NBA: Jayson Tatum Bids Farewell to Jaylen Brown After Celtics Exit

Just a day after Jaylen Brown released a statement expressing mixed emotions – "I'm still processing how all of this happened. I'm excited and disappointed at the same time" – following his trade from the Celtics to the 76ers for Paul George and four future draft picks, Jayson Tatum, the player who, alongside Brown, propelled Boston to the top of the league and secured the 2023/24 title, took to Instagram to officially bid farewell to his now former teammate.

In a post, he shared an old photo of the two, accompanied by an emotional message. "9 years! Eternally grateful for everything we achieved together, for pushing me to be a better player. From first-round exits to winning a ring together, I'm thankful for it all. Nothing but love and respect for you as a player and as a person! Eager to see how you'll tackle this next chapter of your career and I wish you nothing but the best! Keep being special!"

The partnership between Tatum, 28, and Brown, 29, spanned nine seasons. Together, they never missed a playoff appearance and reached the NBA Finals twice (2021/22), ultimately becoming champions, as previously mentioned, in 2023/24. Brown was the third overall pick in the 2016 draft, while Tatum was the third pick the following year, in 2017.

The trade, which sent Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia in exchange for 36-year-old Paul George, will undoubtedly be scrutinized for years to come. Despite the duo's success, recurring doubts persisted about the viability of retaining two players who occupied similar positions and who, combined, would earn $116.2 million (€101.79 million) in 2026/27. Rumors also circulated about Brown's personality and his role in statistical analyses, especially after a season where the Celtics performed better when he was off the court.

Even so, it's rare to see a player of Brown's caliber, at 29 years old, traded, especially to a major division and conference rival. He himself reacted to the news, stating that he would carry with him "the relationships I built here, the battles we fought together, the championship we brought to this city, and the connection I shared with the fans." However, later, during a Twitch stream – which caused such a stir after the playoff elimination by the 76ers that it may have been the final straw for the trade – he was more direct, complaining of "a lack of respect."

With this move, Tatum emerges as Boston's sole superstar and now prepares to face a friend turned rival at least four times a season, and potentially more in the playoffs.