After nearly a decade of the Jayson Tatum/Jaylen Brown tandem, the Boston Celtics finally mixed things up this summer, and in a way nobody expected. Even as the process played out, facts unfolded that revealed the surprising nature of Brown’s value within the organization. By the end, the 2024 Finals MVP was gone for practically nothing, leading to more questions than answers about what exactly happened.
For his part, Jayson Tatum had been quiet through the whole ordeal, leading some to speculate that he may have played a role in Jaylen’s untimely exit. Today, however, he disproved the theories by making a personal, heartfelt statement on his Instagram story.
“Nine years! Forever grateful for all that we accomplished together, for pushing me to be a better player,” wrote Tatum. “From first-round exits to winning a chip together, I’m thankful for it all. Nothing but love and respect for you as a player and as a person! Looking forward to seeing how you attack this next chapter of your career and wish nothing but the best for you! Continue to be special!”
Tatum and Brown were drafted just one year apart, and both at third overall. Ever since, they’ve led Boston to prosperity in the East, winning 16 playoff series and one championship. The Celtics were routinely in the title mix during their tenure together, helping the front office resist the incessant calls to split them up.
But after blowing a 3-1 lead to the 76ers this past spring, something broke in the Celtics organization, triggering an urgency to break up their long-treasured core. Now, for the first time in his career, Tatum is moving on without Brown, and he clearly has mixed feelings.
On the one hand, he’s excited about the new chapter and the Celtics’ newest additions: Paul George, Mike Conley, and NBA champion Mitchell Robinson. After missing most of last season due to an Achilles tear, he’s finally healthy again and in a position to play his first full season in two years. Plus, with Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser still on the team, there is confidence they can be competitive next season.
As for what comes next with Tatum, there’s no reason to think he won’t pick up where he left off pre-injury. Before going down, he was one of the best forwards in the league, and the Celtics clearly feel he’s the only one worth paying a supermax contract to right now. Things might be rough without his longtime co-star at his side, but he’ll adjust in time.
Regardless of what happens moving forward, Tatum will always look back fondly on his run with Brown. While not the most conventional duo, they achieved a level of greatness and consistency rarely seen in the NBA. In the process, the duo formed a lifelong bond that will stay intact long after their split. So while Tatum has clearly accepted his new situation, he seemingly never had an issue with Jaylen Brown, and it makes you wonder just how bad things got internally for Celtics President Brad Stevens to handle this as he did.
