Jayson Tatum has reached an agreement with the Boston Celtics for a five-year supermax contract extension, confirmed by a league source to MassLive. The extension will commence with the 2025-26 NBA season, amounting to $315 million over the five-year period. Tatum is anticipated to secure a player option for the fifth year of the contract. Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report was the first to break the news about this significant deal.
This new contract places Tatum alongside Jaylen Brown as the only teammates in the NBA to have signed supermax deals. Tatum’s eligibility for the supermax contract was solidified by his performance, having been named to the All-NBA team in the two preceding seasons. Currently, Tatum has one year left on his existing contract, which includes a player option.
During the regular season, Tatum posted impressive statistics, averaging 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and a career-high 3.9 assists per game. His shooting accuracy was notable, with a field goal percentage of 47.1% and a three-point shooting percentage of 37.6%. Tatum’s stellar performance earned him a spot on the All-NBA First Team for the second consecutive season.
Tatum’s contract was one of two extensions that the Celtics finalized on Monday. The team also reached an agreement with Derrick White on a four-year, $125 million extension, ensuring White’s presence on the team for the next five years. These substantial contracts ensure that Boston’s core players remain under team control for the foreseeable future, but they also signify a significant financial commitment, with a substantial tax burden looming to maintain the roster.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, the Celtics’ financial commitments are substantial. Here’s a breakdown of the team’s salary obligations for that season:
– Jayson Tatum: $54.1 million
– Jaylen Brown: $53.6 million
– Jrue Holiday: $32.4 million
– Kristaps Porzingis: $30.7 million
– Derrick White: $28.1 million
– Payton Pritchard: $7.2 million
– Baylor Scheierman: $2.5 million
In total, these seven players will account for $208.6 million in salaries for the 2025-26 season. This significant financial outlay may necessitate difficult decisions regarding the composition of Boston’s roster. However, Tatum’s role as the team’s leading star is secure for the rest of the decade.
Additionally, Tatum will be representing Team USA in the Paris Olympics later this month, alongside his Celtics teammate Jrue Holiday, right after signing his new deal.
