Victor Wembanyama, Anthony Edwards go head-to-head in first half of Game 3
Wembanyama and Edwards go head-to-head in a tied Game 3 first half
Former NBA player predicts that a split between the Boston Celtics and Jaylen Brown is 'inevitable' following the team's early playoff exit. Brown has expressed a desire to remain with the Celtics long-term despite speculation about his future.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown
Former NBA Player Predicts 'Inevitable' Celtics, Jaylen Brown Split originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Talks of Jaylen Brown's future with the Boston Celtics have occupied ESPN's airwaves since the team's surprising first-round elimination.
Brown garnered attention by calling the 2025-26 campaign the "favorite season of my career," a notable claim given he won an NBA title two years ago. While the superstar stood by that sentiment, Brown also clarified that he'd like to keep playing in Boston for the long haul.
Amid a social media spat between Brown and Stephen A. Smith, ESPN is getting plenty of mileage on the Brown narrative. Returning to the topic on Friday's "Get Up," former NBA point guard Jay Williams predicted a separation.
"It feels like this split-up is inevitable, and they're gonna force Brad Stevens' hand," Williams claimed.
Jaylen Brown stated he would like to keep playing in Boston for the long haul, despite ongoing speculation about a potential split.
Speculation arose after the Celtics' surprising first-round playoff elimination, leading to discussions about Brown's future with the team.
Jaylen Brown referred to the 2025-26 season as the 'favorite season of my career,' despite having won an NBA title two years prior.
Wembanyama and Edwards go head-to-head in a tied Game 3 first half
Dallas Cowboys named as potential destination for ex-Texans WR
Cubs beat Rangers 7-1, marking their second 10-game winning streak this season.
Kyle Isbel's walk-off single and stellar defense lift Royals over Tigers 4-3!
Kyle Isbel's walk-off single and stellar catches lead Royals past Tigers 4-3.
Royals clinch a thrilling 4-3 walk-off victory over the Tigers!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Williams hopes to see Brown and Jayson Tatum stay together in Boston, but he speculated that Brown wants to maintain the alpha role he served for most of the season in his star teammate's absence.
"I never want to see these two break up," Williams said. "I actually think they're very compatible. I think they can win multiple championships together. But as I've always been told since I was a little kid, ego is one hell of a drug."
The ex-Duke star also thinks Brown deliberately chose his live-stream comments.
"He's also very intentional with what he says," Williams added. "And what he's telling me, and I feel like he's telling the world, is this is a success when I'm the guy. You guys keep treating me like I'm secondary. I want to be the guy.
"Maybe he needs to go away. Maybe this could get passed over. But inevitably, we know who they both are ... It doesn't feel like this is a long-term thing."