Jayson Tatum Dismisses Rumors of a Rift With Jaylen Brown: “I Love That Guy”

Jayson Tatum put the false narratives to rest regarding his friendship with Jaylen Brown.

Jayson Tatum Dismisses Rumors of a Rift With Jaylen Brown: “I Love That Guy”

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

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were the two biggest stars for the Boston Celtics. The two stars have been one of the most fearsome and lethal duos in the NBA over the last decade.

Both players developed and played their entire careers together in Boston. The Celtics drafted Brown with the third pick in 2016, and Tatum with the third overall pick the following year.

During their nine years together, they led the Celtics to five Eastern Conference Finals, two NBA Finals, and a championship in 2024. Unfortunately, the Celtics front office decided to break up the duo, trading away Brown this summer.

There have been many rumors that Tatum and Brown have a strained relationship. When Dan Patrick asked Tatum what the biggest misconception about their relationship is, Tatum said:

There are so many different narratives, opinions, and speculations. For me, I love that guy. What we were able to accomplish together for 9 years, going to the Conference Finals 5 times, went to the championship twice, we won a championship… You can’t talk about him without talking about me and vice versa.

Jayson Tatum on The Dan Patrick Show

After spending almost a decade with the Celtics, Brown was traded away to the Philadelphia 76ers in the offseason. The move rocked the NBA world and even Jaylen Brown himself, as he was coming off his best individual campaign since entering the league.

Following the move, there have been reports that Tatum and Brown were not on good terms. While Tatum dismissed those reports, the rumors only grew stronger. Tatum even posted a heartfelt goodbye after Brown’s departure.

So Tatum debunked the false narratives surrounding their relationship. His response suggests they still have a strong friendship behind the scenes.

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Does Jayson Tatum want to guard LeBron James or Jaylen Brown when they go head-to-head?

The Celtics made a big decision by letting Brown go to their rivals. The 76ers came back from 3-1 down to eliminate the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs last season.

While the 76ers saw a disappointing end to their 2025-26 campaign as well when they were clean swept by the New York Knicks, they have left no stone unturned in the summer. After acquiring Brown, they signed LeBron James in free agency on a two-year deal.

The two teams are set to clash five times in the 2026-27 campaign. Patrick asked Tatum if he would want to guard James or Brown when they face each other. Tatum refused to pick either player, as he didn’t want to reveal too much.

I can’t give away our game plan. I’ll probably guard everybody at some point. The way we play, the way the game is played today, you switch and different matchups so all the fans will get what they want to see.

Jayson Tatum on The Dan Patrick Show

The 76ers are coming off an incredible summer in terms of acquisitions. With Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Brown, and James in the starting lineup, they have arguably the most dominant starting five in the NBA heading into the new season. While Tatum did not reveal which player he would love to guard, he will end up guarding James and Brown during their clashes next season.

Jayson Tatum gets good report as Celtics near training camp

The Celtics have made a few acquisitions as they have built their roster around Jayson Tatum. They have made a few additions in Paul George, Mitchell Robinson, and Mike Conley.

Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum (Image credits – NBA)

Tatum missed the majority of the 2025-26 campaign due to an Achilles tear he suffered during the playoffs last year. However, he made a speedy recovery and returned towards the end of the regular season.

While he looked rusty last season, he appears ready to go with just over a month left before the new season. Celtics President Brad Stevens spoke about Tatum and whether he is fully ready to start training camp.

It sure looks like it. We’ve been lucky. A lot of our guys have been in the gym…he’s probably around as much as anyone…he’s been setting a great example for everybody and he looks really good

Brad Stevens on Sirius XM NBA Radio

Tatum will have added pressure on him without Jaylen Brown by his side. With the Eastern Conference getting significantly deeper in the offseason, it will be interesting to see how the 28-year-old leads his team next season.

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