Celtics Not Motivated By Money Or Follow-Up Trade In Dealing Jaylen Brown

The Boston Celtics’ blockbuster trade sending Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers was not a cost-cutting move and was not made with a follow-up deal in mind, according to a league source.

Boston sent the 2024 NBA Finals MVP to Philadelphia on Wednesday in exchange for Paul George, two future first-round picks and two second-round picks.

George has two years remaining on his four-year, $211 million contract, one fewer than Brown had remaining. The swap will save the Celtics roughly $2.9 million this season.

Despite that savings, a league source stressed the trade was not a financial decision. The source said there was no directive from ownership to move Brown.

The same source added that Wednesday’s deal was not executed with an imminent secondary trade already planned. Boston’s front office reportedly “agonized” over the decision for days before finalizing it.

Jaxson Hayes, Jazz Agree To Two-Year, $12M Deal

Jaxson Hayes and the Utah Jazz have agreed to a two-year deal worth $12 million. The Jazz will have a team option for the 2027-28 season.

Hayes leaves the Los Angeles Lakers following their sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz for Walker Kessler.

Hayes appeared in 66 games last season with the Lakers, averaging 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 18.3 minutes. Hayes first joined the Lakers during the 2023-24 season.

Hayes gives the Jazz extra depth at center behind Jusuf Nurkic.

Tobiars Harris, Spurs Agree To Two-Year, $31M Deal

Tobias Harris and the San Antonio Spurs have agreed to a two-year, $31 million deal. Harris is represented by Torrel Harris.

Harris averaged 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 27.7 minutes across 63 games with the Pistons.

The Spurs were looking to sign a forward in free agency and Harris gives them an option similar to Julian Champagnie. San Antonio will utilize their non-taxpayer midlevel exception on Harris and now be hard capped at the first apron.

The Pistons already signed his probable replacement in John Collins on a three-year, $51 million contract.