With the Brown trade in motion, Boston added a new core that features Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Paul George, Jayson Tatum, and Mitchell Robinson. Robinson joined the Celtics following a three-year, $47.4 million deal secured in free agency with the Knicks. However, despite having a talented roster, the Celtics may see their championship odds diminished with George still on the roster. George’s contract for the current season stands at $54.1 million, escalating to a $56.6 million player option for the next season, making him a potential trade asset should Boston aim to boost its contending window.
A hypothetical trade scenario has the Celtics pursuing two wings who would fit neatly alongside Tatum and White: Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones. The proposed framework envisions Boston sending George, five first-round picks, and two second-round picks to New Orleans in exchange for Murphy, Jones, Jordan Hawkins, and Saddiq Bey. The Pelicans would receive George plus a substantial draft haul: 2027, 2028, 2030, 2031, and 2033 first-round picks, along with 2028 and 2030 second-round selections. This would be a heavy financial commitment for New Orleans, as George carries a 15% trade kicker, pushing his outgoing salary toward approximately $57.7 million for the season.
From a cap standpoint, Murphy is around $27.0 million, Jones about $14.9 million, Hawkins about $7.0 million, and Bey around $6.6 million. Combined, these four players would command roughly $55.5 million in outgoing salary for 2026-27, aligning with the proposed trade framework and helping balance the Pelicans’ books while delivering a sizable draft package to offset the retention of George.
Why this move makes sense for Boston
– Youthful wings who can defend, shoot, and move the ball would better complement Tatum and White, taking some of the pressure off the star duo.
– Murphy provides a legitimate scoring threat who can space the floor and attack closeouts, while Jones offers elite perimeter defense with strong steals numbers.
– The combination of Murphy and Jones would give Boston a more versatile wing corps than the George-centric lineup, with Hawkins providing shooting off the bench and Bey offering reliable minutes on the wing.
– The roster would be more balanced and less reliant on a single star, potentially reducing the wear and tear on Tatum and allowing White to focus on playmaking and defense.
Why New Orleans might consider the deal
– The Pelicans have faced criticisms about their inability to maximize a talented core amid injuries and a high payroll. A sizable return in draft capital could help reset the timeline and provide a clearer path forward.
– George, at 36, posted a limited season and carries a heavy contract with a player option for next year. Moving him could free up financial flexibility and reduce long-term risk.
– Acquiring Murphy and Jones, along with additional wings, could help the Pelicans build a more complete and sustainable rotation around Zion Williamson, especially if long-term extensions or future trades can further shape the roster.
– The draft assets would provide a substantial runway to pursue other upgrades or to pivot toward a different core if needed.
Context on fit and balance
– Murphy is not merely a 3-and-D player; he contributes as a capable scorer and weapon who can space the floor, attack closeouts, and run in transition. His shooting and aggression off the ball would help create better spacing around Tatum and White.
– Jones brings high-end defense and disruptive playmaking at the wing position, which could help Boston compensate for the loss of Brown’s on-ball pressure and toughness.
– Hawkins and Bey add shooting depth and versatile perimeter scoring, helping Boston maintain offensive balance off the bench.
– This mix aims to preserve ball movement and pace while reducing the over-reliance on George as a primary option.
Potential risks
– The deal involves a significant draft-package cost for Boston, including multiple unprotected first-round picks and several second-round picks. The organization would be betting on a longer-term return rather than an immediate championship window.
– New Orleans would be taking on a substantial amount of salary with George and a heavy draft commitment. The Pelicans would need to be confident in their ability to maximize remaining assets and that George remains a movable piece in future seasons.
Overall outlook
This hypothetical trade envisions transforming the Celtics from a high-profile star duo into a deeper, younger, and more versatile wing-oriented squad around Jayson Tatum. The proposed package would be substantial, but it centers on obtaining two players who fit Boston’s needs—scoring threat in Murphy and defensive stopper in Jones—while maintaining shooting and playmaking through Hawkins and Bey. For New Orleans, the move would unlock significant draft capital and a longer-term plan anchored by Zion Williamson’s era and a refreshed supporting cast.
In summary, the proposed trade would pivot the Celtics toward a more balanced, defense-oriented contemporary roster that emphasizes wing depth and spacing, while offering the Pelicans a rapid pathway to recalibrate their core around draft assets and the evolving roster. The decision would hinge on each team’s assessment of long-term fit, financial flexibility, and the willingness to pursue an accelerated rebuild or a sustained title push through asset accumulation.
