Trade Proposal Sends Celtics' Paul George to Pelicans for $226 Million Duo

It has been an interesting offseason thus far for the Boston Celtics as they have made multiple moves to retool their roster after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last season. Of course, the Celtics began their offseason by making the shocking decision to trade Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George and draft capital, officially breaking up their star duo of Brown and Jayson Tatum. Boston then signed Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley in free agency, re-signed Neemias Queta and Jordan Walsh and drafted Chris Cenac Jr. 27th overall in the draft. With these moves, the Celtics are looking to make a run at a title this upcoming season, though they could look at other ways to bolster their roster before the end of the offseason. If Boston elects to go this route, the franchise could target New Orleans Pelicans players Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray. In a potential trade, the Celtics could send George and multiple first-round picks to the Pelicans in exchange for Murphy III and Murray. This trade could work out well for both sides, as the Celtics would add two key win-now players while the Pelicans would add George, who could be a free agent after the season if he declines his player option, along with additional draft capital as they continue their rebuild. For the Celtics, adding Murphy III to their roster would give them a reliable 3-and-D wing to pair alongside Tatum and Derrick White, creating a new core for the franchise's future. Murphy III would provide Boston with a reliable scorer and defender who could be a solid fit for Brown's old role. Last season, the 26-year-old forward averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 47.0% from the field and 37.9% from three. The Celtics would also add a key backcourt piece in Murray, who could either start alongside White in the backcourt and allow Payton Pritchard to come off the bench, or vice versa. Murray would give Boston a reliable scorer, playmaker and defender in the backcourt who could fit well alongside White. While this trade could work out well for the Celtics, the Pelicans may want more in return for Murphy III and Murray, which could cause Boston to potentially look elsewhere to upgrade their roster around Tatum. Related: Trade Idea Sends Nuggets Trio to Trail Blazers for 2-Time Champion, Former No. 3 Pick Related: Mock Trade Sends Hornets' Ex-Lottery Pick to Bucks for Myles Turner Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved This story was originally published September 8, 2026 at 10:30 AM.