Jayson Tatum Reacts After Celtics Announcement on Thursday

Now, Tatum will prepare for his first season of professional basketball without Brown by his side. Although the 2026-27 regular season will surely be an adjustment for the No. 3 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the 28-year-old can find solace in the chemistry that remains in place with the rest of his teammates. Tatum will be led by Joe Mazzulla, who will be in his fifth year at the head coaching helm, and joined by reigning All-Defensive First Team guard Derrick White next season.

Another player who will return for the 2026-27 season is guard/forward Jordan Walsh. Walsh is a 6-foot-6 versatile wing who excels on the defensive end. Originally a consensus five-star prospect out of high school, the former Arkansas Razorbacks standout was selected No. 38 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings before his rights were immediately shipped to the Celtics, where he has remained since.

The 22-year-old had his best season in Boston during the 2025-26 campaign, averaging career highs in seemingly every category. The Texas native scored 5.4 points per game on 50.9% shooting from the field to go along with 4.0 rebounds, 0.5 blocks, and 0.7 steals in 17.8 minutes. The former McDonald's All-American improved his shooting stroke, averaging 38.4% from behind the arc and 77.2% from the free-throw line.

On Thursday, the Celtics reportedly extended Walsh through the 2029-30 season on a three-year, $15 million contract. That same day, Tatum went to social media to react to the announcement. In a post on his Instagram Story, Tatum posted a screenshot in support of his teammate that showed ESPN's Shams Charania's report on the extension.

Boston will host its media day and begin training camp on Tuesday, Sept. 29, with practice held at the Auerbach Center in Brighton, Massachusetts.