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Speaking after the 76ers' 127-121 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, where he contributed 29 points, Brown addressed the status of his relationship with Tatum. When asked if he planned to speak with the Celtics star, Brown was blunt, stating that there is nothing to discuss. He emphasized that both players are currently focused on their respective teams and the competitive nature of the upcoming game.
A fractured partnership after championship success
The duo of Brown and Tatum was a cornerstone of the Celtics' success for nearly a decade. Both players were selected third overall in consecutive drafts—Brown in 2016 and Tatum in 2017. Together, they led Boston to five Eastern Conference Finals appearances and two NBA Finals, ultimately securing a championship title against the Dallas Mavericks in 2024. Despite persistent external questions regarding their compatibility, the pair consistently maintained a public front of mutual support throughout their time as teammates.
The dynamic shifted significantly during the recent offseason when the Celtics traded Brown to the 76ers in a deal involving Paul George and a package of draft picks. Since the trade, the relationship appears to have deteriorated. Tensions surfaced publicly last month when Tatum claimed in a YouTube video that he was surprised by the trade. Brown responded on social media with a blue hat emoji, a common slang term implying that someone is lying. While Tatum later attempted to downplay the situation by stating there was no animosity, Brown countered by suggesting there was more to the story, famously referencing "lamb chops and gravy" and noting that Tatum possessed a strong public relations team.
Focus shifts to Eastern Conference showdown
Tuesday’s game carries significant weight beyond the personal narrative, as it features the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers enter the contest with a 9-2 record, while the Celtics hold a 7-2 standing. Despite the history and the recent public friction, Brown maintained that he is approaching the game with a professional mindset.
Brown admitted he is unsure if he will experience any emotional reaction when he steps onto the court against his former team for the first time. However, he reiterated that he is currently devoid of personal sentiment regarding the situation. For now, the focus remains strictly on the basketball court as both teams look to secure a win in this marquee matchup.