​Boston, Massachusetts — April 28: Jayson Tatum, wearing number 0 for the Boston Celtics, surveys the action in the second half of Game Five of the first round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on April 28, 2026. By downloading or using this photograph, you acknowledge and agree to the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Boston, Massachusetts — June 17: Jayson Tatum, number 0, reacts after a play in the second quarter of Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden in Boston. By downloading or using this image, you agree to the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Boston, Massachusetts — April 29: Jayson Tatum, number 0, and Jaylen Brown, number 7, look on during Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden on April 29, 2025. By downloading or using this photograph, you consent to the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Just a few months earlier, the 76ers viewed Jaylen Brown as a fierce rival. In the 2026-2027 season, he will join Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe on the same side, competing against stars like Jayson Tatum. After a decade with the Celtics, Brown is no longer Tatum’s co-star. Recently, the All-Star forward shared his candid thoughts on the seismic shift in Boston.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics — Game Five Getty
Boston, Massachusetts — April 28: Jayson Tatum, number 0, of the Boston Celtics watches the action in the second half of Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoff at TD Garden on April 28, 2026. By downloading or using this image, you agree to the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“To be honest, it’s weird. It’s strange,” Tatum said, per Celtics Blog. “You play with a guy for nine years. I was lucky enough to reach the Finals with him twice, win a championship, and push each other to become the players we are today.” Tatum also touched on the business side of the sport, suggesting that such realities can be a downside of the NBA.
Despite the Celtics investing hundreds of millions in Brown, Boston ultimately decided it was time to move on. The revelation comes amid ongoing discussions about the evolving dynamics of the league and the personal decisions players must navigate within it.