Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Reveals Initial Fear After Injury

Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles tendon injury during the Boston Celtics‘ loss to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The four-time All-NBA First-Team selection is expected to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season.

During a recent interview with “People”, Tatum revealed that he feared getting traded after suffering his injury.

“I literally sat there and cried for two hours ’cause so many things ran through my mind: ‘Damn, is my career over? Am I going to get traded? Are all my partners going to drop me?’ My basketball career flashed in front of my eyes,” Tatum said. “I’m in my prime, one of the best basketball players in the world, and it felt like it was all taken away.”

Tatum is the Celtics’ star player. It was always unlikely they would trade him, especially as he’s young enough to make a strong recovery and potentially return to an All-NBA level within a year of returning to the court. Nevertheless, it’s easy to see why his mind would go there, especially so soon after such a devastating injury.

Tatum Considered Stepping Away From Basketball

During a September 23 appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Tatum revealed that shortly after suffering his injury, he considered taking a step away from professional basketball.

“It may sound dramatic, but I remember telling my mom, like ‘Mom, I might be done,” Tatum said. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to overcome this or if I’m up for this challenge.’ You know, I just felt defeated. And there was a time I was like, I don’t know if I want to do this anymore.”

Fortunately for Celtics fans, it would appear that thought process has now passed. Instead, Tatum will likely continue to push himself to get back on the court. Only then can he prove he’s still a top-10 player in the NBA when fully healthy.

Tatum Aiming To Play This Season

In that same appearance on First Take, Tatum hinted at aiming for a return to the court this season.

“I haven’t said I’m not playing this season,” Tatum said. “…I don’t go to rehab six days a week for nothing. But with that being said, with being a part of the organization and the Celtics, there is a standard that we play to, that we uphold, regardless of who we have in the lineup, who’s on the team, who’s not, there’s a sense of pride that we have when we put that uniform on, and we always are competing to win a championship, and that standard will not change.”

Tatum has posted numerous pictures of himself in the gym in recent weeks. And, while he’s still in the early stages of his rehab, it’s clear that he’s pushing to get back out on the court sooner, rather than later.

It will be interesting to see whether Tatum is cleared to play in the upcoming season. And if he is, it will be worth remembering that he’ll need time to get back to full game fitness.

Golden State Warriors Reportedly Exploring Trade for Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam

The Golden State Warriors might be preparing to make one final run at a championship with Stephen Curry still at the helm. According to a report from The Athletic, the Warriors have expressed interest in acquiring

Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors before the trade deadline.

Siakam, 31, is entering the last year of his contract and has yet to sign an extension with Toronto. While the Raptors have been reluctant to part with their star forward, league insiders say the franchise could pivot toward a full rebuild if they fail to gain momentum in the playoff race.

For Golden State, the move makes sense. The team has struggled with consistency this season, and adding Siakam would provide an athletic, two-way presence who can score inside, hit the midrange, and defend multiple positions. His length and defensive versatility would also help cover for some of the Warriors’ recent weaknesses in guarding bigger wings.

A Western Conference executive told reporters:
"If they land him, it could be the biggest midseason shake-up since Durant."

The proposed trade framework circulating among analysts includes Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga

, and future first-round picks. While Kuminga has shown flashes of star potential, the Warriors’ front office may feel the pressure to maximize Curry’s championship window rather than wait for young players to fully develop.

Financially, the deal would be complex. Siakam’s $37 million salary means the Warriors would need to match contracts closely, and with the new luxury tax penalties under the NBA’s CBA, the front office would have to consider the long-term financial impact.

Still, with Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson potentially in their final stretch together, adding a proven All-Star like Siakam could be the spark that propels Golden State back into serious contention.

If the deal goes through, the Warriors’ lineup could be one of the most versatile in the league — and the road to the Western Conference Finals would suddenly get a lot more crowded.