It really wouldn’t surprise me if Jalen Brown rejects the supermax and hits the free agent market. The Celtics and Jaylen Brown haven’t really gotten on the same page for a contract extension as the constant trade speculation involving Brown could have permanently soured the relationship.
This would be a catastrophic loss for the Celtics if Brown leaves in the offseason and the team suffers another early playoff exit (aka: doesn’t win the NBA championship).
Ever since Jaylen Brown was drafted 3rd overall by the Celtics in 2016, the Celtics have been in a win-now mode as his partnership with Jayson Tatum (who was drafted a year later with the 3rd overall pick) has transformed the franchise from playoff hopefuls to bonified championship contenders.
And that change was in full display last season as Brown was an integral part of the Celtics NBA Finals run that saw them beat off the Brooklyn Nets (who still had Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant), the Milwaukee Bucks (who were the reigning champions at the time), and the Miami Heat (who were led Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo) before eventually falling 4-2 to the Golden State Warriors in the Finals.
Moreover, Jaylen Brown has improved his statistical output in every single season he’s been on the C’s as he went from producing 6.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 2.2 APG in 2016 (his rookie year) to now averaging 26.7 PPG (11th best in the NBA), 6.9 RPG, and 3.4 APG this season. Out of all the current Celtics, there hasn’t been a single more improved player, which has turned him into a 2X All-Star and potential All-NBA candidate.
Yet, that fact hasn’t stopped the Celtics (and me included) to put his name up as potential compensation for a big-time acquisition.
Whether it was shipping him in with possible packages for Kevin Durant during this past offseason and trade deadline or putting his name up for potential one-for-one trades for other superstars across the NBA in years past, Jaylen Brown has usually found himself in the middle of trade rumors that had him leaving Boston.
And, due to such trade rumors getting so insistent, Jaylen Brown actually had to get Jayson Tatum and Brad Stevens (the Celtics GM) on a call to ensure he was not getting dished out before the season’s end. Obviously, every player must have come to terms with the possibility of getting traded as that is just a part of the NBA business, but it’s true Brown’s name has been thrown around more than most.
So, it is perfectly reasonable that when asked about his future with the Celtics due to his contract expiring after the seasons’ end, Brown said, “I don’t know. We’ll see how they feel about me over time and how I feel about them over time.” He’s obviously hurt/frustrated with how persistent his name has been involved in trade rumors, and how the Celtics have not done too much to quell said rumors in public.
Still, if Jaylen Brown walks before the Celtics win a championship with him and Tatum, it’d be a complete disaster.
Yes, letting Brown go without having to sign a $200M+ extension would be beneficial to the C’s revenues and cap space, but Brown was drafted to bring championship back to Boston. He wasn’t drafted just so he could make a few All-Star games and earn some All-NBA honors.
I hope Brown is able to get one of the three All-NBA team honors as he is not only more than deserving by being one of the league’s Top-11 scorers, but it would also open him up to signing a massive 5-year, $290M supermax deal. Clearly, if you get the opportunity to sign a $290M DEAL, regardless of if the team your own has been somewhat disloyal (in Brown’s eyes), you’ve got to take it.
That’s generational changing wealth as Brown would instantly become one of the highest paid athletes in world history!
Plus, to get paid nearly $300M and play for a team that constantly wins 50+ games a year (the Celtics have the record for most 50+ wins season in NBA history) and competes for the NBA championship regularly (the Celtics also have the joint record for most NBA championship wins) just sweetens that deal even more.
I really hope Jaylen Brown and the Celtics can get past their differences and sign a huge extension as Brown is not only a vital piece of the team, but his loyalty to the Celtics is also worthy of such a lucrative deal.
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