Boston Celtics share latest on Jaylen Brown contract extension talks

It is July 13 and Jaylen Brown still has not signed a long-term contract extension with the Boston Celtics. Brown’s future was believed to be one of the team’s main concerns going into the summer, but the deal has not happened yet.

President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens gave an update to reporters during a press scrum in Las Vegas Wednesday.

“I can’t really talk about it but it’s been all good discussion,” Stevens said, per MassLive’s Brian Robb. “We want Jaylen to be here for a long, long time, and we’ve made that clear. We’re looking forward to all sitting down and we have time here. I probably shouldn’t say anything else, but I feel optimistic.”

Most fans would concur with the sentiment of Stevens. Keeping Brown in green should be something that the Celtics want. At this point, it’s just become odd that a deal hasn’t been reached.

Brown has technically been eligible for a five year, $295 million supermax contract extension since July 1.

The 26-year-old forward was named to the All-NBA third-team last season, after averaging 26.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.

Brown had the most effective year of his career, shooting 49.1% from the field. From beyond the arc, his percentage dropped down a bit to just 33.5%, compared to 35.8% the year before.

Again, this was a move that seemed like a July 1 slam dunk. What’s the delay? Over the past 12 days there’s been plenty of speculation that the front office is considering the option of trading the star forward in a package for Damian Lillard.

Boston would be unable to trade Brown for one year if they were to secure him to a contract extension this summer.

The other complication to this could just be that the two sides aren’t in a hurry. Brown has been seen all over so far this summer, spending some time in Paris, the Hamptons, and now Las Vegas. Maybe he’s just enjoying his time off, who really knows?

Multiple reports have indicated that the two sides are expected to agree on a deal soon.