Why Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to 76ers for Paul George

It's the end of an era in Boston. 

Jaylen Brown, after multiple offseasons spent in trade rumors, is headed to the 76ers. Philadelphia is giving up Paul George, two first-round picks, and two-second round picks as reported by Shams Charania.

But after a season where Brown finished as a top 5 MVP candidate and led the Celtics to 56 wins, why did Boston give him up? 

Why Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to 76ers for Paul George

Jaylen Brown's move to Philadelphia was mostly driven by the tenuous relationship between him and the Celtics organization.

After the season ended, Brown took to Twitch where he proclaimed the 2025-26 season the "favorite year" of his career.

At face value it's a toothless statement. But last season, Jayson Tatum spent most of the year recovering from a torn Achilles. That left more scoring and usage for Brown to soak up. 

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Fans theorized that Brown, 29, was happier when he didn't have to share the spotlight with his All-Star teammate. He averaged a career-high in points and was top 5 in MVP voting.

Brown doubled down on the statement when given the chance to clarify. 

"I wouldn't say by far. By far would be a stretch because obviously winning the championship is great. But I'm telling y'all, this was my favorite season," he said.

Jaylen Brown reportedly in Giannis trade proposal

Then came the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. 

When the Bucks superstar was reportedly on the trade market, there were two frontrunners: Boston and Miami. 

After the Heat made the trade, Boston's offer was leaked. Jaylen and two first-round picks.

The superstar forward has faced trade rumors in the past but this round was so blatant. And while Giannis struggled with injuries all season, Brown played 71 games and led the Celtics to a 2-seed. 

Bill Simmons reported that the five-time All-Star was "acting like he's done in Boston," after the trade was leaked.

In the aftermath, speculation on Brown's next team reached to the opposite end of the country. The Portland Trail Blazers were rumored to be trading for Brown after acquiring Ja Morant. Philadelphia wasn't as rumored as other locations. 

Did Jaylen Brown request a trade from the Celtics?

When a superstar is traded away from a team in his prime, it typically follows a trade request. Giannis requested out of Milwaukee and they complied. 

What sets this apart is that Brown reportedly never asked for a trade out of Boston. It was backhanded comments, like the one he dropped on Twitch, and rumors that fueled the fire. 

“My understanding is Jaylen Brown through all of this, never requested a trade. He never asked out of Boston."@ShamsCharania on the Celtics trading Brown to the 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks 🚨 pic.twitter.com/YUTqRV02LD

Without knowing Brown's relationship with Brad Stevens and the Celtics' front office it's hard to tell if they could've kept him and maintained their team chemistry. 

Boston might have wanted to start fresh. Brown may have wanted a change of scenery. Both could be true. 

All that matters now is that a Celtics franchise cornerstone is gone and fans will see a new era at TD Garden next season.

MORE: Jaylen Brown trade details: Sixers acquire former Finals MVP in deal with Celtics