Successfully trading for someone like Jaylen Brown is one thing, but the fact that the Philadelphia 76ers did not even have to break the bank that hard to acquire him is the biggest reason why this blockbuster trade was perhaps the most confounding yet. Well, that highway robbery only stands to sound even sweeter for the team, especially as rumors point to another contender having to face a steeper price tag for the All-Star.
Timberwolves would have had to pay a steeper price for Brown
As reported by The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski (subscription required), Minnesota was one of the teams that was strongly interested in trading for Brown before Boston ultimately decided to ship him away to Philly. However, it appears that the Timberwolves were quoted a higher cost for the All-Star, as the Celtics reportedly wanted a package consisting of Rudy Gobert and heavy draft capital.
Well, what the 76ers had to give up for Brown –– an aging Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-rounders –– was actually less than what the Timberwolves had to offer just to get on the table with the Celtics brass. That is only added satisfaction for a team that had already clinched the biggest steal of the offseason despite some concerns about fit.
Shocking rumor gives the 76ers an even bigger win for Brown trade
Fans and pundits alike heavily criticized the Celtics front office for the way they handled the Jaylen Brown situation. Well, this report only adds fuel to the fire, especially since it appears that they never really got the kind of return package they were looking to receive for someone of his caliber.
Unlike George, Gobert is still functioning near his All-Star form. His raw numbers are quite modest, but his defensive metrics remain elite. With Boston in dire need of a high-level big man, he would have given the Celtics a more intimidating outlook. Also of note is the fact that Gobert almost never misses games, whereas George is a surefire candidate to miss a considerable number of contests each season.
"Heavy draft capital" is quite vague, but what the 76ers had to shell out for Brown is definitely not heavy when scaled to his caliber as a player. One of the first-rounders they dangled away is also not expected to be in a lofty position anyway.
No matter how you look at it, the 76ers simply fleeced the Celtics in this trade. The Timberwolves missing out on him only makes the situation more positive for Philly, especially since the franchise avoided the kind of ransom that Minnesota had to deal with.
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