Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Trade Grade Rises After Strong Start

The Celtics’ return in the Jaylen Brown trade looks stronger than it did when Boston sent the All-NBA forward to Philadelphia for Paul George and draft assets. Boston’s grade has risen from D- to B-, while the 76ers’ grade remains perfect after an early-season start that has suited both teams.

Philadelphia leads the Eastern Conference at 9-2, with Boston close behind at 8-2. The Celtics have the conference’s best net rating, plus 11.6, as Brown prepares to play his former team for the first time.

The original criticism centered on whether Boston had received enough for a prime-age star and whether George, then 35 and coming off a difficult stretch, could justify his contract. The reassessment argues that teams have become more cautious about trading large packages for veteran stars, making the two picks and player value in Brown’s deal more consistent with the current market.

George’s play has also shifted the judgment. He is averaging 20.4 points on 47% shooting, 43% from three and 81% from the free-throw line, with his highest assist and rebounding rates since leaving the Clippers. His three-point attempts account for 51.4% of his shots, compared with 27.8% for Brown, and his usage rate is nearly eight percentage points below Brown’s from last season—traits that fit Boston’s preferred approach alongside Jayson Tatum.

George has also helped Boston force more turnovers: the Celtics went from generating the second-fewest in the league last season to averaging the eighth-most so far this season. The teams’ Tuesday-night matchup, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, is their first meeting since the trade.