The Boston Celtics star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown is currently at the top of the world after winning their first NBA championship, but they had to go through tough times on the way to glory.
Following their championship-clinching victory in Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, June 17, Tatum opened up about the trade rumors that plagued Brown over the past years.
"It would bother me. Not talking from a pedestal, but I didn't necessarily know what that felt like. But I could just imagine all the hard work that he put in. I saw it every day," the 26-year-old said.
The three-time All-NBA First Team member acknowledged that even someone with a strong mindset would be affected by trade rumors at some point.
"I think now that maybe I could have been better. I never said too much. I always have stayed out of that," Tatum added.
Jaylen Brown rewards Celtics' trust with sensational playoff run
After years of enduring consistent trade rumors, including one involving Kevin Durant, the Celtics showed their confidence in Brown by signing him to the largest contract in NBA history worth up to $304 million in August 2023.
Brown responded by delivering the best postseason performance of his career.
The former California Golden Bears standout was exceptional, particularly in the Eastern Conference Finals and the NBA Finals, where he earned the Finals MVP awards for both series.
Related Article: Boston Celtics Star Kristaps Porzingis to Undergo Surgery for 'Rare' Leg Injury That Hampered Him During NBA Finals
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
