Paul George addresses Celtics trade, aiming for fresh start

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

Paul George spoke at his introductory press conference following his trade to the Boston Celtics, acknowledging fan concerns after the departure of 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown. The Celtics have also added Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley Jr. to support Jayson Tatum’s return from injury as they prepare for the new season.

Boston Celtics newcomer Paul George addressed the media Tuesday during his introductory press conference, acknowledging the mixed reactions from fans following the team’s July trade that sent 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. The trade brought George, 36, to his fifth NBA team as part of a broader effort by Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens to strengthen the roster around franchise star Jayson Tatum.

George expressed an understanding of the strong emotional connection Celtics fans have with Brown, noting the significant role Brown played for both the organization and the city. “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. He emphasized his readiness to embrace his new role and the opportunity presented, citing recent years hampered by injuries. “For myself, personally, I feel great again. I feel like I’ve turned that corner of dealing with injuries, and now, kind of re-establishing myself from a physical standpoint again. And with that, I can carry it over to the court.”

In addition to George, the Celtics have added Mitchell Robinson and veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr. in an effort to complement Tatum’s return from an Achilles tendon injury suffered in May 2025. Tatum’s first full season is anticipated after a late return last season, which was cut short and ended with a first-round playoff defeat at the hands of George and the 76ers in Game 7.

Robinson, who recently won an NBA championship with the New York Knicks, was absent from the news conference due to a personal matter. Conley, entering his 20th NBA season, will be playing for his fourth franchise. Stevens highlighted the positive impressions from recent workouts, where the newcomers trained alongside existing Celtics players in preparation for the start of training camp in two weeks.

The Celtics formally launched their season on Monday, with Stevens remarking on the ongoing refurbishment of the TD Garden court, symbolic of the team’s renewal ahead of the upcoming NBA campaign.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.