Jayson Tatum Says Jaylen Brown-76ers Trade Was 'Tough,' Talks Paul George's Impact with Celtics

When Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics take the floor this season, they will be doing so without former star Jaylen Brown.

Tatum understands, though, that sometimes that's just the nature of the NBA.

While speaking to reporters at NBA Media Day on Monday, Tatum acknowledged it was "tough" seeing Brown get traded but noted he was "grateful" for what they accomplished together, which included an NBA championship.

Although Tatum will no longer be teammates with Brown, he will now get to play alongside Paul George, who came to Boston in the trade. Tatum revealed on Monday that he has "tried to steal things" from George's game.

It will be a new-look Boston squad after an eventful offseason.

Also of note, this will mark Tatum's first full season since he suffered a ruptured Achilles during Boston's 2025 playoff run. He recovered in time to make 16 regular-season appearances to close out the team's 2025-26 campaign.

On Monday, Tatum let it be known that he feels "great" and has gotten stronger during the offseason.

Tatum's health, as well as George's, will be very crucial to the Celtics' outlook this season.

If Tatum is able to play in 70-plus games and play up to his previous All-Star form, the Celtics could be in the mix in the East. However, with some changes to the roster, it could take some time for everything to come together.