Jayson Tatum's Monumental Contract
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is primed to redefine the landscape of NBA contracts. On the brink of signing a historic deal, Tatum and the Celtics have agreed in principle to a five-year maximum contract extension worth a staggering $314 million. This groundbreaking agreement is set to be the largest in the league’s storied history.
The extension includes a player option for the final season and a trade kicker, ensuring that Tatum has some flexibility in his arrangement. With this deal, Tatum will remain a Celtic through the 2029-30 season, and if he chooses to exercise his player option, he stands to make an eye-popping $71.4 million in a single season. "Should Tatum pick up the player option, he stands to make $71.4 million."
"Tatum got everything that a star player can possibly get in a deal like this," reads a quote from the article, encapsulating the significance of this contract for the 26-year-old forward who continues to solidify his place among the NBA elite. The Celtics, freshly crowned champions, seem determined to build on their success by securing the centerpiece of their roster.
Tatum’s ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. Coming off another stellar season, he led the Celtics to their 18th championship, further cementing his legacy in the franchise. At just 26 years old, he earned his fifth All-Star selection last season. His performance in the 2023-24 campaign was exemplary, averaging 26.9 points on 60.4% true shooting. Additionally, he posted 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game, showcasing his versatile skill set.
Beyond the individual statistics, Tatum's impact on the court cannot be overstated. His usage rate was 29.6%, and the Celtics scored an exceptional 121.7 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor. Moreover, they outscored opponents by 11.2 points per 100 possessions during his time on the court. "The Celtics scored an insane 121.7 points per 100 possessions (and outscored opponents by 11.2 per 100) with him on the court."
Tatum also had the best passing season of his career this past year, reflecting his growth as a playmaker. His contributions did not go unnoticed, as he finished sixth in MVP voting and earned a coveted spot on the First Team All-NBA.
While Tatum’s new deal is a sign of Boston’s commitment to sustaining their success, it also places immense pressure on the franchise to navigate a complicated financial landscape. The Celtics are projected to have a payroll exceeding $200 million by the 2025-26 season, a reality that is likely to impose stringent roster-building restrictions under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement. "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."
The Celtics have already locked in another key player, Jaylen Brown, to a five-year, $304 million contract last summer. Furthermore, they agreed to a four-year, $125.9 million extension with Derrick White. This strategy of securing essential talent reflects Boston's ambition but also underscores potential future challenges in maintaining a balanced, competitive roster within the constraints of the new CBA.
Another potential contract on the horizon that could reshape the financial dynamics in the league involves Luka Doncic, who is eligible for a five-year extension projected to be around $346 million next year. As these mega-deals become more prevalent, it is evident that "it's a good time to be a perennial All-Star in the NBA."
In every sense, Jayson Tatum’s impending contract stands as a monumental deal not just for the Celtics, but for the NBA as a whole. It reflects the evolving economics of the sport and the increasing value placed on elite talent. As Tatum continues to etch his name into the annals of basketball history, the Celtics look to build on their championship success, navigating the complexities of team management in an era defined by extraordinary contracts.