Paul George knows the optics behind his Celtics arrival and isn’t fazed: ‘It’s fair’

Paul George had zero control over his destiny this offseason.

It wasn’t until the Celtics began shopping Jaylen Brown on the trade market that wheels began to turn, ultimately leading to George’s unforeseen move from Philadelphia to Boston. Once the Celtics and Sixers shook hands and agreed to their Brown-George blockbuster on July 1, the 36-year-old’s situation changed dramatically.

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He even admitted it was “a bit surprising” when he heard the news.

But George isn’t bothered by the change.

“I understand the circumstances,” George told reporters Tuesday at the Auerbach Center, per NBC Sports Boston.

“I didn’t take it personal, to be honest. They should have a relationship, emotionally, to that trade. But my job here is to come into a great opportunity for me.”

Instead of playing behind Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in Philadelphia, George carries the burden left by Brown’s exit, which now awaits him at his TD Garden locker in Boston. He isn’t playing third fiddle. As the second-highest-paid Celtic (earning $54.1 million), George is under immense pressure to begin harkening back to the impactful presence he once was, this time as Jayson Tatum’s new running mate.

BRIGHTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 15: Paul George #13 of the Boston Celtics speaks to the media during a press conference on September 15, 2026 at The Auerbach Center in Brighton, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

“Again, no personal feelings towards the initial — how it [was] received here in Boston. To be honest, it’s fair. One foot in front of the other. Hopefully, with how we start this year, they understand this is a new team and something they can be proud of.”

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George spent the greater bulk of last season battling a left knee hyperextension which required surgery and sidelined him for 41 games. He rejoined the Sixers just in time to square off against…

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Publish date : 2026-09-16 09:00:00

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