Paul George Reportedly Waives Trade Bonus, Updated Celtics Salary Cap After Jaylen Brown Split

The Boston Celtics took on Paul George's lofty contract when they traded Jaylen Brown for him, but the former 76ers star made things a bit easier on them on Monday.

Per ESPN's Bobby Marks, George waived his $3.9 million trade bonus, though his cap hit will stay at $54.1 million this season. George also has a player option worth $56.6 million next year.

The Celtics are $29.9 million over the cap but have $25.5 million in first apron space and $38.1 million in second apron space, per Spotrac.

The question now is whether George will be able to live up to his expensive contract in Boston.

Last year, George put up 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game in 37 contests. The last time he was fully healthy in 2023-24, he averaged 22.6 points on 47.1 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from deep, and the Celtics are hoping to get that version of him alongside Jayson Tatum.

Brad Stevens and the Celtics' front office faced plenty of criticism after they traded the former Finals MVP for an ageing star, but all that backlash could be moot if Boston is able to contend this year.