The Extension: Five years, $304 million
The Analysis: Because max salaries are determined by percentages of the cap, they are constantly climbing. Even still, it's a bit jarring to think of Jaylen Brown signing the richest pact in NBA history.
He is a really good player, but is he a great one? That's debatable, as his handles are too loose and his defense isn't the most consistent you'll find.
For the Celtics to see return on this investment, they need to see more growth. That's certainly possible, though Brown, who turns 27 in October and has seven seasons under his belt, might just be who he is. Again, his talent is unquestioned, but making this kind of money ups the pressure to perform.
Boston likely felt that was a wager it had to make. Brown almost certainly wasn't extending for less than the max, so not offering it could have been akin to showing him the exits and really having to retool this roster.
