Jaylen Brown on Tatum relationship: “There’s always respect”
The former Celtics star admits his relationship with Tatum went through some difficult moments, but reiterates the respect that was forged after winning a championship together
Among the many topics addressed during his introduction to the Philadelphia 76ers, there was one that fans were waiting to hear about more than any other: the relationship between Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
After spending ten seasons together with the Boston Celtics, Brown spoke openly about their relationship, making it clear that things were not always easy.
“Like any relationship, there were ups and downs”
Brown did not try to paint a perfect picture. He admitted that his relationship with Tatum went through different phases over the years.
We won a championship together. When you share something like that, you think it creates a brotherhood that is going to last forever
Jaylen Brown
He then added candidly:
Like any relationship, there were ups and downs. But from my side, there’s nothing but respect
Jaylen Brown
Brown also revealed that, following his trade to the 76ers, he and Tatum have barely been in contact.
We really haven’t talked
Jaylen Brown
Despite that, the former Celtics star wanted to emphasize that his respect for his former teammate has never gone away.
I hope everything goes well for him… except when he plays against the 76ers
Jaylen Brown
The joke drew a smile from those in attendance, but it also confirmed Brown’s desire to definitively turn the page.
A championship that will last forever
Brown and Tatum spent ten seasons together in Boston, becoming one of the NBA’s most recognizable duos. The high point of their journey was the 2024 NBA championship, a milestone Brown still considers a special bond today.
When you win a championship together, that’s something that stays with you for the rest of your life
Jaylen Brown
For that reason, even though their paths have now separated, Brown does not appear to hold any personal resentment toward his former teammate.
A new story begins now
If Boston now represents the past, Philadelphia is the present. Brown has repeatedly stressed that he does not want to fuel any further controversy surrounding the Celtics or the way the trade came about.
I’m moving forward. Maybe one day I’ll tell all the details of what happened, but today I’m focused only on what’s ahead of me
Jaylen Brown
With LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and a roster built to win immediately, Brown wants to open a new chapter of his career. And, at least when it comes to Jayson Tatum, the message is clear: there were ups and downs, but the respect never went away.