​BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 21: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with Jayson Tatum #0 during overtime against the Indiana Pacers in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 21, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 02: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers defends Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics during the second quarter in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on May 02, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) GettyThe Boston Celtics explained their decision to trade Jaylen Brown largely through the language of financial flexibility, roster depth and “optionality.” Bill Simmons believes basketball fit also drove the franchise-altering move.During an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Simmons said Boston viewed Paul George as a potentially cleaner complement to Jayson Tatum than Brown had become.“I think one of the reasons they made the trade is they felt like he might be a better fit at this point in Tatum’s career,” Simmons said. “Not saying I agree with that. As you guys know, I didn’t like the trade. But I think they were feeling like it was a better basketball fit, and I think they wanted some of their other younger swings to play more.”“They felt like [Paul George] might be a better fit, at this point of Tatum’s career”@BillSimmons on what he thinks was behind the Celtics’ decision to trade Jaylen Brown.NBA Today | Weekdays 4–7p ET on SiriusXMhttps://t.co/U91Jb62Hxo@TermineRadio | @Jumpshot8pic.twitter.com/nSVOVu0yXd— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) August 5, 2026Boston sent Brown to Philadelphia for George, two first-round picks and two second-rounders, ending a nine-year partnership that delivered five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two trips to the NBA Finals and the 2024 championship.Why Paul George May Fit Better With Jayson TatumThe statistical case begins with usage.Brown posted a 35.1% usage rate last season, second among qualified NBA players, while carrying the offense during Tatum’s recovery from a torn Achilles. He averaged career highs of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists, but his transformation into a primary creator complicated the eventual redistribution of touches.George’s usage rate was only 23.3%. He averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists over 37 games for Philadelphia, shooting 43.9% from the field and 39.2% from 3-point range.Brown shot 34.7% from deep and committed 3.6 turnovers per game. George averaged on