Everything Paul George Said About Jaylen Brown Trade, Fan Backlash, More at Celtics Press Conference

Veteran forward Paul George met with the media on Tuesday for the first time since being traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Boston Celtics.

George was shipped up to Boston along with four future draft picks in exchange for star guard Jaylen Brown. Despite receiving a nine-time All-Star from Philadelphia, Celtics fans were underwhelmed with George headlining the trade return for Brown, who endeared himself to the city despite a contentious end to his tenure with the franchise.

George told reporters in Tuesday's introductory press conference that he understood the fans' reaction to the trade, and he won't let it affect his approach to his new team.

"I understand the circumstances. I understand how huge JB was not only for the organization but also here in the city," George said. "So I didn't take [the reaction] personally. [Fans] should have a relationship personally to the trade."

The 36-year-old added that he plans to be one of the team's leaders, but he knows his job is to support Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum.

"Bring a veteran stance. Leadership… Just be a great co-partner to JT," he said. "I think we got an unbelievable roster, an unbelievable coach, obviously, front office. I've always admired everything Boston has done and stood for."

He continued : "We have a superstar and that's JT. I'm not here to necessarily steal the shine or try to reinvent who I am. I'm here to help JT, and he's the guy. I've played alongside another superstar wing, and we coexisted beautifully."

George's past two seasons with the Sixers have been well below his standards. He played in a combined 78 games and saw his scoring average dip below 20 points for the first time since his injury-shortened 2014-15 season.

However, George made it clear that he feels like he's back to his old self after getting healthy, and he expects to be better with the Celtics.

"I feel great again. I feel like I've turned a corner of dealing with injuries, and now kind of reestablishing myself and from a physical standpoint again," he said , later adding , "The past couple years have been rough from a physical standpoint. … I feel great physically. My body naturally has just healed."

In addition to acquiring George, the Celtics added even more veteran leadership this offseason by bringing in longtime point guard Mike Conley Jr. Team president Brad Stevens said the two of them have already made a difference with their leadership.

"You can feel their presence in the building," Stevens told reporters .

The Celtics also landed a major win in free agency when center Mitchell Robinson defected from the 2026 NBA champion New York Knicks to sign with them on a three-year deal. Robinson wasn't present at Tuesday's press conference for personal reasons, but Stevens said he's already been working with the team. He added that he's more than pleased with Boston's offseason.

"I really like this group," Stevens said . "I think this group is going to be good."

George and the new-look Celtics will open the 2026-27 season on Oct. 20 against the Detroit Pistons.