Aug. 7, 2026, 2:55 p.m. ET
Sometimes, even when you generally get along with a coworker well, with enough time, proximity can create friction. And it seems as if that may have been the case between star Boston Celtics wings Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, given what we heard from the former at his introductory press conference with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Speaking at length for the first time since Boston President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens dealt him to the Sixers (other than his social media streams), Brown alluded to some cracks in his relationship with his former costar on the wing. “We won a championship together,” recalled the Georgia native. “So anybody that you win a championship (with), you would think that’s … a brotherhood, or a lifelong legacy would entail.”
“Obviously, there (are) ups and downs in any type of relationship, for sure,” added Brown. “But on my end, it’s nothing but respect.”
“Besides when he plays the Sixers, I hope he does well,” said the Cal alum. “But other than that, everything for me is just based on respect.”
When asked if he’d spoken to Tatum since the trade, Brown said, “not really.” And while one does not need to be close to one’s coworkers, the way the 2024 NBA Finals MVP framed the questions regarding his ties with the Duke alum make it difficult to not wonder what might have happened between them before his trade to the 76ers.
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