Speaking after Boston's 107-103 win over the Knicks, Tatum said he wants people focused on what the pair won together, not manufactured drama.
Jayson Tatum addressed his relationship with Jaylen Brown following the Celtics' 107-103 win over the Knicks on Friday, insisting there is nothing hostile between him and his former co-star. "I don't have any animosity or beef or ill will toward him," Tatum said, adding that it's "frustrating" that conversations about Brown no longer focus on what they built together, including a championship.
The comments followed a social media exchange earlier in the week, when Brown posted a blue "cap" emoji in response to a video of Tatum saying on his YouTube channel that he was caught off guard by Brown's trade. Tatum pushed back on any notion of a rivalry, saying "this ain't no f---ing Shaq and Kobe."
Tatum and Brown were drafted in 2016 and 2017, respectively, and grew into one of the league's most successful duos, culminating in Boston's 18th championship in 2024. Tatum has made six All-Star teams and Brown five, with Brown also earning Finals MVP honors. Despite their history, Brown was recently traded away from Boston, prompting renewed scrutiny of their partnership.
Tatum said he believes better communication could have resolved any lingering friction, and that both players "should be celebrated" for what they accomplished together rather than scrutinized for perceived tension.