Celtics, Jayson Tatum Agree to Most Lucrative Deal in NBA History

Bobby Krivitsky | Jul 1, 2024

Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Trophy after beating the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the 2024 NBA Finals to win the NBA Championship at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports / Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

The Celtics have operated rapidly to address their top priorities this offseason. They re-signed Luke Kornet as soon as free agency started and retained Neemias Queta shortly after that, shoring up their depth at center.

Accomplishing that objective was especially important with Kristaps Porzingis not projected to return until November at the earliest and him being more likely to join Boston's quest for Banner 19 in December after he underwent surgery to repair a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon. 

On a whirlwind Monday, the defending NBA champions inked Derrick White to a four-year, $125.9 million extension, with news of ownership intending to sell the franchise following on the heels of that agreement.

Now, the Celtics have also come to terms with Jayson Tatum on a supermax extension worth an estimated $314 million over five years, per Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes, who adds that the deal will include a player option. It is the most lucrative contract in NBA history. That title, which quickly changes hands, previously belonged to Jaylen Brown, who landed a $285 million veteran supermax extension last summer. The star tandem is now under contract through at least the 2028-29 season.

Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Tatum's deal with Boston is the first in league history worth at least $300 million. The final year of his extension is worth $71.4 million, making him the first player signed for a season where he will earn at least $70 million.

According to NBA salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan, the structure of his new pact with the Celtics is as follows.

Jayson Tatum is officially the first player in NBA history to sign a $300 million contract.

Here are his year-by-year cap hits on his five-year supermax extension projected for $314 million. pic.twitter.com/KrJM7JHrgz

— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) July 1, 2024

While this deal getting done was as safe of a bet as you'll find, doing so before Tatum even departs for Las Vegas in preparation for the Paris Olympics this summer is an impressive feat that figures to provide peace of mind for both sides.

The 26-year-old star is entering the peak of his powers, and he's coming off a championship run that figures to provide a sense of relief that could benefit him moving forward.

He led Boston in points (22.2), rebounds (7.8), and assists (7.2) in the NBA Finals. He also did so for the entire postseason, averaging 25 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists.

The three-time All-NBA First Team selection is willing to sacrifice as a scorer and fill any role defensively, including neutralizing the Mavericks' lob threats, Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, in the NBA Finals, while also making a significant and needed impact on the glass.

As the Celtics keep their core intact and work to parlay this year's title into the start of a dynasty, Tatum's growth is one of the most critical factors in converting those aspirations into more championship Banners.

Further Reading

Celtics' Ownership Group Announces Plan to Sell the Franchise

Derrick White, Essential to Celtics' Dynasty Hopes, Signs 4-Year Extension

Celtics Continue Shoring Up Depth at Center, Re-Sign Neemias Queta

Celtics Work Quickly to Re-Sign Luke Kornet

Brad Stevens Shares His Outlook on Celtics' Draft Picks

Baylor Scheierman Shares Celtics' Feedback Before Drafting Him

Al Horford, Raising Cane's, and a Region that Loves Him

On Derrick White and the Fuel for Unprecedented Journey to NBA's Best Role Player

Jayson Tatum, an NBA Champion Entering Peak of His Powers

Jaylen Brown Caps Career Year with NBA Finals MVP: 'Can't Even Put it into Words'