Kendrick Perkins bashes Celtics, makes bold claim about new-look 76ers

While nothing is guaranteed for Philadelphia, especially in terms of Embiid's availability, if it can duplicate the level of play from 2025-26, Brown could be what the 76ers need to get over the hump and into the organization's first NBA Finals since 2001. 

Kendrick Perkins isn't letting the Celtics off the hook 

But regardless of what happens in Philadelphia, the Celtics have taken a noticeable step back among the contenders, something that doesn't sit right with Perkins, either. 

"This is a sad day for the Boston Celtics. As a former Celtic, I do not approve of this trade. If you're going to trade a guy that's a top 10 player, you at least have to get back a guy that's a top 15 or top 20 player. Paul George is not that. Paul George hasn't been consistently good since I was skinny," unleashed Perkins. 

"When you talk about Jaylen Brown, your former Finals MVP, Conference Finals MVP, NBA champion, coming off his best season statistically, leading this team and defeating all the odds – they were supposed to be in tanking mode! Instead, they finished second in the East."

It's hard to argue with Perkins' comments, but only time will tell what truly made Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens feel this deal at this time was the only possible solution. It's now up to Stevens to make sure this universally criticized trade doesn't ruin his otherwise impeccable legacy as both a successful head coach and championship executive forever.