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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 02: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second quarter of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on May 02, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Jaylen Brown has been rumored to be unhappy with the Boston Celtics after a series of statements that may have hinted at some tension between him and other components of the team, including his co-star Jayson Tatum.
On ESPN’s First Take on Wednesday, Stephen A. Smith discussed the issues that sparked in Brown’s post-playoffs comments in his Twitch stream and the subsequent revelations made by NBA legend Tracy McGrady about Brown’s unhappiness with the Celtics.
Stephen A. then dropped an honest statement about Brown and Tatum, something that Brown may never get around.
“Jayson Tatum is considerably more liked,” Stephen A. said, comparing him to Brown. “I’m talking about by corporate folks. Look at the commercials, the endorsements, look at all of that. Jayson Tatum compared to Jaylen Brown, they aren’t even in the same stratosphere.”
Stephen A Smith says Jayson Tatum is way more liked than Jaylen Brown 👀
“Jayson Tatum is considerably more liked. I’m talking about by corporate folks. Look at the commercials, the endorsements, look at all of that. Jayson Tatum compared to Jaylen Brown, they aren’t even in the
Stephen A.’s co-host Brian Windhorst then cited Tatum’s shoe deals and his Team USA participations in international tournaments.
“Jayson Tatum is beloved. I don’t anybody that disliked Jayson Tatum,” Stephen A. emphasized.
The issue started when McGrady claimed that Brown had grown “deeply frustrated” about the Celtics organization, following Boston’s first-round series loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, where the Celtics blew a 3-1 lead.
Many have also speculated that Brown’s post-Game 7 stream revealed some of his true feelings about the team. In his stream, Brown said that this year was one of his favorite seasons, despite being eliminated in the first round, which was seen by some as a subtle shot at Tatum, who spent most of the season rehabbing his Achilles injury.
This season, Brown became an MVP candidate and enjoyed an increased offensive role with the team.
Brown also said that he wished the Celtics “trusted the style of play” they built throughout the season, especially in the first round against the 76ers.
All of these on top of accusing the 76ers’ Joel Embiid of flopping throughout their series in Round 1.
GettyBoston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown drives the ball in a game against the 76ers. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens expressed his side of things, citing his conversations with Brown over the past few days.
“I talked to Jaylen Monday a little bit,” he said. “It was nothing but positive. He has not expressed those frustrations to me.”
“We’ve been here 10 years together, and I do think that—obviously I love JB, everybody around here loves JB,” Stevens said.
Stevens then said that his door will always be open to hear players’ frustrations within the team.
“Just like any of our other guys, as we get to the end of the season, I’ll be here, and my door is always open if anybody ever wants to come in and talk about it,” he said. “Talk about the team, their place, whatever the case may be, I’m all ears. … None of have been expressed to me (yet).”
GettyJaylen Brown had a great season.
Jaylen Brown had a breakout year with the Celtics this season. He averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in the regular season to lead the Celtics to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with 56 wins.
Brown also had an impressive postseason, averaging 25.7 points, albeit in a loss.
If he remains with the Celtics next year, the Celtics will again have both a healthy version of Brown and Tatum at their disposal. The two led the Celtics to the 2024 NBA championship.
Rob Andrew Lo Rob Andrew Lo is a writer at Heavy Sports and is covering the NBA. He has covered local, collegiate, professional and international sports in various sites. He was the sports editor of The Varsitarian, the official student publication of University of Santo Tomas, and a sports, entertainment, and lifestyle writer for Rappler. A Journalism graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, he has built his voice across both collegiate and international platforms, previously contributing NBA coverage to Fansided and Sportskeeda. More about Rob Andrew Lo
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