The blockbuster trade ended an era for “The Jays,” who won an NBA championship together in 2024 and reached the postseason every year they shared a roster. Boston drafted Brown in 2016 and Tatum in 2017, building a core that made five conference finals and two championship appearances. “9 years! Forever grateful for all that we accomplished together, for pushing me to be a better player,” Tatum wrote on Friday.
Tatum Reflects on Nine Years with Brown After 76ers Trade
Navigating Trade Speculation and Business Realities
Speculation regarding Brown’s future and his relationship with Tatum mounted toward the end of his tenure in Boston, particularly after a disappointing first-round playoff loss to Philadelphia. Brown noted on a Twitch live stream that he felt a “lack of respect” from an organization that “packed me up,” omitting Tatum from those specific remarks. However, Tatum addressed the narratives during an 11-minute interview on Dan Patrick’s show, which streams on Peacock and airs on Fox Sports Radio, according to The Boston Globe. “I mean, there are so many different narratives, so many different opinions and speculation,” Tatum said as reported by The Globe. “For me, I love that guy.”
Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens explained that extreme roster-building limitations under the collective bargaining agreement—specifically when carrying two players on max or super-max contracts—necessitated breaking up the tandem. Tatum acknowledged that financial framework in his interview with Patrick, according to The Boston Globe. “Unfortunately, the business of basketball is always going to play a part,” Tatum said. “Nobody has ever played together forever, but it’s not like a thing to be sad or upset about. It’s something to celebrate, what we were able to do.” Tatum concluded his public remarks by wishing his former teammate success, writing on Instagram, “Looking forward to see how you attack this next chapter of your career and wish nothing but the best for you!”
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