Brad Stevens made it clear early in the offseason that the goal was to bring back both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on long-term deals, securing the core of the Boston Celtics for years to come. The Celtics’ president of basketball operations had no intention of breaking up one of the most dynamic duos in the NBA, especially after their recent success in reaching the NBA Finals and consistently contending for championships. Retaining Brown, who was eligible for a supermax extension, and eventually locking in Tatum to a similar deal, was always the priority. The Celtics’ front office understood that continuity and chemistry were critical to their championship aspirations, and keeping their two All-Stars together was the foundation of that plan.
The Celtics’ commitment to Brown was evident when they signed him to a five-year, $304 million supermax extension, the richest contract in NBA history at the time. The deal was a no-brainer for Boston, as Brown had developed into one of the league’s premier two-way wings, capable of scoring at an elite level while also locking down opponents defensively. His growth as a playmaker and leader further solidified his value to the franchise. Despite some outside noise questioning whether the Celtics should consider trading Brown for another star, Stevens and the organization never wavered in their belief that he was essential to their championship ambitions.
Tatum’s extension, which followed shortly after, was another statement of intent. The Celtics’ franchise player inked a five-year, $314 million supermax deal, surpassing Brown’s record-setting contract. Tatum, already a five-time All-Star and one of the best players in the world, had carried the Celtics to multiple deep playoff runs, and at just 26 years old, his prime was still ahead of him. By securing both Tatum and Brown, the Celtics ensured that they would remain title contenders for the foreseeable future, with a core that had proven it could compete at the highest level.
Beyond retaining their two stars, the Celtics focused on bolstering their supporting cast. Stevens made several shrewd moves to improve the roster’s depth, including re-signing key role players and adding veterans who could contribute immediately. One of the most underrated moves was bringing back Derrick White on a team-friendly extension. White had become an indispensable part of the Celtics’ rotation, providing elite perimeter defense, timely shooting, and underrated playmaking. His ability to impact winning without needing the ball made him the perfect complement to Tatum and Brown.
The Celtics also prioritized retaining Al Horford, whose leadership and versatility remained invaluable, even as he entered the latter stages of his career. Horford’s ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and mentor younger players made him a crucial piece of the puzzle. Additionally, the Celtics added some much-needed frontcourt depth by signing a reliable backup center, ensuring they wouldn’t be over-reliant on Kristaps Porziņģis, who had injury concerns.
One of the biggest challenges for the Celtics was maintaining financial flexibility while paying two supermax contracts. The NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement introduced stricter penalties for teams exceeding the luxury tax, making roster construction more complicated. However, Stevens and the front office navigated these constraints expertly, avoiding long-term deals that could hamper their ability to make future moves. By focusing on short-term contracts for role players and developing young talent through the draft, the Celtics ensured they could remain competitive without sacrificing future flexibility.
The decision to keep Tatum and Brown together wasn’t just about basketball—it was also about culture. Both players had grown up in the Celtics’ system, enduring early playoff exits before breaking through to the NBA Finals. Their resilience and commitment to the franchise resonated with fans, and their bond as teammates was evident in their on-court chemistry. Breaking them up would have sent the wrong message, not just to the players but to the entire organization. The Celtics have always prided themselves on loyalty and continuity, and by doubling down on their core, they reinforced those values.
Of course, the ultimate goal is winning a championship. Despite their success in recent years, the Celtics have fallen just short of the ultimate prize, and the pressure is mounting for Tatum and Brown to deliver a title. Critics have pointed to their occasional struggles in clutch moments, but the Celtics’ faith in their stars has never wavered. The front office believes that with the right pieces around them, Tatum and Brown can lead the franchise to its 18th championship.
The 2024-25 season will be a critical one for the Celtics. With their core locked in and the roster finely tuned, expectations are higher than ever. The Eastern Conference remains stacked, with teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers all making significant moves to compete. But the Celtics have the talent, depth, and continuity to rise above the competition.
In the end, Brad Stevens’ decision to keep Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown together was about more than just basketball—it was about belief. Belief in their talent, their growth, and their ability to lead the Celtics to the promised land. The rest of the NBA has been put on notice: Boston is all in, and they’re coming for the title.
