Jayson Tatum admits it feels weird not playing with Jaylen Brown anymore

Jayson Tatum admitted it feels strange not playing alongside Jaylen Brown anymore after the Boston Celtics traded their longtime running mate to the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Celtics’ star forward spoke at the 2026 ESPY Awards about the emotional weight of the move, which ended a nine-year partnership that included two NBA Finals appearances and a championship in 2024.

What happened between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown?

For nine straight seasons, Tatum and Brown formed one of the NBA’s most dynamic duos. Drafted a year apart-Tatum in 2017, Brown in 2016-they reached the Finals twice and won in 2024, when Brown earned Finals MVP.

But the Celtics traded Brown to Philadelphia in 2026 after he rejected a supermax extension. The move gave Boston financial flexibility but left Tatum as the sole star on a revamped roster.

Why it matters for Jayson Tatum

Tatum called the trade “weird” at the ESPYs, noting the human side of losing a teammate who was with him every season since 2017. “You understand the NBA is a business,” he said, “but there’s still a side of it that feels emotional.”

Now the Celtics’ clear leader, Tatum faces new pressure to carry the load without Brown’s All-NBA production. The team hopes its young core can fill the void, but the sight of Tatum without his longtime partner will take getting used to.

How the Celtics move affects Tatum’s future

Boston’s front office framed the trade as a necessary reset. Without Brown’s max contract on the books, the Celtics gained cap space to pursue upgrades-though any pursuit now comes with the sting of losing a franchise cornerstone.

Tatum, meanwhile, must adjust to a new supporting cast while defending the 2024 title. The Celtics’ early-2026 playoff exit to Philadelphia amplified the challenge, making Tatum’s expanded role even more critical.

What comes next for Jayson Tatum

Tatum insists he’s ready for the responsibility. “We have to welcome our new teammates with open arms,” he said, signaling a fresh start despite the personal cost.

The Celtics’ summer moves will shape how quickly Tatum adapts. If Boston adds the right pieces, his solo-star transition could still lead to another Finals run. If not, the weight of carrying a franchise alone may test him in ways he hasn’t faced before.