The Boston Celtics are entering a new era following one of the most surprising moves of the 2026 NBA offseason. During a 2025-2026 season in which superstar forward Jayson Tatum played in only 16 regular-season games, the Celtics finished with a 56-26 record and the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
After an outstanding regular season led by a career year from Jaylen Brown, Boston saw its season come to an end with a shocking first-round playoff loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite a second-team All-NBA season from Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum’s return from Achilles surgery, a 3-1 series lead over the 7th-seeded 76ers proved not enough to advance.
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In the months that have followed Boston’s early elimination from the NBA Playoffs, rumours circulated that the Celtics had become heavily involved in the Giannis Antetokoumpo sweepstakes and were reportedly offering a package centered around their five-time All-Star and former NBA Finals MVP, Jaylen Brown.
However, the Milwaukee Bucks opted to accept the Miami Heat’s offer for Antetokounmpo. Boston pivoted to a new landing spot for Brown, who was their longest tenured player before a shocking trade sent him to Philadelphia for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks.
The trade broke up one of the NBA’s winningest star duos, as the Celtics have won more playoff games in the last 10 seasons than any other franchise. On Friday, Tatum broke his silence on the trade by sharing an emotional message to his Instagram story directed at his longtime teammate.
Alongside a photo of the two celebrating together, Tatum reflected on their nine seasons together and thanked Brown for everything they accomplished as teammates.
"9 years! Forever grateful for all that we accomplished together, for pushing me to be a better player. From first-round exits to winning a chip together I'm thankful for it all. Nothing but love and respect for you as a player and as a person! Looking forward to see how you attack this next chapter of your career and wish nothing but the best for you! Continue to be special!" Tatum wrote on Instagram.
After being selected with the third pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Brown spent a decade in Boston. During that span, Brown and Tatum led the Celtics to an NBA title in 2024, with Brown ultimately achieving Finals MVP honors.
While Brown will now begin the next chapter of his career in Philadelphia, the duo of Tatum and Brown will leave a lasting legacy in Boston. Turning the page to next season, Philadelphia now receives a player who finished sixth in league MVP voting and averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists.
As Boston prepares for a new era, the Celtics will hope they have assembled a roster around Jayson Tatum and Paul George capable of remaining among the Eastern Conference's elite despite the departure of one of the franchise's cornerstone players.
