The Boston Celtics decided to trade away their second-best player, Jaylen Brown, a few weeks ago. In exchange, they received Paul George and a few picks. Brown was the best player for Boston last year, with Jayson Tatum missing most of the season.
Trading him to the 76ers was a surprising development, since they are in the same division. Now, the Celtics are trying to move forward with Tatum as the undisputed top option. Brown wanted to be the top option on a new team, and he might have that chance in Philly.
It seems that Brown isn’t on speaking terms with his former teammates, though.
GettyBoston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown drives the ball in a game. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Jaylen Brown Says He Hasn’t Spoken to Former Celtics Teammate Jayson Tatum
The Sixers decided to finally hold an introductory press conference for Brown. He was asked if he had spoken to Tatum since the trade. His response was simple.
“Not really.”
“Not really.”
Brown was also asked if it was a partnership he wanted to continue.
“We won a championship together. So anybody that you win a championship with, you think that’s what a brotherhood or a life-long legacy would entail. Obviously, there’s ups and downs in any type of relationship, for sure. On my end, it’s nothing but respect. Besides when he plays the Sixers, I hope he does well. Other than that, everything else is based in respect.”
Brown seems to still have respect for Tatum and what they accomplished together, even if they are no longer on the same team. Based on the fact that they haven’t talked, it doesn’t seem like the two will be hanging out anytime soon now that this trade has happened.
The Celtics are hoping that several players are going to step up now that they have parted ways with Brown. George will also be counted on to stay healthy, which is not something he has been able to do since 2023-24 when he played 74 games.
GettyBoston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum drives the ball in a game against the 76ers. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Boston Believes It Can Still Contend for a Title
Despite trading Brown, Boston still believes that it can compete for a championship. They believe that Hugo Gonzalez and some of the other younger players can step into his role. Now that Tatum is fully healthy, he will have to shoulder an even greater load of the team.
Tatum played heavy minutes in his return from his torn Achilles, and that might have done him in once the postseason started. He missed Game 7 against the 76ers in a win or go home environment. Now, he should have gotten himself into enough shape to last the whole year.
Brown is going to be a key player for the 76ers. Of course, the Celtics will play hard when they take on Philly this year. Fans will be a big part of the story, as well. Brown will be a big topic of discussion on those game days.
Jaylen Brown Says he Hasn’t Talked to Former Celtics Teammate Since Trade