The Boston Celtics’ decision to trade cornerstone player Jaylen Brown will likely be debated for several years.
The organization is moving forward with Jayson Tatum as its undisputed franchise player, even as rumors and speculation continue about the status of Tatum and Brown’s relationship.
One NBA champion revealed an exclusive scoop regarding Tatum’s thoughts on the trade that rocked the offseason.
NBA Champion Reveals Jayson Tatum Was Shocked Celtics Traded Jaylen Brown
Tatum’s thoughts on the trade were revealed on NBA champion Jeff Teague’s “Club 520 Podcast.”
“I talked to my boy yesterday, my boy JT, motivated,” Teague revealed. “It ain’t no slight because he was legit like, ‘Damn, can’t believe that [expletive] went down.’ You know what I mean? ‘… It’s weird.'”
Jayson Tatum on the Jaylen Brown trade:
“Damn can’t believe that s**t went down… That’s some bulls**t really.”
(via @club520podcast, h/t @NBA__Courtside) pic.twitter.com/HtvXvyNx7Y
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 6, 2026
A big part of the narrative surrounding the Celtics’ decision to trade Brown is an alleged rift between Brown and Tatum.
The Celtics selected Brown No. 3 overall in the 2016 Draft and Tatum at the same spot in the 2017 Draft, with the duo helping the Celtics win the NBA Championship in 2024.
Brown was selected as Finals MVP, which prompted speculation about the future of the star duo.
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Tatum was generally viewed as the team’s best player, which many insiders believe bothered Brown, who believed he was on the same level as Tatum, if not better.
However, both stars said the drama around them had no effect on their relationship, and they shared a strong bond.
The latest turning point occurred when Tatum ruptured his right Achilles tendon in the 2025 playoffs, causing him to miss most of this past season. Boston was expected to take a step back, but Brown kept the Celtics near the top of the East and averaged a career-high 28.7 points per game.
However, the team suffered a disappointing playoff exit at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers, letting slip a 3-1 lead.
The rumors began again, as many insiders wondered whether Brown would defer to a fully healthy Tatum once again next season.
But after the difficult playoff exit, which saw Brown call it his “favorite”, the Boston front office decided it was time for a change, offloading him and his massive contract to Philadelphia.
