Jayson Tatum's impending contract extension is set to make waves across the NBA, potentially redefining lucrative deals in the league. The Boston Celtics star forward is on the verge of signing what would be the largest deal in NBA history—a five-year maximum contract extension estimated at $314 million.
The extension, which includes a player option in the final season and a trade kicker, will lock Tatum into the Celtics roster through the 2029-30 season. If Tatum exercises his player option, he stands to make a staggering $71.4 million in a single season. As one source emphasizes, “Tatum got everything that a star player can possibly get in a deal like this.”
A Stellar Season
Tatum, who is just 26 years old, comes off another remarkable season where he led the Celtics to their 18th championship. He averaged 26.9 points on 60.4% true shooting during the 2023-24 season. In addition, he contributed 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game, highlighting his all-around prowess on the court. Tatum’s usage rate for the season stood at 29.6%, indicating how integral he was to the Celtics' gameplay.
His performance not only helped the team achieve substantial success but also earned him personal accolades. Tatum earned his fifth All-Star selection last season and secured a spot on the First Team All-NBA. He even finished sixth in MVP voting, underlining his status as one of the league's elite players.
Tatum’s influence was particularly evident when he was on the court, as the Celtics scored an impressive 121.7 points per 100 possessions and outscored opponents by 11.2 points per 100 possessions. His passing this past season was highlighted as his best yet, further proving his invaluable contribution to the team’s offense. "The Celtics scored an insane 121.7 points per 100 possessions (and outscored opponents by 11.2 per 100) with him on the court," another source said.
Financial Calculations
Tatum’s new deal adds another significant number to the Celtics' extensive payroll commitments. Last summer, Jaylen Brown signed a five-year, $304 million contract, adding to the team's salary obligations. Additionally, the Celtics have agreed to a four-year, $125.9 million extension with Derrick White. Come 2025-26, the Celtics project a payroll exceeding $200 million.
The new collective bargaining agreement, however, imposes stringent restrictions on teams maintaining high payrolls. One analyst pointed out, “At some point, due to the roster-building restrictions that big spenders face under the new collective-bargaining agreement, the Celtics might need to figure out a way to trim payroll.” Consequently, the Celtics face the challenging task of balancing their roster while adhering to these new financial constraints.
Future Implications
Meanwhile, the landscape for high-value contracts in the NBA continues to evolve. Luka Doncic, for example, is eligible for a five-year extension projected to be around $346 million next year, demonstrating the escalating market for the league's top talent. "It's a good time to be a perennial All-Star in the NBA," the article noted, underlining the advantageous position of players like Tatum and Doncic.
As the Celtics celebrate their championship and look towards the future, Tatum’s contract extension marks a crucial step. The deal not only secures a cornerstone of the franchise but also propels the team into a new era of financial strategy under the updated collective bargaining agreement. The exhilarating performances and substantial contracts of stars like Tatum are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats, as the Celtics aim for continued success on and off the court.