3 Untouchable Boston Celtics not named Jayson Tatum
By Tyler Watts
![Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f5f076334db9df38c4e1db3b76b6d43a32d466f0822e53c31cb3962110b25cbe.jpg)
1. Jaylen Brown
Fans have seen the trade rumors in recent years, but the Celtics put them to rest this summer by signing Brown to a massive five-year $288.2 million maximum extension that was only possible after he made second-team All-NBA. He can become a free agent in 2029 and is set to make $65.6 million in the final year of his deal.
The Celtics are committed to building around the Jays, but that won’t be easy with the new second-tax apron. Jayson Tatum will start a new contract in 2025 and the duo will be making well north of $100 million per season at that point. The second apron is restrictive, so Boston must navigate it wisely as they try to stay in contention.
Jaylen Brown must improve. His troubles going left and using his left hand (subscription required) are well-documented. The Celtics need more from their second-best player to win a championship. Brown should just be entering his prime and ready to deliver.
The Boston Celtics are not trading Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, or Kristaps Porzingis anytime soon. They may try to tweak their roster on the edges before February’s deadline, but do not expect these four to leave Beantown. Will this Celtics core finally win ring number 18? Stay tuned to find out.