It’s not just about winning the final. There is also a financial jackpot.
“Jayson Tatum (28, 203 centimeters) is on the verge of signing a five-year, $315 million (about 43.5 billion won) extension, the largest in NBA history,” said Adrian Wojnarowski, a reporter for American sports media outlet ESPN.
The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 in Game 5 of the 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., on Dec. 18 to win the best-of-seven series, 4-1.
It was their first championship in 16 years since 2008. The franchise’s 18th championship. The Celtics passed the Los Angeles Lakers 스포츠토토존 to become the most decorated team in NBA history.
Boston’s ace and signature star, Tatum, led the way with 31 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists. It was the most points by any player on either team.
Tatum averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game this season, leading Boston to a first-place overall finish in the regular season. He also led the team in the playoffs, averaging 25 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. Despite his scoring decline, his defense and passing selflessness kept him focused on winning.
The third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Tatum played seven seasons in Boston. He improved year after year. He developed into one of the league’s best offensive players and became Boston’s No. 1 option. He’s a five-time All-Star and was named to Team USA’s roster for the upcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris alongside LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant.
His only regret is that he hasn’t won a championship. Now that he has won his first Finals title, his value has increased.
Tatum was born in 1998 and his best years are just beginning. As the American sports publication Blizzard Report said, “Tatum is only 26 years old. That means he will continue to play at his current level for many years to come. If so, Tatum’s five-year, $315 million contract is well worth it.”
Currently, the highest-paid player in the NBA is Tatum’s teammate and Finals MVP Jaylen Brown. Brown signed a five-year, $337 million extension with Boston ahead of this season. If Boston re-signs Tatum as scheduled, they will have the NBA’s No. 1 and No. 2 highest-paid players on the same team.