I mean what was there to figure out?
Then it didn’t happen right away.
OK, no need to panic, these things I guess take time.
Then more time went by.
Then even more time went by.
Was Jaylen holding out for something?
Were they maybe working on separate deals that would bring in talent if it meant Jaylen would take less?
Then we learned that things were being put on pause while Jaylen went overseas for a NBAPA event.
Still a little unnerving though.
And now, finally, at long last, the deal is done.
Jaylen’s going to have the richest contract in NBA history until
checks notes
this upcoming summer.
I can’t imagine possibly caring about that.
If you plan on yelling at me about how much of an overpay this is…well…
I get it, Jaylen had a horrific ECF.
Easily the worst series of his career.
That Game 7 performance?
He and the entire franchise should be extremely embarrassed for how things transpired.
But you know what Brad Stevens doesn’t do?
He doesn’t overreact to one game or one series.
He’s not a moron.
To that I say, again, Brad Stevens is not a moron.
Mike Zarren is not a moron.
Do you know how much can happen in the NBA in 2-3 years?
In my opinion there is no reason to be upset in 2023 about what could happen in 2025-26.
We might all be dead for all we know.
I could care less about how much this extension was.
It’s not my money so why should I give a shit?
Fully guaranteed isn’t a surprise.
Welcome to NBA contracts.
Brad caved on the trade kicker, but held out on the player option.
That feels like a good compromise for everyone.
That’s a level of security Jaylen has never had before.
Now look, we do have to talk about the other side of this coin.
Hell, he could still demand a trade if things go south.
Look at what Dame is doing with 4 years left on his deal.
You just never know in today’s NBA.
But that’s a future problem.
In the present, this rules.
If this doesn’t make it crystal clear, nothing will.
Now comes the hard part and actually winning the whole thing.
The Celts certainly don’t have any excuse not to, that’s for sure.
