Jayson Tatum Poised to Sign Record-Breaking Deal
Jayson Tatum is set to redefine the market for lucrative deals in the NBA, cementing his status as one of the league’s premier players. The Boston Celtics star is on the verge of signing the largest contract in NBA history, a five-year maximum extension estimated at a staggering $314 million. This monumental deal will keep Tatum in Boston through the 2029-30 season and includes a player option for the final year, as well as a trade kicker.
“Should Tatum pick up the player option, he stands to make $71.4 million,” according to league sources. This contract not only highlights Tatum’s value to the Celtics but also signals the ever-growing financial landscape of the NBA, especially for top-tier talent. The extension is poised to surpass the five-year, $304 million contract signed by Jaylen Brown last summer.
Breakout Season Solidifies Tatum’s Value
Tatum's performance on the court has undoubtedly justified these astronomical figures. Coming off another stellar season, he led the Celtics to their 18th championship, reinforcing his leadership and skills in high-stakes situations. Last season, Tatum averaged 26.9 points on an impressive 60.4% true shooting, alongside 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. His usage rate stood at 29.6%, reflecting his central role in the Celtics’ offensive schemes.
The Celtics’ success with Tatum on the court is well-documented. The team scored an impressive 121.7 points per 100 possessions and outscored opponents by 11.2 points per 100 possessions with him leading the charge. Tatum, who earned his fifth All-Star selection last season, also had the best passing season of his career, finishing sixth in MVP voting and earning a spot on the First Team All-NBA.
“Tatum got everything that a star player can possibly get in a deal like this,” noted a league insider, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the contract that Tatum is set to sign. Indeed, it's a good time to be a perennial All-Star in the NBA.
Implications of the New Collective Bargaining Agreement
However, this financial windfall for Tatum and the Celtics also raises questions about the team’s future payroll management. The new collective bargaining agreement imposes stringent restrictions on teams with high payrolls, challenging their ability to build rosters under the cap. The Celtics, projected to have a payroll exceeding $200 million in the 2025-26 season, might struggle with these constraints.
“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.” This reality underscores the challenges Boston will face as they strive to maintain their championship-caliber roster.
In light of these financial complexities, it's worth noting that the Celtics have also committed to other key players. Alongside Tatum's impending deal and Brown’s contract from last summer, the Celtics recently agreed to a four-year, $125.9 million extension with Derrick White. This speaks to the team’s strategy of locking in their core players for the long haul, a gamble they hope will pay off with continued success.
Looking to the Future
The monumental contract that Tatum is about to sign not only marks a significant personal milestone but also sets a new benchmark for NBA contracts. Furthermore, it could have ripple effects across the league; for instance, Luka Doncic is eligible for a five-year extension projected to be around $346 million next year, which may reshape the financial dynamics for several teams.
As Tatum looks ahead to the 2029-30 season in Celtics green, the team remains focused on balancing financial prudence with the pursuit of more championship glory. Boston fans can undoubtedly look forward to more thrilling seasons led by one of the game's brightest stars.