A trade between rivals can be awkward, but when it involves stars from both teams who just squared off last postseason, it may lead to a reopening of some wounds. 

The trade between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics was a blockbuster in itself: a former Eastern Conference Finals and Finals MVP in Jaylen Brown was being traded for Paul George, a star in his late 30s with multiple All-NBA selections. What’s interesting is that both teams squared off in the first round of the postseason, with the Sixers rallying from a 3-1 series deficit. The loss still stings for the Celtics, and it may have also reflected in their reactions, which were a mix of shock and anger, especially from the side of the Celtics. 

From Philadelphia’s perspective, though, it was a huge coup even after giving up future draft capital. 

Brown is a dynamic playmaker entering his prime who is unafraid of the moment and any defense in front of him. Through his 10 seasons in Boston, he has evolved into someone who used to be ridiculed for “being unable to dribble with his left hand” to being viewed as an integral part of the Celtics’ future. That is, until this trade with the Sixers came along. 

For Philadelphia, this deal not only improves their status as title contenders, but it also slowly (and hopefully surely) erases a narrative that has hounded them for as long as Brown has been in the NBA. Injuries have loomed large on the Sixers’ campaigns, from Joel Embiid’s long injury history to the litany of injuries that affected them this past season, and it’s as if getting hurt is a constant thorn in the side for Philadelphia. It is true that injuries happen to every team, but it has affected the Sixers so much that it has derailed their chances of establishing a rhythm that will carry them in the postseason. This trade could very well fix that. 

Brown has never played in less than 57 games over his career, although that came during the shortened pandemic season. His durability is much better than George’s at this point. Apart from his 74-game campaign in 2023-2024, George has not played more than 54 games in the last seven seasons. It might be hard to extract more than 50 games from George at this point in his career and this is where many have given Boston flak. 

One trade may not necessarily change a franchise’s fortunes, but for the Philadelphia 76ers, it has helped create a new narrative that could help them turn the corner. They were able to get the better end of the deal from a rival they just beat and in effect, set them back. Now it’s on them to put on a good run together for Joel Embiid to finally enter the Eastern Conference Finals.