Paul George is averaging 22.0 points per game for the Boston Celtics this season, outperforming Jaylen Brown after a high-profile summer trade that reshaped the Eastern Conference.
Among all potential outcomes for the Boston Celtics following the summer blockbuster that sent Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George, few anticipated George would eclipse Brown across nearly every statistical category.
Roughly 15% of the NBA season has elapsed, making definitive conclusions premature. Yet with Boston holding a 10-2 record and the top spot in the Eastern Conference, early returns indicate George has outplayed Brown in the 2026-27 campaign.
George fits more naturally alongside Jayson Tatum. He is averaging 22.0 points per contest on 48.8% shooting from the field and 44.0% from three-point range, complemented by 5.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.1 steals.
Initial reaction to the trade centered on age and durability concerns rather than basketball ability. Former NBA player Chandler Parsons addressed the public skepticism on the Run It Back podcast, noting that critics questioned whether the Celtics had compromised their locker room stability.
“When the trade was made, it wasn’t a knock on Paul George’s career or his game. It’s just that he’s 36 years old, he’s had pretty major injuries and missed games. And Jaylen Brown was coming off the best year of his career,” Parsons said on the Run It Back podcast.
“So when the trade happened, I think everyone went, ‘Whoa! Why did the Celtics do this? They got fleeced. There must be more trouble in that locker room than we know. We just need to get rid of this guy.’”
Chandler Parsons now sees why Boston traded Jaylen Brown for Paul George 💯 “Everyone was like ‘Why’d they do this? The Celtics got fleeced.’ … Paul George clearly took that personally…he looks prime PG.”@MichelleDBeadle | @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/jNTPao0V2f
Parsons added that the external commentary galvanized the veteran forward. “It’s clear Paul George took it personally: he has worked his butt off, he looks unbelievable, vintage PG. He looks athletic, he looks in shape, and he looks healthy. And Paul George’s only problem has ever been health. When he is right, he is one of the best two-way players this league has ever seen. He has ice in his veins and he’s proving it.”
The early success dismantles the narrative that Philadelphia decisively won the transaction. Beyond George’s production, Boston acquired two valuable first-round draft selections in the deal.
George remains on track for an All-Star selection if he maintains his current efficiency and avoids extended absences. The Celtics have three days free after a comeback victory over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
The Celtics maintain a three-day break before hosting the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
Keep reading
