The Boston Celtics are in talks to extend the contracts of Jayson Tatum and Derrick White after their crucial roles in the team’s recent NBA championship win. Longtime NBA reporter Marc Stein has shared the latest updates on this front.
Tatum, a five-time All-Star at 26 years old, is expected to sign a five-year, $315 million extension with the Celtics. Despite the certainty of the extension, an official agreement may not be reached until next week as the team is currently celebrating their championship victory in Miami before the upcoming parade in Boston.
White, known for his defensive prowess and recent inclusion in the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, is also likely to receive a contract extension this offseason. With these extensions, all five of Boston’s key players will have secured new contracts in the past year.
Tatum’s impressive performance in the NBA Finals, where he averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, solidified his value to the team. Meanwhile, White’s standout contributions, particularly in the first round against the Miami Heat, have also earned him a deserving contract extension.
Both players have one year remaining on their current deals, with Tatum set to earn $34,848,340 next season and White slated for free agency after this season. However, with the anticipated extensions, the Celtics are looking to secure their core players for the long term.
In addition to Tatum and White, the Celtics have already locked in Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porziņģis for the next few years. Brown, the NBA Finals MVP, signed a five-year, $304 million supermax extension last offseason, while Holiday is under contract for three more years and Porziņģis has two years remaining on his deal.
With their top talent secured through the 2025-26 season, the Celtics are poised to maintain their dominant presence in the league. The potential for a dynasty looms large as Boston looks to build on their success and continue their winning ways in the seasons to come.