Tatum’s comments after Celtics loss may take Blazers’ target off the market

The Boston Celtics fell one game short of making NBA history. After overcoming a 3-0 deficit in the Eastern Conference Finals and sending the series to a Game 7, Boston lost 103-84 to the Miami Heat. A Celtics implosion could have indirectly been good news for the Trail Blazers but, as it turns out, Boston’s rally may have the opposite effect.

Could Jayson Tatum’s praise of Jaylen Brown affect Blazers offseason?

Portland is reportedly in the midst of exploring trade packages using its No. 3 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft to acquire a veteran wing or forward with the hopes of making a title run next season. As one of the best in the NBA at that spot, Tatum’s teammate, Jaylen Brow,n has been a natural part of any conversation.

If he had his way, though, Tatum would have Boston re-sign Brown to a long-term deal that would keep the duo together for the foreseeable future.

After making the All-NBA Second Team this season, Brown is eligible for a supermax extension from the Celtics as soon as this summer.

The numbers on that extension are a cool five years and $295 million.

As we all know, stars tend to get what they want in today’s league; if Tatum wants Brown around, there’s a pretty good chance Boston listens to avoid upsetting its franchise superstar, even if that means overpaying a really-good-but-not-great wing.

The 25-year-old Tatum’s endorsement of the 26-year-old Brown may effectively take a Blazers target off the market although, admittedly, finding a deal for Brown may have been unlikely in the first place.