On Wednesday, March 10th, a day of rest between second-round games five and six for the Boston Celtics and 76ers, the NBA announced the All-NBA teams. Less than surprisingly, both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum were named to the second and first teams, respectively. In the short run, it’s hopeful that this recognition can provide a much-needed spark for a team down 3-2 to their long-time rival. Here’s hoping.
In the long run, however, these accolades bring up questions about the team’s future. This gives both All-Star wings super-max contract eligibility. For Brown, it couldn’t have come at a better time. At least from the perspective of most Celtics fans.
Brown has proven to be an astounding player and is in no small part responsible for the success the franchise has seen, with four conference finals appearances, one conference championship, and one finals appearance since his rookie year in 2017.
That being said, this season has brought Brown’s future plans into question. During interviews with the New York Times and The Ringer, Brown made some statements that made fans doubt his loyalty to Boston.
Out of context, the quotes can be construed to be far worse than they are. Taking into account that Brown’s name has been in trade rumors more than once, even after a Finals run, and how the NBA operates in general, it’s more practical to think that these are the thoughts of an individual with a pragmatic perspective about his future. Not someone ready to jump ship as soon as he can.
Regardless of what Jaylen Brown is thinking, the fear of him leaving may have been assuaged with this All-NBA announcement. With the super-max contract now on the table, the Boston Celtics are the only team capable of offering the estimated five-year $295 million extension. That kind of money isn’t usually turned down.
This should be a sigh of relief for those questioning Brown’s future, for at least the next couple of years. But this all still comes with some caveats. First, the NBA never holds any guarantees. It’s entirely possible Brown could request a trade or live out his current contract into unrestricted free agency in 2024.
Second, the front office now has to consider extra luxury tax restrictions with the CBA taking effect next season. If player payroll exceeds the cap by $17.5 million, they get hit will a plethora of restrictions in addition to the restrictions put in place by the first apron at about $7 million. If both Brown and Tatum are signed on super-max deals, those luxury tax limits are all that much closer. This would make restructuring the team around them, if necessary, a much more difficult task. Not an impossible one, but it is something to consider if you’re Brad Stevens.
Granted, these two guys just proved themselves to be two of the best ten players in the NBA, as so voted on by the media, they’re worth every penny. The other factor to keep in mind is the predicted salary cap increase that will come within the coming years. Both stars making $60 million may very well be affordable once new TV deals are inked.
The Boston Celtics will prioritize Jaylen Brown’s free agency
For Brown, being one year away from free agency, his extension comes first. All indications point to Stevens and ownership offering the deal before the ink can dry on the paper. Stevens even held a presser advocating for Brown’s All-NBA candidacy before the playoffs began.
Regardless of how these playoffs go, the Celtics need to keep both stars under contract. Even if, for some unforetold reason, Brown wants out, he becomes a much more valuable asset if under contract for the foreseeable future.
The Boston Celtics can, under no circumstances, let him walk for nothing. And with his first-ever All-NBA appearance, that looks to be as unlikely as possible.