New Celtics Trade Rumors on Trey Murphy III Interest After Jaylen Brown, Paul George Deal with 76ers

The Boston Celtics need to figure out a way to replace Jaylen Brown's production if they are going to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference next season, and they reportedly may not be done making moves.

After ESPN's Shams Charania reported Boston will trade Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks, Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix reported the Celtics have "kicked the tires on" the idea of trading for New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III.

Mannix noted the Brown deal gives Boston "more assets to pursue" Murphy, especially since the 2028 first-round pick it landed in the high-profile trade "will likely" be the Los Angeles Clippers' one during a rebuild.

While George is a nine-time All-Star who was once one of the best two-way players in the league, he is also 36 years old and no longer at the peak of his career.

He alone likely won't be able to make up for the departure of Brown, who finished sixth in MVP voting and was an All-NBA Second Team selection last season while posting career-high averages of points (28.7), rebounds (6.9) and assists (5.1) per game.

Adding someone like Murphy to a lineup with George and Jayson Tatum would give the Celtics more matchup flexibility and someone else who can stuff the stat sheet.

Murphy averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game last season while shooting 47 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from deep. He might not be able to match Brown, but the combination of him and George certainly could if they both play at their best in 2026-27.

The Eastern Conference figures to be more competitive next season with the reigning-champion New York Knicks back, Tyrese Haliburton returning to the Indiana Pacers, Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Miami Heat, Kawhi Leonard returning to the Toronto Raptors, Brown on the 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers still formidable.

Boston likely needs to make another addition if it is going to keep pace, especially after losing Brown, and Murphy could be the answer.