Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown may no longer be teammates, but Tatum says their relationship hasnt changed after spending nearly a decade building something special together in Boston.Brown was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason in a deal that brought Paul George and draft capital back to the Celtics, separating the duo for the first time since Tatum entered the NBA.Speaking about Brown months after the blockbuster move, Tatum pushed back against the years of speculation surrounding their relationship and reflected on everything they accomplished together.There are just so many different narratives, Tatum said during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show. And so many different opinions and speculation. For me, I love that guy. What we were able to accomplish together in nine years, right? (We) went to the conference finals five times. We went to the championship twice. We won the championship. Weve shared all-star games together. You cant talk about him without talking about me and vice versa, right? The success that weve had as just two young kids growing up in this league, and really just pushing each other.Tatum and Brown finished their run together with a 332-167 regular-season record and went 73-48 in the playoffs, according to Fadeaway World.Most importantly, the pair finally broke through in 2024, delivering Boston its 18th NBA championship after years of deep postseason runs.But their partnership eventually became another example of the business side of the NBA. With Brown owed more than $183 million over the next three years, Boston ultimately decided to move in another direction.Tatum isnt interested in looking back at the split negatively.Unfortunately, the business of basketball is always going to play a part, Tatum added. Nobody has ever played together forever. But its not a thing to be sad or upset about. Its a thing to celebrate what we were able to do, and hes a tremendous person and a player. And Ive got nothing but respect, and wish him the best as he moves forward.Tatum will now begin a new chapter alongside George, while Brown prepares for life in Philadelphia.The former teammates wont have to wait long to see each other again, with Boston and Philadelphia scheduled to meet on November 10.READ MORE: Kawhi Leonard Stunned by Raptors Coachs Draft Night Revelation
