Welcome to Boston: Celtics introduce Paul George, Mike Conley Jr.
BOSTON —
After an offseason roster overhaul, the Boston Celtics are introducing new players ahead of the upcoming season.
President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens and Head Coach Joe Mazzulla brought Paul George and Mike Conley Jr. on stage to speak with reporters on Tuesday afternoon.
The club traded guard Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia Sixers for George, a forward.
“I understand the circumstances. I understand how huge J.B. was, not only for the organization but here in the city. So I didn’t take it, you know, personal, to be honest. They should have a relationship emotionally to that trade, but my job is here is… kind of come in… it’s a great opportunity for me. Obviously the last two 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.”
George, 36, joins the Celtics after spending two seasons with the Sixers. George averaged 20.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in his 16-year career, after he was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2010.
Conley agreed to a one-year contract with the Celtics, according to ESPN. The veteran point guard is set to become just the 14th player in NBA history to reach 20 NBA seasons.
“The culture here in Boston speaks for itself. The championships, the banners, the fanbase, all that encompasses all of that,” Conley said. “Looking around, I was looking at what opportunities are out there for me. Boston was a real one and to have an opportunity to play for such a storied franchise with Joe and Brad and all the team, the guys, the players, to the staff, A-1 top-notch and to have the opportunity to be a part of it and contribute to that and do what I can to help try to get that goal of a championship.”
Stevens said another big offseason acquisition, Mitchell Robinson, could not attend Tuesday’s press conference due to a “personal matter” but has been working out with the team over recent days.
Robinson agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million contract that includes a player option for the third season, ESPN reported. He joins Boston after spending his entire NBA career with the New York Knicks, where he played a key role on the franchise’s 2026 championship team.