“I Want Blood”: Jaylen Brown Sends Message to Rest of the NBA Amid Viral Jayson Tatum Remark

Reports described Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum’s relationship as “close to nonexistent” behind the scenes. Brown himself confirmed at his introductory press conference that the two hadn’t spoken much since the trade.

That report took an unexpected turn this week, as Brown gave one of the warmest things he’s said about his former co-star since arriving in Philadelphia. And right alongside one of the most aggressive statements of intent he’s made all offseason.

Going live on Twitch on Sunday, Brown shared what mindset he’s bringing into his first season with the 76ers.

“My mentality this year is to kill. I want blood this year. That’s the mentality,” he said (h/t) Mind of Bron.

Multiple sources have suggested that there was friction with Tatum. In addition to that, a perception around the league that Brown always acts like “the smartest person in the room” contributed to Boston’s decision to trade him.

Jaylen Brown has pushed back on those narratives since the deal. The “I want blood” is seen as a rebuttal aimed at anyone questioning his motivation or fit in a new city. A signal to the rest of the league that he’s arriving in Philadelphia with something to prove, not something to overcome.

He tied that intensity to the season ahead for a Sixers team already being compared to some of the most dominant rosters in recent memory, alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and LeBron James.

The Tatum Answer That Changes the Feud Narrative

In a separate clip circulating on TikTok, Brown was asked who’s the funniest teammate he’s ever played with.

“Gotta go with Jayson Tatum,” he said.

It’s a small moment, but a meaningful one. Given how carefully Brown had framed every previous public comment about his ex-teammate- respectful, but noticeably guarded- and consistent with reports that the two hadn’t spoken much since the trade.

Naming Tatum is seen as a warmer, more genuine acknowledgment than anything Brown offered in his more formal remarks about the relationship weeks earlier.

The two shared plenty of playful, viral moments during their years together in Boston. Including a memorable exchange in the 2024 playoffs where Tatum smacked Brown’s chest a little too hard after a clutch three, prompting Brown to vow revenge and deliver an equally hard chest slap of his own later, both players ending the exchange laughing and embracing.