Jayson Tatum has spent his entire 9-year NBA career playing alongside Jaylen Brown, but now, that era is officially over, and the Boston Celtics star is getting real about how it feels. After all that time as a duo, Tatum is still with Boston while Brown has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, a bitter rival that just bounced the Celtics from the 2026 Playoffs. Talk about a wild twist, right? Tatum opened up at the 2026 ESPY Awards, and his comments show just how much of a shift this is for the whole league.
A Duo For The Ages, Until Now
Tatum was drafted in 2017, just a year after Brown joined the Celtics in 2016. They built something special together, weathering all the talk about discord and proving everyone wrong by becoming one of the most talented duos in the game. These guys reached two NBA Finals, even snagging a championship ring in 2024. And get this: Brown won Finals MVP that year, and Tatum had zero problems with his longtime running mate getting the hardware. It was a real testament to their bond, something you don't always see with two huge stars. Those big contract extensions they both signed after that win? Yeah, those are actually why they ended up parting ways. The Celtics reportedly wanted more flexibility, and that was the primary reason behind making such a massive move."It's Weird": Tatum Gets Transparent
When asked about the trade, Tatum didn't hold back. "If I'm being transparent, it's weird," he admitted. "I've been on the Celtics for 9 years, and he was my teammate every single one of those." You can feel the weight of that statement, knowing what they accomplished together. He understands that the NBA is a business, but there's a human element to it, too. "You feel those emotions, the city feels those emotions," he said, speaking for everyone who watched them grow up on the court. But true to form, Tatum is also about moving forward. He added that the team has to "welcome our new teammates with open arms," showing leadership even in a tough moment.The Solo Star Era Begins
This isn't just about a teammate leaving; it's about Tatum stepping into a new role as the undisputed sole star of the Celtics. That means more responsibilities and a whole new level of pressure. He seems ready for it, but let's be real, it's going to be a jarring sight when he plays without Jaylen Brown alongside him. The dynamic is completely changed, and every opponent will be testing this new-look Celtics squad. Get ready, because when Tatum hits the court without Brown as his running mate, it's gonna be a jarring sight, and the whole league will be watching to see how the sole star handles the pressure and leads Boston into this next chapter.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.