The Boston Celtics’ trade discussions with the Philadelphia 76ers included a request for VJ Edgecombe as part of the return package for Jaylen Brown, according to reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania. Boston ultimately agreed to a deal centered on Paul George and multiple draft picks, but only after setting what league sources described as a high early asking price.
Charania noted that Boston’s front office initially framed the market aggressively, seeking “four to five first-round picks” and a high-upside young player such as Edgecombe if Philadelphia intended to acquire George. The Sixers ultimately remained engaged through multiple iterations of negotiations before becoming the last team still actively involved in talks.
The finalized deal sent Brown to Philadelphia, where he joins Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, while Boston receives George along with a 2028 first-round pick (swap rights included), an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, and two second-round selections in 2028 and 2030.
Brown departs Boston after a 71-game season in which he averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while shooting 47.7% from the field.
Philadelphia’s package construction reflects both immediate contention and internal development. Edgecombe, who completed a strong rookie campaign at age 20, averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across 75 games while shooting 43.8% from the field and 35.4% from three. He also posted 1.4 steals per game and finished third in Rookie of the Year voting.
The teams met in the 2026 playoffs, where Philadelphia eliminated Boston in seven games during the first round. Brown and Maxey both played central roles in the series, with Philadelphia advancing.
George arrives in Boston after averaging 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 37 games for Philadelphia, where the team finished 45–37 and placed seventh in the East. His shooting split of 39.2% from three on high-volume attempts was a key factor in his appeal as a floor-spacing complement next to Jayson Tatum.
