Jayson Tatum told Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe that he’s happy the Boston Celtics gave Jaylen Brown the largest contract in NBA history. Brown signed a five-year, $304 million supermax extension with the Celtics.
“Much deserved, it was a no brainer,” Tatum told the Globe. “So I’m happy for him and his family. It’s life changing. It’s a big deal. I’m happy we’re going to have him for however much longer we’ve got him for. I’m happy about that.”
Brown averaged 26.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 2022-23 for the Celtics while shooting 49.1% from the field, 33.5% from beyond the arc and 76.5% from the free-throw line. He was eligible to sign a designated veteran extension because he made an All-NBA team last season.
Brown is slated to make $52.3 million when the contract kicks in during the 2024-25 season and $69.1 million in 2028-29, the final year of the deal. He was not eligible for a no-trade clause because he signed an extension.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum & Boston Celtics Updates
Tatum, who averaged 30.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists last season, told NBA reporters after the Miami Heat won Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Boston that it was “extremely important” for Brown to be back next season. Tatum and Brown are close friends.
“It’s extremely important,” Tatum said. “He’s one of the best players in this league. He plays both ends of the ball and still is relatively young. And he’s accomplished a lot so far in his career. So I think it’s extremely important.”
Boston will look different next season after trading Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies and Grant Williams to the Dallas Mavericks and acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards. The Celtics’ new Big 3 of Brown, Tatum and Porzingis will look to lead the franchise to title No. 18.
The Celtics have made the playoffs in each of Brown’s seven NBA seasons, including the NBA Finals in 2022 and three Eastern Conference Finals trips. Boston drafted Brown with the third overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum & Boston Celtics Updates
The 26-year-old Brown has career averages of 17.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists with the Celtics. Meanwhile, Tatum has career averages of 22.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists. It will be fascinating to see if Boston wins a championship during the Brown-Tatum era.
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