BOSTON — The Boston Celtics introduced Paul George and Mike Conley at a news conference Tuesday, two weeks before the team opens training camp on Sept. 29.
Boston acquired George from the Philadelphia 76ers on July 1 in the trade that sent Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia. The Celtics received George, first-round picks in 2028 and 2031, and second-round picks in 2028 and 2030. The deal became official July 6.
Mitchell Robinson was scheduled to be introduced with George and Conley. The center missed the news conference because of a personal matter.
Brown played all 10 of his NBA seasons in Boston after the Celtics drafted him third overall in 2016. He was the 2024 Finals MVP. Last season, he averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists before Boston moved him in a summer of trade talks that also involved Minnesota.
George is 36 and said the run of injuries he had with the LA Clippers and the 76ers, including knee surgery before last season, is behind him.
“I understand my circumstances. I understand how huge JB was, not only for the organization, but here in the city,” George said. “So, I didn’t take it personal. 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,” George continued. “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 re-establishing myself from a physical standpoint again. And with that, I can carry it over to the court.”
Last season, George appeared in 37 games for Philadelphia. He averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. The Celtics are his fifth NBA team, and he is entering his 17th season as a nine-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA selection. His contract pays $54.1 million this season, and he holds a $56.6 million player option for 2027-28.
Paul George Says Jayson Tatum Is the Boston Celtics’ Superstar
Boston’s roster is built around Jayson Tatum, who is heading into his first full season since tearing his Achilles tendon in May 2025. Tatum returned late last season. He was sidelined for Boston’s Game 7 loss to George and the 76ers in the first round.
The Celtics went 56-26 last season and finished second in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia won the series 4-3.
Playing next to Tatum does not require George to change his game.
“We have a superstar, and that’s JT. I’m not here to necessarily steal the shine or try to reinvent who I am,” George explained. “I’ve played alongside another superstar wing and we coexisted beautifully.”
George said Tuesday he is in a “great” place physically and mentally.
“It’s a new group, a new opportunity,” George said. “I think they’re getting someone that’s ready to, not fill the shoes or fill the void of JB, but I think from a personal standpoint myself, I think I can come in and kind of still keep us in that contention. Give us a chance to win.”
Mike Conley Joins Boston Celtics for 20th NBA Season
Conley agreed to a one-year deal with Boston on July 1, and the signing became official July 6. At 38, he is entering his 20th NBA season with his fourth team. He spent parts of the last four seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves and averaged 4.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 54 games last season.
Boston’s backcourt is led by Derrick White and Payton Pritchard.
Conley has “still got a lot left,” he said, and he and George arrive with leadership and a drive to produce.
“It’s two guys who haven’t had a chance to win a championship,” Conley said. “So, it’s that sense of urgency that maybe reignites that for the guys who’ve been on this team, who’ve already won it.”
Robinson signed a three-year, $47.4 million contract with Boston that became official July 6 and includes a player option for 2028-29. He spent his first eight NBA seasons with the New York Knicks, who drafted him with the 36th pick in 2018, and won the 2026 championship with New York. He averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 60 games last season. In the playoffs, he averaged 4.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in 13.9 minutes.
Neemias Queta started 75 games at center for Boston last season.
George, Conley, and Robinson joined Tatum and other Celtics for informal workouts this summer. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said he has liked what he has seen from the three newcomers in workouts with the returning players over the past few weeks.
“I will say this, and these guys have both mentioned it, I really like this group. I really think this group will be good,” Stevens said. “I know how excited they are about it, and we’re looking forward to getting started.”
On Monday, the Celtics held their annual season launch event. Stevens spoke to the room with one image behind him, a photo of the TD Garden court being refurbished.
“That happens every year right around the end of July. And to me, every single year you go through it looks like the blank canvas of a court being absolutely redone,” Stevens explained. “Nobody’s stepped on it. And now it’s that year’s team. To write its own chapter. And I felt that way every time they do it.”
Boston holds media day Sept. 28. The Celtics open the regular season Oct. 20 against the Detroit Pistons in Detroit.
