Although Jaylen Brown has "not really" talked to Jayson Tatum since being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in July, he expressed appreciation for their nine years as Boston Celtics teammates.
"We won a championship together. So, anybody that you win a championship (with), you would think, like, that's what a brotherhood or a lifelong legacy would entail," Brown said Thursday at his introductory press conference.
He continued, "Obviously, there's ups and downs in any type of relationship, for sure. But on my end, it's nothing but respect. Besides when he plays the Sixers, I hope he does well. But other than that, everything for me is just based in respect."
Brown and Tatum led Boston to nine consecutive playoff appearances as well as the franchise's record-extending 18th NBA title in 2024. That year, Brown earned Finals MVP honors after averaging 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.2 steals during the postseason.
With Tatum sidelined for most of the 2025-26 campaign due to an Achilles injury, Brown rose to the occasion with career highs in points (28.7 per contest), assists (5.1), and free-throw attempts (7.5). He also finished sixth in MVP voting and was an All-NBA second-team selection.
Despite the 29-year-old having the strongest season of his career, the Celtics reportedly included Brown in their trade proposal for Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason. They continued to shop the five-time All-Star after the Miami Heat eventually landed the Greek Freak.
Philadelphia later acquired Brown in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks, and a pair of second-rounders.
A month after being dealt, Brown is ready to turn the page.
"I'm very grateful for my experience, my tenure in Boston. Ten years is a perfect cycle, perfect number for completion," Brown said. "We won a championship, and I have nothing but respect for the city of Boston. But now, it's time to move forward a little bit."
