Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum on the Verge of Extending Their Contracts

  Both young stars on the Celtics look set to cash in big when contract negotiations commence this summer and next. Brown will qualify for a supermax extension while Tatum will benefit from his player-option deal that kicks in next season. At first glance, "fire and ice" might refer to natural disaster. As the poem progresses, however, it becomes apparent that these two elements represent humanity's destructive potential. What's the deal? The Boston Celtics may still be far off from winning an NBA championship, but they should avoid getting swept by Miami Heat if Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum can remain healthy. Their pairing has been one of the best pairings in the league this year and both could soon sign max contract extensions with their current teams if they remain committed. Since joining forces in 2017, they have become the face of the Celtics and led them to multiple playoff appearances. Along the way, they have received much acclaim; ESPN even named them one of its Top Duos in 2017. But success often brings its share of critics. Rumors swirl about whether or not the Celtics might add Kevin Durant or Anthony Davis, two stars who could help propel them back to the Finals, but their front office seems committed to keeping Brown and Tatum for now. Tatum is currently in his second season of a five-year deal that pays him $30 million per season and eligible for an extension from the Celtics this summer, but it remains uncertain whether or when he will take it up. According to an interview conducted with The Ringer last month, Brown stated he didn't wish to discuss his future as it might cause fans anxiety. Even though their futures with the team is unclear, both players appear committed to leading them back into prominence within the Western Conference. Both have played some of their best basketball all season and appear poised to be formidable contenders come the end of this postseason. Tatum has been one of the more consistent players this season, helping him earn a higher All-NBA ranking. His passing ability is particularly impressive; one play against Portland Trail Blazers shows just how special Tatum can make even seemingly mundane offensive plays look when drawing down CJ McCollum, Zach Collins, and Hassan Whiteside toward the baseline to open space for him to drive the basket. What's their relationship like? Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown enjoy one of the strongest bonds between NBA stars. Together they form the cornerstone of Boston Celtics success; helping lead them to two playoff appearances and helping the team claim first seed in the East this year. However, with Tatum set to become free agent next summer and Brown having an expiring contract some may wonder whether or not their two stars will remain together after free agency comes around next summer. While they've shown tremendous support off of the court, both players have also taken great measures to preserve their friendship. When questions were asked about any discord between them or any differences of opinion amongst themselves, both responded in positive fashion by dismissing such speculation altogether and even speaking up in regards to respect between each other - Tatum specifically told NBC Sports Boston that he and Brown get along great! So it is puzzling that some have begun questioning their partnership's longevity, particularly given that they have experienced considerable success as one entity. While such criticism seems unfair given their many joint achievements, some individuals simply want them to go their separate ways. Tatum has made his intentions known that he wants to remain with Boston and has begun negotiations for an extension. Luckily for the Celtics, this does not appear likely anytime soon. While it's impossible to know whether the Boston Celtics will extend Tatum, there are indications it may happen. For instance, the team hosted a charity event honoring him and Marcus Smart's accomplishments this offseason and enjoyed a terrific game against Brooklyn Nets during preseason to start 2019. Brown has also shown his support for Tatum by telling NBC Sports Boston he is "really proud" of him as well. Their relationship seems strong enough that we hope it continues long into their careers! Should Brown decide to leave Boston, it will be interesting to watch. He is an immensely talented player that could fit right in with some of the top teams like LeBron James and Anthony Davis in Los Angeles or Devin Booker and Kevin Durant in Phoenix. What's their on-court chemistry like? Brown and Tatum's dynamic is one of the key strengths of this Celtics team, providing different elements to its offense when combined. Each has an impressive role they fill - Brown as a phenomenal scorer while Tatum excels as an elite facilitator; when both are together on the court together it makes defenses difficult to contain them both. However, this season has not always been smooth sailing for the Celtics as their chemistry can at times be tenuous. For instance, during their final matchup against LeBron James' Cavaliers team in Round 1 play-offs, a defensive miscue led to a fast break that eventually resulted in LeBron losing possession and forcing a turnover by him; following which Marcus Smart yelled at his teammates which could be heard throughout their organization. Though the locker room yelling had subsided afterward, the situation did not go away quickly. A few hours after the game Stevens held a meeting with Brown, Tatum, Kemba Walker and Smart to address their differences; according to reports this meeting became quite contentious with Smart leaving after being verbally attacked by other players at the meeting. After this meeting, reports emerged of Smart and Brown becoming estranged further; some even claimed they were engaging in physical combat practice with one another; however, Brown strongly refuted such allegations. No matter the outcome of the games between Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce in 2007, tensions should remain relatively calm between these players going forward. Both have built legitimate cases to be selected to the All-NBA teams, and both are playing their best basketball ever this season. A potential All-NBA selection may become reality this season for these Boston duos if both qualify. With their on-court chemistry, this duo may lead this Boston Celtics team to an upset in the second round of playoffs against Philadelphia 76ers. We hope their on-court relationship won't be affected by any disagreement between stars; after all, this team pays them quite heavily to be on one roster! What's their off-court chemistry like? As the Celtics make a comeback towards championship contention, Brown and Tatum have become one of the focal points. Their combination of leadership and chemistry are vitally important, yet both must also perform as individuals well. And so far this season they have. At the start of 2019, this duo started off strong, scoring 42 and 44 combined against the Pistons and Hornets respectively in December 2019. These performances gave fans hope that this pair may become one of the top pairings in the NBA. Tatum and Brown have yet to fully meld this season, but still have considerable room to reach their full potential. Tatum has been an effective playmaker from 3-point range while Brown has made significant strides forward, becoming more comfortable in pick-and-roll play as he makes shots more regularly off screens or corners. Unfortunately, their overall efficiency has decreased since last season; currently ranking 24th in offensive efficiency, they've lost many talented skill players from their roster and may take time for two pieces to find their groove together. Without question, the Celtics could become one of the top pairs in the league if both stars align harmoniously on and off the court. Unfortunately, however, their relationship has been marred by various issues off-court that have disrupted it in some way. At some point during the All-Star break, reports surfaced of Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown engaging in an argument in their locker room after losing to the Pelicans. A source revealed that Smart entered and began venting his dissatisfaction at their lack of execution down the stretch; Brown told him to calm down as it's part of team responsibility; after an extended exchange they eventually parted ways and Smart left to use the restroom.