Ranking the Celtics contracts from bargain to nightmare
By Tyler Watts
Questionable value
These contracts are not bad but remain questionable for the franchise for various reasons. It starts with making one of their stars the highest-paid player in the NBA.
9. Jaylen Brown
Brown is a three-time All-Star and made second-team All-NBA in 2023. He is outstanding, but Boston extended him to a five-year $286.2 million contract, which begins in the 2024-25 campaign. JB will be the highest-paid player in the league and one of the top over the length of the deal. Is Brown a superstar and a top-ten player in the world?
The Celtics had to give him a maximum contract to keep him, but it puts pressure on Brown to be great. He has the potential to live up to that contract, but it means continuing to improve as he enters his prime.
8. Payton Pritchard
Pritchard went from wanting out to signing an extension with the Celtics. His four-year $30 million contract begins next season, but can the 6’1 guard be an impactful rotation piece when the games matter most?
It was not a massive deal, but one they may regret if Pritchard is unable to stay on the floor in the playoffs.
7. Luke Kornet
The 7’2 big man becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. He is a key third big man behind Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford. With the latter turning 38 later this year, Kornet should only see more run. He likely wants a raise after making $2.4 million this season. This contract is questionable because how much is Boston willing to pay to keep Kornet this summer?
These contracts could go either way, and they are not the only ones. Other players need time to improve their games if they want to live up to their deals.