Jayson Tatum is set to sign the largest contract in NBA history, as he and the Boston Celtics have reportedly agreed to a five-year maximum contract extension worth an estimated $314 million.
Tatum’s performance justifies the record-breaking deal.
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The five-time All-Star led the Celtics to their 18th championship last season and turned 26 in March. The extension will run through the 2029-30 season, including the player option.
If Tatum exercises this option, he could earn $71.4 million, becoming the first player in NBA history to make over $70 million in a single season.
Previously, Tatum’s teammate Jaylen Brown held the record for the largest contract in league history with his five-year, $304 million extension signed last summer.
Looking ahead, the Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic will be eligible for a projected $346 million five-year extension next year.
The trend of rising salaries continues, making it a lucrative time for perennial All-Stars in the NBA.
In the 2023-24 season, Tatum averaged 26.9 points (on 60.4% true shooting), 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 35.7 minutes per game.
His usage rate of 29.6% was the highest on the team but the lowest since 2019-20 due to Boston’s abundance of playmaking options.
The Celtics scored an impressive 121.7 points per 100 possessions and outscored opponents by 11.2 per 100 with Tatum on the court.
He had his best passing season, finished sixth in MVP voting, and made First Team All-NBA.
Before Tatum’s deal, the Celtics agreed to a four-year extension with Derrick White worth $125.9 million.
In the 2025-26 season, Boston’s payroll is projected to exceed $200 million, not including the substantial luxury-tax bill.
Depending on the Phoenix Suns’ future actions, Boston could become the most expensive team in NBA history.
Despite potential roster-building restrictions under the new collective-bargaining agreement, the Celtics’ focus remains on winning.
They just secured a championship and have the potential for another.
While Tatum’s extension is historic, it is seen as a necessary formality in the current context.
