Celtics News: Latest on Jayson Tatum Max Contract, Jeff Teague Rumors

Over the weekend, the 2020 NBA free agency period kicked into high gear as teams like the Celtics continue to craft the perfect roster.

Back in September, Boston was one game away from winning the Eastern Conference Finals and heading to the championship. Instead, the upstarts in Miami pulled off an upset and put an end to an otherwise successful season. Now, the Celtics will attempt to make their way back and take the extra step to return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010.

The organization has had a topsy-turvy offseason so far. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that they lost Brad Wanamaker to the Warriors. However, the biggest news came when Gordon Hayward opted out of his $34.2 million contract and signed a four-year, $120 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets. This officially puts an end to the short-lived Hayward and Irving era that started in 2017.

So, what's next for the Celtics? The team is still in great shape. It already has an impressive nucleus made up of several young players like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum to build around. Additionally, Kemba Walker has the chance to step up as the club's starting point guard. As long as Boston retains its up-and-coming core players and brings in a few more pieces, the organization can continue to fight for contention in the East. 

Boston signs Jayson Tatum to a max deal 

Securing Jayson Tatum was undoubtedly the Celtics' highest priority heading into the 2020-2021 NBA season. 

The 22-year-old forward has already cemented himself as one of the elite players from his draft class along with De'Aaron Fox and Donovan Mitchell, who both also signed max deals. This weekend, Tatum inked a lucrative contract extension.  

According to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe: "Tatum and the Celtics have agreed to a five-year, $195 million designated rookie max extension. The contract will begin during the 2021-22 season and it includes a player option in the fifth and final year."

Himmelsbach continued: "Tatum's extension includes about $163 million in guaranteed salary as well as escalator clauses that will vault the figure to about $195 million if Tatum meets incentives. Rookie extensions can be for up to 25 percent of the salary cap, but Tatum will be eligible for 30 percent if he receives All-NBA honors or is named defensive player of the year this season."

With Jaylen Brown locked into a four-year, $115 million deal, this was the right move for the organization. Brown and Tatum are the future of the team, and Danny Ainge has to continue to mold it around the latter. 

The Celtics to sign Jeff Teague 

In other news, Boston is looking to bolster its backcourt with a veteran point guard. Brad Stevens has his eyes on a fellow Indiana native in Jeff Teague. 

Himmelsbach reported, "The Celtics will sign Jeff Teague to a one-year deal, according to a league source."

The Hawks selected the 11-year veteran from Wake Forest University with the No. 19 pick in the 2009 NBA draft. Teague remained in Atlanta for seven seasons before the team traded him to the Pacers. He later played in Minnesota for two years and returned to his first professional team to finish the 2019-2020 season.

Over his 11-year career, Teague averaged 12.6 points and 5.8 assists per game. In the 2018-19 season, he dished out a career-high 8.2 per game with the Timberwolves. So, he's still a deft playmaker and a capable three-point shooter. Teague probably won't step into the starting lineup but he will add experience and stability to the second unit.