The Boston Celtics have officially signed Jaylen Brown to a five-year supermax contract extension worth $304 million. This contract is the richest deal in NBA history. With this extension, Brown is on the team’s roster until 2029. The contract is also reportedly fully guaranteed without a player option. The 26-year-old is coming off a career year with the Celtics, averaging 26.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 3.5 APG on 49.1 FG%.
Celtics Sign Jaylen Brown to Supermax Contract; the Richest Deal in NBA History
One year ago today, there were reports that the Celtics could trade Brown to the Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant. Today, the Celtics made Brown the highest-paid player in NBA history (for now).
Since being drafted by the team in 2016, Brown’s role with the Celtics has progressively grown each year. Although there will be some debate about whether Brown deserves the supermax, it has become evident over the last few seasons that the Celtics will do whatever it takes to keep him.
Is Brown Worth the Supermax?
While it’s fair to debate whether Brown deserves to be the highest-paid player in the league’s history, it’s clear that Boston is better with him on the team, no matter the price. Brown has improved the longer he’s played and is inarguably one of the best shooting guards in the league. Plus, being only 26, there’s no telling what the future holds for him and the Celtics.
Brown’s record as the highest-paid NBA player will almost inevitably be broken. This is especially true with teammate Jayson Tatum being eligible for an extension next year. This may look like an overpay, but as other stars become eligible for a supermax, this deal will likely look like an average payday in the modern NBA for superstars.
What’s Next for the Celtics?
As it stands, Boston has built together a contending roster. With Brown’s extension now official, the Celtics will likely shift all gears toward the upcoming season. The team has likely finished all of their big offseason moves (with the addition of Kristaps Porzingis in June).
Pertaining to their long-term plans following next season, with Brown and Porzingis under contract for multiples years, the only question mark becomes Tatum’s contract. He can also make over $300 million in his potential supermax. The 25-year-old star has already made it clear he wants to stay in Boston. Because of this, it’s tough to imagine the Celtics not paying him what he’s eligible for.
The Last Word on Jaylen Brown’s Supermax
Signing Brown to a supermax extension was a no-brainer for the Celtics. The team locked up an elite shooting guard who can dominate for years. His contract may be expensive, but Brown is a player you’d rather pay big money for than let walk for nothing. Brown has been with the Celtics for seven years and has only improved.
Brown doesn’t have the option to opt out of his contract in the fifth year. Both parties want Brown in Boston long-term, and there should be no doubt that this is the right choice.
