As the Boston Celtics head into the 2025 NBA Finals, all eyes are on star forward Jayson Tatum. After an electric performance throughout the playoffs, Tatum sustained an Achilles tendon injury during Game 4 against the New York Knicks. After undergoing surgery, the Celtics gave no timetable for Tatum’s return to the court. The on-court happenings have led to increased fan interest in the off the court life of the NBA star. Including the woman who may be helping him heal, British R&B sensation Ella Mai.

The public has always been fascinated by the love lives of athletes, and Tatum is no exception. The fact that he has kept his personal life mostly private, has only added to the allure of his relationship with Mai.

Who Is Ella Mai?

Ella Mai is a Grammy Award-winning British R&B singer who first rose to prominence with her hit single “Boo’d Up” in 2018. Born on November 3, 1994, in London, England, she was named after jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald. Mai’s musical journey began at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute in London, where she honed her vocal and songwriting talents.

She was discovered through Instagram by DJ Mustard, who signed her to his label, 10 Summers Records. Her debut self-titled album, released in 2018, featured hit tracks like “Boo’d Up,” “Trip,” and “Shot Clock.” “Boo’d Up” not only went triple platinum but also earned her a Grammy for Best R&B Song.

Since then, Mai has released multiple projects and toured extensively, solidifying her place in the contemporary R&B scene. Known for her soulful voice, vintage style, and emotionally resonant lyrics, she has garnered a dedicated fanbase across the globe. Her 2022 album “Heart On My Sleeve” showcased her continued growth as an artist and further cemented her as a mainstay in R&B music.

Who Is Jayson Tatum?

Jayson Tatum is a professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics, known for his smooth scoring ability, elite footwork, and leadership on and off the court. Born on March 3, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri, Tatum starred at Chaminade College Preparatory School before playing one standout season at Duke University.

He was selected third overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics and made an immediate impact, leading the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in his rookie year. Over the years, Tatum has emerged as one of the NBA’s brightest stars, earning multiple All-Star selections and All-NBA honors.

In 2022, he led the Celtics to the NBA Finals and was named the inaugural Eastern Conference Finals MVP. Known for his versatility, Tatum can score at all three levels and is a tenacious defender. Off the court, he’s also made a mark with his philanthropic efforts and is known for being a dedicated father to his son, Deuce.

As of 2025, Tatum is widely regarded as a top-five player in the league and a cornerstone of the Celtics’ championship aspirations. With his talent, charisma, and work ethic, he continues to be a defining figure in the next generation of NBA superstars.

The Rumored Beginning: When Did Ella Mai and Jayson Tatum Start Dating?

While neither party has confirmed the exact timeline of their romance, whispers of a relationship between Tatum and Mai began circulating in 2020. The buzz picked up when fans spotted Mai attending several Celtics games and reportedly staying in Boston for extended periods. Social media detectives quickly connected the dots, matching background decor in Instagram Stories and tracking subtle interactions.

Mai has remained relatively tight-lipped about her private life. Meanwhile, Tatum has made it a point to keep the focus on basketball. Despite their efforts to keep things under wraps, sources close to the couple suggest they’ve been serious for several years.

Tatum and Mai’s relationship appears to be built on a strong foundation of mutual respect and ambition. Mai has been seen cheering on Tatum from courtside seats, and the two reportedly share a quiet, supportive dynamic. Fans often speculate about their shared love of music and culture. Tatum has previously mentioned his eclectic music taste and has shouted out R&B in interviews.

Did Jayson Tatum Have a Baby with Ella Mai?

In June 2024, following the Boston Celtics’ historic 18th NBA Championship victory, Ella Mai publicly revealed her pregnancy during the team’s celebration. She was seen wearing Jayson Tatum’s Celtics jersey at the afterparty, where fans noticed her baby bump, confirming long-standing rumors about their relationship and expecting a child together.

The couple welcomed their first child together in August 2024. Though they haven’t publicly disclosed their son’s name, Tatum has been seen with the names “Deuce” and “Dylan” written on his sneakers during NBA games, suggesting their son’s name is Dylan.

Are Jayson Tatum and Ella Mai Still Together?

As of now, all signs point to yes. Although they rarely make public appearances together, Mai has continued to show up for Tatum during big moments. Most recently, she was spotted entering TD Garden during the Celtics’ playoff run, dressed in subtle Celtics green.

They’ve also been seen on vacations and attending family-oriented events, though always avoiding overt displays on social media. This discretion has only fueled public interest, but also suggests a mature relationship grounded in privacy and intention.

Who is Jayson Tatum’s Ex-Girlfriend?

Before his high-profile relationship with Mai, Tatum was in a long-term relationship with Toriah Lachell. The two met during their high school years in Missouri and welcomed their son, Deuce, in December 2017.

Toriah Lachell is a professional hairstylist and entrepreneur. After giving birth, she relocated to Boston to co-parent with Tatum, and the two have maintained a respectful and supportive dynamic for the sake of their son. Though their romantic relationship didn’t last, they’ve both spoken about prioritizing Deuce’s well-being.

Toriah has made a name for herself in the beauty industry, with her own business called The Curl Bar Boston, a salon dedicated to natural curls and textured hair.

Co-Parenting in the Spotlight

Tatum is frequently seen with his son, who has become something of a Celtics mascot in recent years. “Deuce” often sits courtside and even joins his father during press conferences. Fans adore their father-son bond, and many credit Tatum’s maturity to his early entry into fatherhood.

Sources close to the Celtics have noted that Tatum’s parenting responsibilities have made him more grounded. Balancing NBA stardom with fatherhood isn’t easy, but Tatum appears to do it with grace and authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Jayson Tatum have more than one child?

Yes. Jayson Tatum has two children. His first child, Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr. (affectionately known as “Deuce”), was born in December 2017 with his high school girlfriend Toriah Lachell. In August 2024, he welcomed a second child with Mai.

Does Jayson Tatum have a twin brother?

No, Jayson Tatum does not have a twin brother. He does have a younger brother named Jaycob Tatum, who has stayed largely out of the public eye. The confusion likely arises from their similar names and appearances, but the two are not twins.