Grading the recent rookie extension deals handed out across NBA
3. Jaylen Brown: Four years, $115 million
The Boston Celtics were happy to secure Jaylen Brown long term, but they weren’t exactly ecstatic about the terms of his new deal –four years, $115 million per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Of course, they wanted to keep the former No. 3 overall pick in the fold, an athletic two-way wing who showed flashes of offensive greatness during the 2018 playoffs.
Like many youngsters on the Celtics last year, Jaylen Brown took a step back during the disappointing campaign. His playing time and numbers took a dip as did his efficiency from beyond the arc and the expected third-year breakout didn’t come.
Per-36 minutes and 100 possessions, however, Brown’s numbers remained on the incline, if only slightly. Given the notable restructuring of Boston’s roster, that should leave him plenty touches at both ends and a stint with Team USA should expedite his individual growth.
At the same time, a yearly salary of nearly $29 million is reserved for All-Star talents and above. Brown will make more than Draymond Green, Jrue Holiday and even Giannis Antetokounmpo in the first year of his new deal.
With everything he’s already proven, Brown will never be a complete albatross around Boston’s neck, but if his production doesn’t start to soon line up with his salary, that $115 million will start to look bigger very quickly.