Former Players Claim Jaylen Brown-Jayson Tatum Split Was Jason Kidd’s Fault

An icy preseason encounter between former championship teammates Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum has sent NBA historians into overdrive.

Former Players Claim Jaylen Brown-Jayson Tatum Split Was Jason Kidd’s Fault

Jason Kidd, and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown (Image credits - ESPN and CLNS Media)

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum formed one of the NBA’s most lethal duos over the past decade. The Celtics drafted Tatum with the third overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, while Tatum was the third pick the following year.

The two quickly made a name for themselves, showing remarkable growth early in their careers. In their first season together, they reached the Eastern Conference in 2017.

They spent nine seasons together in Boston. During their stint together, the Celtics reached four Eastern Conference Finals and two NBA Finals in 2022 and 2024. Their 2024 postseason run culminated in a championship, and Brown was named Finals MVP.

Unfortunately, the Celtics front office parted ways with Brown this summer. The move shocked many, as the former Finals MVP was coming off his best individual season. Since then, several reports have indicated the two superstars were not on good terms.

Former All-Star DeMarcus Cousins believes Jason Kidd started the rift between Brown and Tatum.

J-Kidd really started this sh**. The whole downfall of Brown and Tatum. That was J-Kidd. He was in the interview and he did exactly what you saying, like, ‘Oh, I think how can those guys play together?’ And ever since then, they ran with the story. And he was just playing mind games to win the game.

DeMarcus Cousins on Gil’s Arena

Before the 2024 NBA Finals, then-Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd lit a fire under the situation by calling Brown the best player on the Celtics. Brown had just won the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, and Kidd’s comments sparked a range of responses across the NBA.

Tatum was unfazed by Kidd’s comments, and many believed he was using psychological tactics, as the Mavs were seen as the underdogs ahead of the Finals. In the end, Brown backed Kidd’s statements by being the best player in the Finals and was awarded the Finals MVP trophy.

Gilbert Arenas agrees with DeMarcus Cousins on Jason Kidd playing mind games

While both Tatum and Brown were key players and played instrumental roles in leading the Celtics over the last nine years. There was always the question of ‘Is it Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown’s team?’ Brown may have won the individual awards, but the Celtics front office saw Tatum as their franchise superstar before shipping away Brown.

After Cousins pointed the finger at Kidd, Gilbert Arenas agreed and noted that Kidd took advantage of the media storm.

So what he did was he did what anyone else would do. ‘You the underdog. Let’s see if they can beat themselves’. Yeah. ‘I think Brown is the best player on the team.’ Hoping… hoping Tatum… He going to start self-destruct.

Gilbert Arenas on Gil’s Arena

The two former All-Stars believe Kidd was playing mind games because his team were the underdogs against the Celtics. Hence, Kidd may have hoped to create a rift in the locker room that would benefit his team. Unfortunately for Kidd, the Celtics registered a gentleman’s sweep over the Mavs in the NBA Finals.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown ignored each other before Celtics-Philadelphia 76ers

Since Jaylen Brown was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, there has been a lot of talk about his relationship with Jayson Tatum. Following his departure, Tatum posted a heartfelt goodbye on social media and even dismissed reports of any friction between the two.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown (Image credits – Yahoo Sports)

For the first time since his exit, Brown returned to Boston in 76ers colors. The two shared the court during warm-ups before tip-off. But to everyone’s surprise, they didn’t interact with one another. In fact, they were close enough to be captured on video not interacting.

While Brown didn’t suit up for the game, Tatum scored 23 points as the Celtics recorded a convincing 144-106 preseason win over the 76ers. The two sides are scheduled to meet again in a preseason game on October 16 in Philly. They will meet four times in the regular season, with their first clash set for November 10.

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