Did Jaylen Brown want to leave the Celtics? “That’s a lie!”

The split between Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics continues to generate discussion months later. This time, though, the issue isn’t his relationship with Jayson Tatum, but a report suggesting Brown himself asked to leave Boston.

The player’s camp categorically denied that account, telling ESPN the report was “a 10,000% lie”.

Jaylen Brown’s camp pushes back against Scalabrine’s comments

Brian Scalabrine, the former NBA player and current NBC Sports Boston analyst, reignited the discussion by suggesting Brown had asked the Celtics to trade him, presenting management with a series of demands and identifying the Milwaukee Bucks as his preferred destination.

That account differs completely from the one provided by the current Philadelphia 76ers player’s representatives. According to Brown’s camp, he never asked to be traded to Milwaukee, nor did he demand to leave Boston.

The situation reportedly changed only after a potential deal involving Giannis Antetokounmpo fell through. At that point, the Celtics allegedly told Brown they intended to trade him anyway.

His only request was reportedly to have a say in his destination, before the trade that sent him to Philadelphia for Paul George, two first-round picks (2028 and 2031) and two second-round picks (2028 and 2030).

After the controversy, Scalabrine partially walked back his comments, while maintaining that he had received information about certain requests from the player.

Technically, he didn’t ask to be traded. It was more like, “Do these things, or else…” One of the requests might have been a $140 million extension

Brian Scalabrine

Scalabrine nevertheless acknowledged that he didn’t know all the details.

Brown and Tatum’s relationship remains a talking point

According to Brown’s representative, the player’s only other request during his time in Boston was to receive the same treatment as Jayson Tatum.

The relationship between the former teammates has returned to the spotlight in recent days.

It began when Tatum said he had been surprised by Brown’s trade, just like everyone else around the NBA. The Sixers player responded by posting a blue cap emoji, used on social media to signify a lie.

Tatum subsequently tried to downplay the situation.

There’s no issue between us. I understand drama gets views and attention, but that’s not something I’m interested in. Everyone is entitled to their feelings

Jayson Tatum

Brown, meanwhile, denied any real rivalry but struck a decidedly sharper tone.

There’s no beef, maybe just some lamb chops with a little sauce

Jaylen Brown

A play on the word beef, which can refer to either the meat or a dispute. The Philadelphia player then took another jab at his former teammate.

Jayson’s a good guy, he has a beautiful family, he’s a tremendous player and he has a fantastic PR team

Jaylen Brown

Asked whether he would be willing to speak directly with Tatum to clear the air, Brown didn’t sound particularly interested.

We both have a lot on our plates. He has to do what his team needs, and I have to do what mine needs

Jaylen Brown

Nine years together and an NBA championship

Brown and Tatum spent nine seasons together with the Celtics, forming one of the most successful duos in recent years. Together, they reached five Eastern Conference finals, appeared in two NBA Finals and won the NBA championship in 2024 against the Dallas Mavericks.

That run ended with last summer’s trade, but it continues to generate conversation off the court.

For now, Brown’s camp wanted to make one point clear above all: the trade reportedly wasn’t his request. As for his relationship with Tatum, both keep insisting there’s no issue, even if a few pointed remarks seem to tell a slightly different story.