After winning his first ring, All-Star forward Jayson Tatum received a huge max contract extension from the Boston Celtics. Turns out, that amount of money he’s set to get has drawn crazy comparisons to what other players have earned before.
In a historic move, the Celtics have agreed to a five-year, $315 million supermax contract extension with Tatum. The deal, which will commence in the 2025-26 season, makes him the newest member of the NBA’s exclusive $300 million club, surpassing the previous record held by his teammate Jaylen Brown.
Tatum, a five-time All-Star, has cemented his status as one of the league’s premier talents. Last season, he averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, earning All-NBA First Team honors for the third consecutive year. His performances were instrumental in the Celtics’ championship run, where he averaged 25 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
The extension ensures that the core of the Celtics’ roster, including Tatum, Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis, will remain intact through at least the 2025-26 season. With the team’s payroll and luxury tax expected to exceed $400 million, the Celtics’ ownership group has demonstrated its commitment to building a championship contender.
The deal comes as the Celtics’ ownership group has announced plans to sell a majority interest in the team by 2024 or early 2025, underscoring the franchise’s continued ambition to maintain its position as one of the NBA’s elite teams.
Jayson Tatum’s New Contract With the Boston Celtics Draws Crazy Comparison
Without a doubt, Tatum’s new contract is a crazy one due to the massive amount he’s set to earn over the years. The thing is, his contract is larger than what many NBA fans may have thought, as evidenced by a tweet by Hoops Hype on X.
“Roy Hibbert’s career earnings: $70,680,193
Danny Granger’s career earnings: $71,140,777
Jayson Tatum’s 2030 player option: $71,446,822 🙃” Hoops Hype tweeted.
To put things into context, Hibbert played a total of nine seasons in the NBA, while Granger spent 10 years in the league. Tatum’s final year in his contract, if chooses to take it, will make him earn more than those two former stars in just one season.
With the rise of salaries in the NBA over the coming years, players will have the chance to earn big. As it stands, Tatum has earned that right after helping the Celtics win their 18th title recently.
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