Bill Simmons Thinks the Celtics Have a Trey Murphy III Trade Waiting. Here’s Why That Matters.

The Boston Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George and a handful of first-round picks. And yeah, the fanbase is still trying to process it. No official explanation from the front office yet, which only fuels the speculation. But Bill Simmons has a theory, and it’s not a small one.

On his podcast, Simmons laid out what he thinks is really going on. He called the Brown-for-George deal “Part 1 of a second part of a deal.” And the second part? He believes the Celtics are angling to land Trey Murphy III from the New Orleans Pelicans.

“I really wonder if the Trey Murphy III deal is the second part of this. I don’t think New Orleans wanted Jaylen Brown,” Simmons said.

Let’s be clear about something. This is speculation. No reporting has confirmed the Celtics are making another move. But Simmons has been right before, and his track record on reading Boston’s front office is decent enough that people are paying attention.

Here’s the logic. The Celtics were reportedly interested in Giannis Antetokounmpo weeks ago. That didn’t happen. Brown is gone now. So if Boston is serious about staying competitive — and maybe even getting better — they need another piece. Murphy fits. He’s young, he shoots well, and he’s on a rookie scale contract that wouldn’t wreck their cap. That matters for a team that’s already paying Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and now Paul George.

The Pelicans, though? They might not bite. Simmons himself said he doesn’t think New Orleans wanted Brown. So what would Boston offer? The picks they just got from Philly? Maybe a player like Derrick White or someone else on the roster. It’s unclear. But the idea has legs.

For now, the Celtics have to move forward with what they’ve got. Paul George is 34. He’s not the same guy who was an MVP finalist a few years back. But when he’s healthy — and that’s always the question — he can still be a difference-maker. He showed flashes with the Sixers last season, especially late in games. The defensive versatility is still there. The shooting is still there. But it’s not the same as having Brown on the floor. That part is undeniable.

Maybe the Celtics are done dealing. Maybe they’re not. Anything can happen between now and opening night. But Simmons planted a seed, and it’s one worth watching.