Much has been made about the relationship between Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum over the past nine years. Some of it positive. Some of it negative. Some of it based in truth. Some of it based on nonsense. It’s hard to tell what is what, but at the end of the day, they experienced tons of success together, and they’ll always have the 2024 title.
But in terms of what their actual personal relationship is like and how much that had to do with the trade this summer, it’s hard to tell what is what. Neither one of them has actually said anything directly about the other one, but there have been some subtle shots flying both ways.
There have also been plenty of rumors and speculation about their feelings towards each other, and it seems like there has been a wedge between them that grew during Tatum’s injury absence last season and was magnified by some of Brown’s actions and comments after the season came to a disappointing end, specifically with him calling it his favorite season.
A big part of the trade had to do with Brad Stevens and the Celtics thinking that Jaylen wouldn’t be willing to take a backseat to Tatum any longer after his breakout last season, and again, though it’s all based on speculation, there have been reports about JB being unhappy with some preferential treatment from the Celtics organization towards JT and perhaps some hostility going back the other way as well.
Brown and Tatum haven't spoken since the trade
On Thursday, Brown finally held his introductory press conference in Philadelphia and was asked directly about his relationship with Tatum and if they wanted to continue their partnership in Boston. Jaylen somewhat dodged the question, but heaped praise and respect on JT, even saying he hopes he does well (except against the Sixers). He pointed out that they won a championship together and you’d think that would entail a brotherhood for life.
But in a follow-up question, he was asked if they’ve been able to talk since the trade, and Brown’s two-word response spoke volumes.
“Not really”.
Jaylen Brown when asked if he has talked to Jayson Tatum since being traded to Philadelphia:
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) August 6, 2026
"Not really."pic.twitter.com/BCKp4D5eXh
I don’t want to read too much into this. But after a nearly decade-long partnership and all that they went through together, if there was no animosity and they truly shared a brotherhood-like bond, you’d certainly think they would have connected, even if only briefly.
I know it’s the offseason, and they’re both doing their own thing, but it’s 2026. They’ve been throwing subliminal jabs at each other like a good old-fashioned rap beef, but they haven’t been able to exchange a few texts or a quick phone call? That tells me everything I need to know about the relationship.
Celtics fans always wanted the Jays to be friends
And for the record, that’s completely fine. They don’t have to be friends; they don’t have to be brothers. Heck, they don’t even have to like each other. They had a very successful working relationship, and that’s all that matters. But I think we can safely say that they are perfectly fine moving on from each other. If Tatum wanted Brown to stay, I’m pretty sure he has enough sway in the organization to have made it happen.
To use his own words, Jaylen was packed up by the Celtics. He clearly feels some level of disrespect, and Tatum has done nothing to assuage any of that. Now, we see that they haven’t even spoken, and it becomes even clearer. Again, the NBA is a business, and now they are on opposite teams. There is no reason for them to have to talk. But if they really shared a close bond, it’s hard to imagine radio silence after all they’ve been through.
Well, now they are officially rivals, with Tatum being the clear face of the Celtics and Brown now representing the hated 76ers. In a way, maybe a little bit of competitive animosity will actually make this easier on Celtics fans anyway. At least we know where things stand now, and we can move on and support the team in green. All that really matters is what happens between the lines on the court anyway. To use another saying from Brown, throw the ball up.
Add us as a preferred source on Google