Report: Celtics want to keep Tatum, Brown

The Boston Celtics intend to keep star wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as teammates for the long haul.

Boston indicated to rival teams that it wants to build its roster around Tatum and Brown, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. However, the team is open to moving other players.

Despite the Celtics' disappointing 19-21 start under first-year head coach Ime Udoka, Brown recently said he can continue playing with Tatum and that the team's struggles should help the pair improve.

Brown and Tatum have been teammates since the 2017-18 campaign, which was the latter's rookie year. The duo helped Boston reach the 2018 Eastern Conference finals but hasn't replicated similar success since.

They average a combined 49.6 points and 14.7 rebounds per game as the Celtics' two leading offensive options. Brown is set to become a free agent following the 2023-24 season. Tatum is signed through 2025 and has a $37-million player option for the 2025-26 campaign.