Jaylen Brown celebrated his new four-year, $115 million contract extension by simply going home and taking a nap, then coming back to the practice facility to get shots up — his normal everyday routine. Yet the fourth-year talent was concerned that his poor play last season would hurt his chances to negotiate a contract extension with the Boston Celtics.
“I think I have the ability and the talent next to anybody else. But last year I didn’t get to display it, so I thought that was really going to hurt me,” said Brown, according to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe.
While he deemed Monday as “just a normal day,” the Cal product made himself $115 million richer and secured perhaps the most difficult part of his NBA career, which is the first contract after a rookie deal.
“Once it came down to something that made sense it was an easy decision, to be honest,” said Brown, according to Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston. “Playing for the Boston Celtics isn’t like playing for some of these other teams in the league.”
Brown seems to be more relieved than excited, which is natural for players that have grown within the system. President Danny Ainge hinted days earlier that he was working on extending Brown, something he has generally remained quiet about with past players.
“It shows that the front office believes in me,” said Brown. “I got a text from Pags and Wyc, saying they’re excited about the future. As a player, that’s what you want: The organization to be behind you.”
The 22-year-old will go from making $6.5 million in 2019-20 to a whopping $23 million in 2020-21, nearly quadrupling his salary in his fifth year in the league. Brown averaged 13 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game last season — numbers the Celtics are hoping will improve with a new opportunity in 2019-20.
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