Is Jaylen Brown worse than Kawhi Leonard? One intriguing detail warrants the question

Jaylen Brown and Kawhi Leonard were both part of blockbuster deals on Wednesday, but their trade details warrant a serious question.

The 2024 NBA Finals MVP was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for nine-time All-Star Paul George, an unprotected first-round pick in 2031, a 2028 first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks (2028 and 2030). 

On the other hand, Leonard was traded back to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Gradey Dick, Brandon Ingram, first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, second-round picks in 2030 and 2033, and a first-round pick swap in 2027.

Both are former NBA champions. The former Boston Celtics guard won it just a few years back, and Leonard has been injury-prone over the last couple of years. Moreover, Brown is six years younger.

Despite the obvious reasoning, the Celtics got less for Brown than the LA Clippers got for Leonard. NBA reporter Josh Lewenberg spotted the difference between the two trades to spark a major debate:

"*whispers* the Clippers got more for a 35-year-old Kawhi Leonard than Boston got for a 29-year-old Jaylen Brown," he wrote on X.

*whispers* the Clippers got more for a 35-year-old Kawhi Leonard than Boston got for a 29-year-old Jaylen Brown.

Leonard's trade exchange had two first-round picks. Brown's exchange value had only one first-round pick, and that one was unprotected. The other exchange values cancel out when comparing. In terms of names, Ingram and Dick combined give more value than acquiring George, who averaged less than 20ppg for the second straight year.

Brown should have been the more valuable trade asset. If a 35-year-old Leonard with durability concerns can attract that much draft pick, the Celtics could have gotten a lot more for Brown.

MORE: The Boston Celtics are reportedly pleased with the shocking Jaylen Brown trade

Jaylen Brown going to 76ers shifts balance in East

Jaylen Brown will have to learn to play alongside stars like Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. But that shouldn't be hard, given how he existed in the presence of Jayson Tatum. The trio can really shift the power balance in the Eastern Conference.

Last season, the New York Knicks easily captured the Eastern Conference title, beating the 76ers in the semis and sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference championship series.

But with Brown's addition, the 76ers' championship probability has certainly increased. The Cavaliers haven't drastically improved this offseason, though there are rumors tying LeBron James there. Can Paul George turn things around with the Celtics? It's an interesting question. The Pistons could be a threat, but they lack star power.

So, the biggest threat in the East comes down to the Knicks. If the 76ers get a healthy Embiid and a well-infused offensive core in the playoffs, it will be tough for the Knicks to defend their Eastern Conference supremacy next season.

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