The Boston Celtics and Jaylen Brown are still negotiating the finer details of an anticipated contract extension for the All-NBA forward. Brown spent the first few weeks of the offseason traveling to places like France and Saudi Arabia, and the expectation was conversations concerning a new contract would begin in earnest during Las Vegas Summer League. At present, there’s every reason to believe both sides will indeed come to terms on an extension.
That Brown hasn’t already agreed to a deal has raised some eyebrows. Many comparable extensions were signed very early in the NBA offseason. According to the Athletic’s Jared Weiss, however, the two sides are making progress on a deal and may come to terms as soon as this week.
A similar report from the Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach also reported the Celtics and Brown are seeking to close on a deal before summer league concludes.
Former All-Star John Wall recently held a private workout in Las Vegas, and the Celtics were one of a handful of teams in attendance. https://t.co/SNdBPbz4fN
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) July 10, 2023
It is worth noting a source told the Globe “there is work to be done” in completing a deal between the two ostensibly allied parties
That said, because Brown earned All-NBA honors this spring, he is eligible to ink a five-year deal worth up to $295 million. This “supermax” deal could see Brown making $50 million in annual salary during the 2024-25 season when the extension kicks in, and it’s expected he will sign the deal regardless of any delays.
Any holdup is likely thanks to a bit of negotiation surrounding key details within the contract. Here’s what we know.
It is not uncommon for players to elect to sign on a discounted deal for the possibility of a role well beyond what their salaries would otherwise suggest. https://t.co/38N8XixVOA
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) July 9, 2023
There are always finer details to be ironed out with any contract in the NBA. Teams and players often barter over incentive clauses, the rate at which salaries ascend or descend, and other important caveats and stipulations. The situation with Brown is no different.
A fifth-year player option could be a particular sticking point, for example. As Himmelsbach noted, Jayson Tatum was granted a player option for the final year of his most recent deal, and Brown may expect the same. Trade kickers, bonuses, and other structures in the contract are being negotiated as well.
The Celtics still have some other business to attend this summer. Weiss noted the deal to send Grant Williams to the Dallas Mavericks isn’t yet official, and could change slightly. Likewise, Boston could be involved in other trades, big or small. Additional transactions are unlikely to directly impact negotiations with Brown, however.
Brown and the Celtics have until October to come to terms on an extension, though there is reason to believe a contract will be inked sooner than that. All signs point to Jaylen Brown returning to action next season with a supermax extension in his back pocket. For now, it’s the little things that are the holdup.
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