The Boston Celtics clearly view Jayson Tatum as their superstar for years to come after trading Jaylen Brown. President of basketball operations Brad Stevens admitted the team didn’t want such a high percentage of their cap tied up in two players, and ESPN insider Shams Charania noted that Tatum was untouchable in trade talks when teams were calling about Brown. Tatum is making over 35 percent of the salary cap this season, and he isn’t going anywhere. The Celtics' belief about the salary cap prevents them from acquiring another superstar.
Tatum is one of the ten best players in the world. Even fresh off Achilles surgery, he averaged 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.4 steals in 32.6 minutes per game. The 28-year-old is an unquestioned superstar, but things will be different without Brown. Boston is going all-in on Tatum, which likely means even more touches and usage for the star.
Stevens wrestled with the decision to trade Brown. Ultimately, things had to change. The CBA played a key role and so did the relationships. Stevens didn’t want to badmouth the former Finals MVP on his way out. Brown is an all-time great Celtic, but expect Boston to be building strictly around Tatum moving forward.
Jayson Tatum is the Celtics' superstar for years to come
Stevens came out firing in his press conference to announce the Brown trade. He was clear that the front office looked at everything before offering this take.
“The path looked a little bit more challenging with 70 percent of our cap and such a high percent of our usage tied into two players.”
Stevens noted the importance of depth in the modern NBA. The Celtics had to tear down the title roster because they got too expensive, and it gutted Boston’s depth. Their first-round playoff exit showed everyone the importance of having those extra pieces. The Celtics had to choose between a superstar duo and a deep roster. Stevens clearly made his call.
With it came a massive vote of confidence in Tatum being that alpha. The Celtics could have kept Brown or shopped both players in an effort to reset. That didn’t happen because Stevens and the front office believe Tatum is the superstar that can lead a deep roster to a championship.
The Brown trade didn’t solve Boston’s spending questions. Paul George is on a max contract through 2028. Expect the Celtics to explore avenues to trade him or do a complete pivot when his deal expires. Picking up multiple draft picks was important because Boston can use them to upgrade around Tatum.
JT’s salary and the percentage of the cap he earns continue to rise. He is set to have a $71.4 million player option in 2029-30 that is projected to be 37.4 percent of the salary cap. That is a lot to pay one player, but worth every penny if he’s one of the best in the world. Boston clearly decided Brown wasn’t worth the hefty paycheck, so they moved on.
Stevens only wants one max contract on his books, and Jayson Tatum is under contract through 2030. He is the Boston Celtics’ superstar for years to come. It is on the front office to build the depth necessary to contend for a championship with a lone superstar. Stevens signaled belief in doing so by trading Jaylen Brown. Now, he has to make it reality.
This is Tatum’s team. The Celtics will go as he goes. It was sad to see Brown go, but this is the path Stevens chose. He was proven right in building the 2024 title squad, so fans should have faith he’s nailing it again.
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