Brown 1-for-5 trade grades released! 76ers ace it with an A, Celtics get a dismal D+

As of July 2 Beijing time, the Celtics officially completed the deal for Jaylen Brown, shipping the 2024 Finals MVP to the Philadelphia 76ers and receiving nine-time All-Star Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks. Brown's exit had been foreseeable ever since Boston tried to trade him to the Bucks to acquire Giannis; however, Giannis was eventually dealt to the Miami Heat instead.

The 76ers have acquired a 29-year-old star in his prime, ushering in a completely new era of team building after "Trust the Process." Did Philadelphia really come out on top in this trade? Yahoo Sports has released its trade grades.

Trade Details

76ers receive: Jaylen Brown

Celtics receive: Paul George, 2 first-round picks, and 2 second-round picks

The specifics of these four picks are as follows—

1. The 76ers' 2028 first-round pick, which can be converted into a first-round pick swap more favorable to the Celtics;

2. The 76ers' unprotected 2031 first-round pick;

3. A 2028 second-round pick, taking the best among the Warriors, Thunder, and Bucks;

4. A 2030 second-round pick, taking the best among the Wizards, Trail Blazers, and Suns.

76ers Trade Grade: A

Over the next two years, George's total salary exceeds $100 million (provided he exercises his player option for the final year next offseason). Philadelphia managed to swap an aging 36-year-old George for the younger, stylistically similar Brown—a brilliant move. A team that won 45 regular-season games and surprisingly eliminated the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs upgraded its core youth by giving up only two first-round picks that are likely to fall late in the lottery.

Celtics Trade Grade: D+

The Celtics gradually backed themselves into a corner where they had to part ways with Brown. Compared to their original goal, this trade's outcome is far from ideal. They initially targeted Giannis but settled for George—a massive drop-off. Even though George fits reasonably well with Tatum and Boston's stable of three-point shooters, it's hard to make up for the disappointment.

The two first-round picks they received are merely average; the 2028 pick can be turned into a swap more favorable to Boston. But Philadelphia is likely to remain a strong team for years to come, making it difficult for these picks to land high in the lottery. For the Celtics, the return on this deal is truly underwhelming.