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During an appearance on the Club 520 Podcast, Tucker argued that Paul George may have outperformed Jaylen Brown during the recent playoff series, suggesting the Celtics may not have come out on the losing end of the headline-making trade. His comments surprised many fans, especially considering his long connection to Philadelphia.
Why P.J. Tucker's Opinion Stands Out
Tucker acknowledged that George played an important role in Philadelphia's postseason success, pointing to his efficient perimeter shooting and timely contributions. However, the former forward stopped short of declaring the 76ers the clear winners of the blockbuster exchange, a position that differs from the consensus surrounding the deal.
The playoff series itself tells only part of the story. While Paul George averaged 17.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and shot an outstanding 55% from three-point range, Jaylen Brown produced 25.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and over one block per game, all while taking on an expanded offensive role after Jayson Tatum was unavailable for Game 7.
Philadelphia ultimately advanced thanks to a complete team effort rather than one player's dominance. Joel Embiid emerged as the biggest difference-maker, while Tyrese Maxey continued his rise as one of the NBA's premier young guards. George provided valuable support, but he was far from the lone reason the Sixers overcame a 3-1 series deficit.
Looking beyond the playoffs, Brown's overall body of work during the 2025-26 regular season strengthens the argument that Philadelphia made the better long-term move. Serving as Boston's primary offensive option for much of the season, Brown earned All-Star and All-NBA honors after appearing in 71 games and leading the Celtics to another strong finish in the Eastern Conference.
George, meanwhile, continued to struggle with availability. After appearing in only 41 games the previous season, he was limited to 37 games in 2025-26, raising ongoing concerns about durability despite the significant financial commitment attached to his contract. Those injury issues became a major factor in Philadelphia's decision to reshape its roster.
The bottom line is that P.J. Tucker's comments add an interesting perspective, but they are unlikely to change the broader evaluation of the trade. While George delivered quality performances when healthy, Jaylen Brown's production, durability, and long-term value make the move look like a significant victory for the 76ers, even if the debate surrounding one of the NBA's biggest blockbuster deals is far from over.
