Paul George ready to prove self in wake of controversial trade - ESPN

BOSTON — Paul George made one thing clear during his introductory news conference with the Boston Celtics on Tuesday: His ears work just fine.

He has heard the not-so-silent chorus of Celtics fans who bemoaned the front office's decision to jettison 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown in the July trade with Philadelphia that sent George to his fifth NBA team.

But George, 36, also isn't shying away from his new situation.

«I understand my circumstances. I understand how huge JB was, not only for the organization but here in the city. So I didn't take it personal,» George said. «To be honest, they should have a relationship, emotionally, to that trade.

»But my job is to kind of come into a great opportunity for me. Obviously, the last few years have been rough, just with injuries. But for myself personally, I feel great again. I feel like I've turned that corner of dealing with injuries and now kind of reestablishing myself from a physical standpoint again. And with that, I can carry it over to the court."

George, along with acquisitions Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley, represent president of basketball operations Brad Stevens' attempt to shore up the roster alongside Jayson Tatum.

The franchise centerpiece, Tatum is embarking on his first full season since tearing an Achilles tendon in May 2025 and then having his return late last season end with him being sidelined for the Celtics' Game 7 first-round playoff loss to George and the 76ers.

Robinson comes in fresh off winning a championship with the Knicks, and Conley will be suiting up with his fourth NBA team as he prepares for his 20th season.

Robinson missed Tuesday's news conference for a personal matter, but Stevens said likes what he has seen over the past few weeks