The anticipation continues to build for the first game between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers since their offseason trade that sent Jaylen Brown to the Sixers. The two teams play Tuesday, Nov. 10, in a matchup the entire NBA will be focused on because of the brewing feud between Brown and Celtics star Jayson Tatum after the two former teammates parted ways.
So the Sixers decided to have a little fun with the growing controversy when the Celtics took the floor for their morning shootaround at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. The song, "Why Can't We Be Friends?" by War played on the public address system as the 76ers were on the court, according to video taken by reporters in attendance.
Brown and Tatum spent nine seasons together
with the Celtics and won an NBA championship in 2022. But their fruitful on-court partnership has devolved into a war of words off the floor now that they're on rival teams.
Brown raised the temperature significantly last month with two public reveals regarding the offseason move. He initially posted an emoji of a blue hat – which is another way to say cap, or slang that someone is being dishonest – to a video on social media in which Tatum said he was caught off guard by the July trade. Brown then told reporters on Oct. 24, "There’s no beef, but it might be a little lamb chops and some gravy, and he should stay ready at all times."
Tatum has attempted to downplay the rift and initially responded to Brown's comments by emphasizing, "This ain’t no (expletive) Shaq and Kobe. It’s not about that."
The two nonetheless appeared to avoid each other when the Sixers and Celtics met in the preseason. Brown did not play in the Oct. 16 exhibition game, but both players warmed up on opposite sides of the floor and did not acknowledge each other, at least not publicly. Despite winning a title together, speculation about the partnership followed them throughout much of their time in Boston.
Tensions between the former teammates intensified after Brown became a fixture in offseason trade rumors. When the Celtics ultimately dealt him to Philadelphia in a blockbuster move, the spotlight on his relationship with Tatum only grew.
The Sixers are off to a 9-2 start heading into Tuesday's game, and acquiring Brown helped convince LeBron James to sign with Philadelphia over several other suitors. The Celtics, who got Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks in the deal, are right below the Sixers in the Eastern Conference standings with Tatum averaging more than 27 points per game and on pace to set a career high for assists.
The good vibes and serious undertones made the Sixers' attempt at comic relief during shootaround feel all the more appropriate. Watch what happened here:
Hilarious music choice as the Celtics wait to begin shootaround. pic.twitter.com/HBTA2MhTCW
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) November 10, 2026
Celtics shootaround underway with “why can’t we be friends” playing. pic.twitter.com/EJV3A8pQKL
— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) November 10, 2026
The music at #Celtics shootaround: War’s “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” And that’s not an accident. #76ers. pic.twitter.com/s4Ielx5yzJ
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) November 10, 2026
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sixers tease Celtics with 'Why Can't We Be Friends' amid Tatum-Brown feud
