
Jayson Tatum is trying to take the high road in the growing public drama between him and former teammate Jaylen Brown.
Tatum was asked about Brown’s recent social media activity following the Celtics’ 107-103 win over the Knicks on Friday and tried to downplay any tension between him and Brown. He said their relationship was nothing like the infamous feud between Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, and said their accomplishments together deserved to be celebrated.
“All y’all kind of saw us grow up. Everything we accomplished, I don’t want that to be in the rearview mirror of what’s being talked about when it pertains to us two. It should be celebrated,” Tatum said. “You know how many people play in this league and never make it to the Finals. We went twice and won a championship. It should be more about that. This ain’t no f—ing Shaq and Kobe. There’s no beef. It’s not about that. It should be more praise.”
There is no Tatum-Brown beef, according to Jayson Tatum. "This ain’t no f— Shaq and Kobe." @_JakeSeymour https://t.co/ajbXv01lsC
— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) October 24, 2026
Brown’s activity on social media, in which he essentially accused Tatum of lying when claiming no knowledge that a Brown trade was coming, has drawn scrutiny recently. It once again brought scrutiny to their virtually non-existent relationship off the court.
It is certainly true that Tatum and Brown do not seem to have ever been close, and Tatum especially seemed indifferent to the Brown trade. However, if there is dislike here, Tatum appears determined to ensure that Brown is the only one airing it publicly.
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