Jaylen Brown says he and Jayson Tatum haven’t really spoken since trade

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum spent nine seasons together, reached two NBA Finals and won a championship with the Celtics.

Since Brown was traded to the 76ers? They haven’t talked much.

Asked Thursday whether he and Tatum have spoken since the blockbuster deal, Brown offered a brief answer.

“Not really,” he said.

Brown didn’t suggest there’s any major issue between the longtime teammates. In fact, he spoke warmly about what they accomplished together in Boston.

“We won a championship together,” he said. “So anybody that you won a championship, you would think that’s what a brotherhood or a lifelong legacy would entail.”

He also acknowledged there were “ups and downs” in their relationship but said he has nothing but respect for Tatum.

“Besides when he plays the Sixers, I hope he does well,” Brown said.

Brown spent his first 10 NBA seasons in Boston before being dealt to Philadelphia this summer. He admitted Thursday that he’s still processing the move after spending essentially his entire adult life with the Celtics.

Now he and Tatum will meet from opposite sides of one of the NBA’s oldest rivalries.

Whatever their relationship looks like away from basketball, Brown made one part clear: The respect remains.