Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown - Philadelphia 76ers v Boston Celtics - Game Seven
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - Jaylen Brown (#7) and Marcus Smart (#36) of the Boston Celtics celebrate a basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter in game seven of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 14, 2023, in Boston, Massachusetts. Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown sent a heartwarming message to former teammate Marcus Smart, who was dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason to acquire Kristaps Porzingis.

The 26-year-old recognized that changes are simply part of the business before referencing Smart.

"My brother, my teammate, one of my best friends is not on the team anymore... this journey won't feel the same without him to be honest," Brown said.

The two-time All-Star added that he learned much from the feisty point guard, sharing that he butted heads with him many times. He wished Smart the best of luck while noting that the city of Boston would miss the impact he made on the court and the community.

Smart was the longest-tenured player in the Celtics before he was traded, spending nine seasons in the Beantown.

The 6-foot-4 guard won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, and he was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2019, 2020, and 2022.

Jaylen Brown set to receive generational wealth

On Wednesday, the Celtics star officially inked the largest contract in NBA history, signing a five-year deal worth $303.7 million, fully guaranteed to remain in Boston.

The contract does not have a player option for the full five years, but it does include a trade kicker that would increase Brown's salary if he gets traded.

"I appreciate the investment and commitment from the Celtics and the rest of the community. That investment will be felt in return from me here in Boston, on and off the floor, and all around the world," the 2023 All-NBA Second Team selection said.