NBA Legend speaks out on Jaylen Brown’s new contract with Boston Celtics
By Sam LaFrance
Last week, Jaylen Brown made waves by inking the largest contract in NBA history to remain with the Boston Celtics. Boston signed the All-NBA forward to a five year, $304 million contract extension, one year before he was set to become an unrestricted free agent.
In the days following, NBA legend Tracy McGrady joined Fox Sports’ The Herd and discussed Brown’s big pay day.
“I mean that’s the state of the NBA you can’t hate on it that’s just where we are,” McGrady said. “He’s well deserved of getting that contract based off of how he played over these last few years, how he played last year. He’s well deserved of that so shout out to him man for for getting five years at 304 million but that’s just the state of the NBA, it’s top heavy right now so if you wanted those top tier players for your team that’s what you’re gonna get paid.”
Boston Celtics signing Jaylen Brown to Supermax was a no-brainer
McGrady is right, Brown absolutely deserved to get paid. He’s earned it, helping the Boston Celtics have a great deal of success since he entered the league in 2016.
In the past few seasons, the 26-year-old has stepped up big time. He’s filled his role as a key contributor quite well, to say the very least. He’s been named to two NBA All-Star teams in the last three years, averaging 25.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, while shooting 48.3% from the field and 36.1% from distance, since the 2020-21 season.
The Celtics have been to three of the past four Eastern Conference Finals with the current pairing of Brown and Jayson Tatum. They had absolutely no reason to let there be any risk of Brown leaving anytime soon, despite the fanbase being torn over the decision ever since No. 7 struggled in the Eastern Conference Finals.
What people forgot was that Brown had averaged 25 points per game on 54% from the field and 47% from distance, through Boston’s first two playoff series. That’s certainly the play of a guy who’s worth $304 million.
For more on the Jaylen Brown contract extension, check out a recent episode of the How ‘Bout Them Celtics podcast, where CelticsBlog’s Jack Simone and I discuss the news.