Jaylen Brown & Jayson Tatum’s Relationship Status Reveal Leads Kedrick Perkins to Flame His Critics

Shams Charania claimed Jayson Tatum's relationship changed before Jaylen Brown's trade.

Jaylen Brown & Jayson Tatum’s Relationship Status Reveal Leads Kedrick Perkins to Flame His Critics

Kendrick Perkins on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown (Image credits - Firstsportz)

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum shared the dressing room in the Boston Celtics for nine years. Brown was traded as the number three pick in the 2016 NBA draft, and Tatum was traded as the third overall pick in the following year.

The two played and developed together. They went on to form a great relationship on and off the court. While Tatum has always been seen as a franchise player, Brown played an instrumental role in leading the Celtics to the 2024 championship.

NBA insider Shams Charania offered a noteworthy declaration about the relationship between Brown and Tatum.

On the court, they were great. But over the last year or so, that personal relationship, it was as close to not existent as you could have.

Shams Charania on Sirius XM

Jaylen Brown is coming off his best season in terms of individual numbers. His performances saw him come sixth in the MVP voting. Some believe Tatum’s return after missing the majority of the 2025-26 regular season hampered Brown’s MVP chances.

The expectations surrounding the Celtics were low last season with Jayson Tatum ruled out for almost the entire campaign. But the Celtics were one of the biggest surprises of the season as Brown led the Celtics to a second-place finish in the Eastern Conference standings with a 56-26 record.

Not only was Brown posting career-high numbers, but he also elevated himself to one of the best two-way players in the league. Unfortunately, the Celtics decided to keep Tatum over Brown as they traded away the former Finals MVP to the Philadelphia 76ers in one of the biggest moves in the offseason.

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Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s pre-trade rift was revealed by Kendrick Perkins two months ago

When the Celtics won the title in 2024, Brown grabbed the headlines with his performances. Tatum may have been the best player on the team, but Brown went on to win the Eastern Conference Finals and Finals MVP awards. While Tatum posted an emotional message after Brown’s exit, things may not have been as rosy as it seemed.

Celtics stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum
Celtics stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum (Image via Bleacher Report/X)

Charania’s statements on the duo’s relationship saw a reaction from former Celtics player, Kendrick Perkins. Perkins took to X to express his opinion on Charania’s comments.

Oh. But I was called everything but a child of God when I said this 2 months ago!!! All I did was state facts over feelings.

Kendrick Perkins on X

Brown’s impressive 2025-26 campaign led many to believe that he will be the leader of the team even after Tatum’s return. Hence, it is possible that it created some friction between the two stars.

What did Jayson Tatum say about Jaylen Brown trade?

Brown and Tatum formed one of the most dangerous and lethal duos over the past decade. They achieved success at a very young age, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in their first season together in 2018. They reached their first NBA Finals in 2022 and lifted the title in 2024.

When asked about Brown’s trade at a recent event, Tatum reflected on the move for the first time.

It’s tough. But it just makes you appreciate the moments and time that we had. Obviously, it came to an abrupt ending, but it doesn’t mean that it wasn’t super successful. Great years, obviously, that he gave to the city and to the organization.

Jayson Tatum during his sit-down Q&A

The two teammates will face off multiple times in the upcoming season, as both of their teams are in the Atlantic Division. It is unfortunate that their time together came to an unceremonious end.

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