Celtics PG Jrue HolidayAlex Goodlett/Getty ImagesWhile the new CBA limits second-apron franchises from getting stronger through the trade market, it doesn't impact their ability to retain players. That was important because Boston had a big decision looming with Holiday.
Holiday could have, theoretically, declined his player option and become a free agent. However, the Celtics were always confident that they'd get a deal done.
"I do think that there's interest on both sides to get something done sooner rather than later. Whether they do or not I don't know," ESPN's Brian Windorst said in March on The Hoop Collective podcast (h/t Jordan Daly of NBC Sports Boston).
Holiday and the Celtics reached a new four-year agreement on April 10.
Boston isn't in danger of losing Tatum, who is signed through next season with a player option for 2025-26. However, Tatum will be eligible for a supermax extension worth up to $315 million over five years, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.
Stevens would undoubtedly prefer to keep Tatum for the long haul, but with Brown set to begin his five-year, $286.3 million supermax extension next season, it might not be an easy call.
Guard Derrick White is also extension-eligible, and Boston will have to be careful about how it chooses to build the roster long-term. It probably won't happen this summer, but trading Brown may eventually become part of the equation.
"Jaylen would set the record for the biggest return," one Western Conference executive said, per The Ringer's Howard Beck.
For now, though, Boston's primary focus will be on extending Tatum and/or White. Additionally, two-way players Neemias Queta and J.D. Davison are scheduled to be restricted free agents, while Boston has a club option with Sam Hauser.
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