One of the more surprising moves to happen this NBA offseason was the Boston Celtics trading former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart in a three-team deal. Some thought that this move could be due to a tear in the relationship between Smart and some of his notable former teammates. But Smart dispelled those rumors on Sunday.
Smart discussed his relationship with former teammates Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, calling them his “brothers for life” in an interview with Celtics beat reporter Josue Pavón.
“Jayson & Jaylen are my brothers for life and I don’t think what people see is enough of what our relationship really is. We’ve been through a lot together.”
Spoke to Marcus Smart today & he wanted to make one thing crystal clear: there’s no beef between him & Jaylen Brown
“Jayson & Jaylen are my brothers for life and I don’t think what people see is enough of what our relationship really is. We’ve been through a lot together… (1/2)
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) July 2, 2023
He then shared a touching story about Jaylen Brown in particular, saying that he was one of the few people that traveled to Dallas for his mom’s funeral.
“My mom passes away, JB was actually one of the people on that plane that came to Dallas for the funeral. So, I just wanted to shut down all the rumors down now.”
I just wanna shut all rumors down now” (2/2)
Smart added:
“My mom passed away, JB was actually one of the people on that plane that came to Dallas to the funeral. So, I just wanted to shut all rumors down now”Full video coming soon on @CelticsCLNS
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) July 2, 2023
Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe also shared this sentiment after a conversation with Smart on Sunday, saying that Smart was adamant that he and Jaylen Brown have no issues, and that the two even talked after Smart was traded.
Talked with Marcus Smart today in Stoughton:
1) He was told week before the trade he was safe
2) Found out through his agent, not team.
3) Said he'll always love Boston & #Celtics organization
4) Adamant that he & Jaylen Brown have no issues. Talked with JB shortly after trade— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) July 2, 2023
[Josue Pavon on Twitter, Gary Washburn on Twitter]
