BOSTON – The city of Boston was the key to basketball for Celtics star Jaylen Brown. Since arriving in Beantown in 2016, he has consistently exceeded expectations, becoming a five-time All-Star, earning the NBA Finals MVP trophy, and most recently, moving into 10th on the Celtics' all-time scoring list during a 120-99 win over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. But just because Brown was introduced to Boston through basketball doesn't mean he wants to be known for that alone.
The former UC Berkeley standout has used his platform to make a difference in New England's largest city, hosting numerous community events giving his views on social issues, technology, the future and more. Brown's life away from basketball has always been integral to him, so it makes sense that he might again emphasize non-basketball activities whenever he retires from the NBA.
"Part of me wants to say that when I'm done, you'll never see me again," Brown said with a slight smile in the locker room. "but who knows?"
Jaylen Brown was asked what the future will be like when he and Jayson Tatum are welcomed into the TDs a few years from now, like Robert Parish:
"To be honest, I can't even think that far ahead. Part of me wants to say that when I'm done, you'll never see me again." pic.twitter.com/wfE6gRdHOP
- Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) 19 March 2026
What does retirement mean for Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum?
As Celtics legend Robert Parish strolled through TD Garden on Wednesday cheering on fans — promoting his new book and looking at two franchises he played for decades ago — Brown was reminded of his limited basketball career.
When Brown was asked if he would return to Boston from time to time, like Parrish, he responded, "Honestly, I can't even think that far ahead." "Obviously, Parish is a legend, so it's good to see him out there. He looked good. Looks to be in pretty good shape. So it's great to have him around."
Fellow Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who tied a season-high with 24 points against the Warriors, was also looking to the future. And while he didn't reveal anything definite in terms of post-playing plans, the six-time All-Star did mention how great it is to see the beloved Celtics come home to a standing ovation.
"It means everything," he said. "It's a really nice moment to see other people receive their flowers."
Jayson Tatum on talking to Robert Parish pregame:
"It's always an honor to look back at the legends of the game and the players who paved the way for us as NBA players." pic.twitter.com/5V0erRfoZ6
- Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) 19 March 2026
When Tatum and Brown call it quits, there's no doubt both stars' jerseys will be retired and they'll be placed among the stars in the rafters at TD Garden. However, it doesn't look like that's going to happen anytime soon, as Boston's dynamic duo is focused on chasing another title with the Celtics at 46-23 before the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Additionally, neither Celtics star is even 30 years old and both of them have signed long contracts for at least three more seasons.
No matter what happens for Tatum and Brown over the next several years, they've earned the right to handle retirement how they want, whether that looks like headlining home games in Boston or stepping out of the public eye forever.
When Brown was asked if he would 'go black' after retiring, he replied, "I mean, it depends on what God has planned." “But if you ask me now, I think it's much more likely, let's say.”
