Tatum Calls Brown Trade Weird as Celtics Dumped 70% Supermax Cap Burden
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 8
Tatum Calls Brown Trade Weird as Celtics Dumped 70% Supermax Cap Burden
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 8
Summary
Nine years after becoming Boston teammates, Jayson Tatum said Jaylen Brown’s trade to Philadelphia for Paul George and draft picks felt “weird” and “tough,” calling it an abrupt end to a championship partnership.
70% of the salary cap was tied up in Tatum and Brown’s two supermax deals, and Brad Stevens said that apron-era squeeze made it too hard to build another title roster.
Stevens said he did not consult Tatum before making the move, underscoring how sharply Boston’s front office prioritized cap flexibility over keeping its star duo together.
The deal leaves Boston weaker in the short term and breaks up the core that reached 2 NBA Finals and won the 2024 title, signaling a broader roster reset.