Mazzulla Backs Celtics' Brown Trade for George as Boston Tries to Rebuild Identity After 10 Seasons
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 9
Mazzulla Backs Celtics' Brown Trade for George as Boston Tries to Rebuild Identity After 10 Seasons
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 9
Summary
Joe Mazzulla said he is still processing Boston’s decision to trade Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George and draft capital, but trusts Brad Stevens and called the move part of a new team identity.
Brown, 28, reacted bluntly Thursday, saying “there’s no loyalty” after being “packed up,” underscoring how differently the 10-year Celtic viewed the deal.
Boston tied the trade to basketball and financial pressures: two straight early playoff exits, including a blown 3-1 series lead this postseason, and reluctance to keep so much of the salary cap tied to Brown and Jayson Tatum.
Replacing Brown’s production is not realistic, Mazzulla said, after a season in which Brown averaged career highs of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists and capped a decade that included the 2024 title.