Evan Turner blames Mike Zarren, analytics for Boston Celtics Jaylen Brown trade

Justin Quinn, Celtics WireFri, July 3, 2026 at 5:52 PM UTC

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When it comes to how the Boston Celtics will be after trading away star forward Jaylen Brown for Paul George and a smattering of draft assets, former Celtics player and assistant coach Evan Turner is optimistic. But when it comes to the analytical models being reported as contributing to Boston President of Basketball Operations and the rest of the front office pulling the trigger on the trade, Turner is more skeptical, to put it nicely.

"I think in this instance, compared to last offseason, the Celtics are in a completely better position," said Turner on a recent episode of the Sports Illustrated's "Open Floor" podcast. "I believe they can move up. They'll have a healthy Jayson Tatum."

"I definitely think Brad has to do something with those extra picks to see if they can matriculate into something," he added, "but they could be a top four seed regardless. It's going to be hard to win a championship in general (...)."

"The trade— the trade is terrible," said Turner. "The trade— the trade is an idea on paper. Don't let me get wrong. But I'm saying, when we come back here, it's like: 'Why would they do that?' They're like, 'Hey, this is an analytics situation. Your man, Mike Zarren, probably came in and said, 'Yo, (do this trade).'"

"I'm not blaming Brad Stevens—I'm blaming Michael Zarren. Michael Zarren walked into that office and told him, '(...) We should trade him, and this is the best deal', and there's a bunch of other nerds (saying) 'You're right.'"

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Evan Turner blames Mike Zarren, analytics for Celtics Jaylen Brown trade

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