Jayson Tatum broke his silence on Tuesday night at a community event in Newton, where he was promoting his new children’s book. In front of a small crowd he addressed the trade that sent longtime teammate Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks. The announcement marked the first time Tatum spoke publicly about the move.

For nine seasons, Tatum and Brown formed one of the league’s most productive duos. Together they guided Boston to five Eastern Conference Finals appearances and two NBA Finals, culminating in a championship in 2024. Their chemistry helped the Celtics maintain a top-five identity in the East and gave the franchise a period of sustained success.

“It’s weird,” Tatum said, acknowledging the emotional weight of the decision. “You play on a team with a guy for nine years, you go to the Finals with him twice, win a championship, and then one day you find out they’re no longer on your team.” His remarks underscored how the sudden loss of a familiar teammate feels on a personal level, even as the business side of the NBA moves forward.

The roster now looks markedly different. Paul George arrives as a two-way wing who can guard multiple positions and stretch the floor, a skill set that dovetails with Tatum’s scoring versatility. The Celtics also added free-agent center Mitchell Robinson, whose rim protection provides a defensive anchor, and veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr., whose experience should help smooth the transition. Tatum noted that while it’s hard to miss a long-time teammate, the club must welcome new faces and move forward together.

The trade follows a painful Game 7 loss to Philadelphia in May, which ended Boston’s 2026 playoff run. That series, won by the 76ers at TD Garden, added a layer of rivalry to the transaction and highlighted the urgency for Boston to retool.

Looking ahead, the Celtics will focus on integrating George, Robinson and Conley before training camp begins in October. The two first-round picks give the front office flexibility in upcoming draft negotiations, while the second-rounders can be used to absorb salary or acquire role players. Tatum’s leadership will be critical as the new pieces click together, and the expectation is that Boston will remain a contender rather than embark on a longer rebuild.