Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Trade Called Biggest Rip‑Off

Trade Details

The Celtics shipped Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in a deal that included Paul George, two first‑round picks and two second‑round picks. The transaction felt like a twist you had to read twice to believe it was real. Boston’s decision to move a co‑star to a division rival adds a new layer of controversy to an already seismic offseason.

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Rankings Put It Among Worst This Century

Bleacher Report’s Lee Escobedo placed the Brown swap at No. 6 on a list of the worst trades in sports this century, noting only five deals rank worse. “Trading a co‑star to a random contender stings,” Escobedo writes, “but to the rival that eliminated you—and one you’ll see four times a year—takes a special kind of front‑office cockiness.” The article also mentions that Boston had been trying to move Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo weeks earlier, only to end up handing the 76ers exactly what they needed.

The Celtics aimed for a superstar swap but, according to Escobedo, the picks might age well while the decision itself will not. Even Brown appeared “thrown” by the sudden change, underscoring how odd the timing felt for all parties.

Boston’s Mixed Bag of Moves

On the same Bleacher Report list, Boston’s 2017 trade that swapped the pick used on Markelle Fultz for the selection that became Jayson Tatum is highlighted as a positive for the Celtics. Escobedo notes that “this deal continues to age worse and worse,” but points out the Sixers later turned the Fultz pick into Tyrese Maxey.

The article also rattles off a few other notable swaps: the Patriots’ acquisition of Wes Welker from Miami (ranked No. 14 from the Dolphins’ view) and Oakland’s trade that sent Randy Moss to New England (12th‑worst from the Raiders’ standpoint). These examples give fans a broader picture of how dramatically fortunes can shift in a single day.

What It Means Going Forward

For the Sixers, securing a proven scorer like Brown may boost their championship hopes, but the long‑term value still hinges on how the drafted assets develop. The Celtics retain premium pick capital, which could be crucial if the roster needs a future superstar or a strategic shift.

Boston fans now face the reality that a move meant to rebuild quickly may instead cement the 76ers as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. The trade’s low ranking suggests many will judge the decision harshly, regardless of how the picks eventually perform.