for optimism. Brown projects to fit perfectly alongside the backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and V.G. Edgecombe and he will provide the Sixers with elite two-way wing play.
Mike Gansey Makes Immediate Splash in New Role with 76ers
GettyJaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts after making a basket against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at the TD Garden on March 04, 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
New 76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey wasted little time in making a major splash in his new role. Gansey had his introductory press conference with Philadelphia media just weeks ago, and he has already completely reshaped the franchise in an enormous way. Time will tell if the move to trade for Brown was a good one or not, but Gansey can be credited for taking a major swing right out of the gate.
Philadelphia 76ers Receive Great Grade for Shocking Jaylen Brown Trade