Jayson Tatum is the newest member of the NBA’s $300 million club.
The Boston Celtics star has agreed to a five-year, $314 million contract extension to remain with the reigning NBA champions, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Monday.
The new pact will begin with the 2025-26 season and keep the five-time All-Star in Boston through 2029-30 season, according to the person who spoke on the condition of anonymity because it has not been announced.
The Athletic and ESPN were first to report the deal.
When completed Tatum’s new, supermax contract will become the largest in NBA history, supplanting the one signed last offseason by teammate Jaylen Brown, when he inked a five-year deal that will pay him up to $304 million.
Tatum averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists and shot 47% from the field in earning All-NBA first-team honors for the third consecutive season. Those numbers grew to 25 points, 9.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game during a playoff run in which he eclipsed 30 points six times, including 31 in their championship-clinching Game 5 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
He will look to add to his hardware this summer as a member of the U.S. men’s basketball team when it attempts to capture its fifth consecutive gold medal. Tatum previously won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
News of Tatum’s deal came on the same day that fellow Celtics starter Derrick White reportedly agreed to a four-year, $126 million extension. All five of Boston’s starters –- Tatum, Brown, White, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis — were already under contract for next season. With Tatum and White’s new agreements they now all could be together through at least the 2025-26 season.
The deal also came on the heels of the Celtics ownership group, led by Wyc Grousbeck, announcing its plans to sell all of its shares by 2028.
Barring any significant roster changes, Boston is expected to have a combined payroll and luxury tax that will exceed $400 million when Tatum’s contract takes effect.
Jayson Tatum, the rising star of the Boston Celtics, has just signed a record-breaking deal with the team. The 22-year-old forward agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $195 million, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NBA.
Tatum’s new deal solidifies his status as a cornerstone of the Celtics’ future. Since being drafted by Boston with the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Tatum has quickly established himself as one of the league’s top young talents. In just three seasons, he has become a key player for the Celtics, averaging 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
Tatum’s impressive performance on the court has earned him multiple accolades, including being named an NBA All-Star for the first time in 2020. His ability to score from anywhere on the floor, combined with his defensive prowess, has made him a valuable asset for the Celtics.
With Tatum locked in for the long term, the Celtics can now build their team around him and fellow young star Jaylen Brown. The duo has shown great chemistry on the court and has the potential to lead Boston to championship contention in the coming years.
The record-breaking deal for Tatum is a testament to his hard work and dedication to improving his game. It also reflects the Celtics’ commitment to keeping their young core together and competing at the highest level.
Fans of the Celtics can now look forward to seeing Tatum continue to grow and develop as a player, while helping lead the team to success in the years to come. With Tatum’s new contract in place, the future looks bright for Boston and its young star.