After Missing Out on Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum’s Celtics Get Their Hand on 6’8 Forward, as They Hope to End Their 15-Year Drought

Making it to the NBA among thousands of aspirations is no easy feat. The NBA Draft is loaded with the best talents. Therefore, the competition is sky-high. Many times, NBA fans take for granted the competition level that is present in the NBA. Many players who may not make it to the league are top-level athletes too. There are numerous examples of unheralded and overlooked players making it to the top and shining brightly. Austin Reaves is one of the prime examples of that. However, Reaves’ story is a fairytale because it is not a common occurrence.

For players who may never become rotation players in the high-class league, there are other avenues. They can provide their services to the G-League.

A big deal for the aspiring Forward

To understand Exhibit-10 deals, it is crucial to put the two-way contracts under the scope. Two-way contracts allow a player to suit up for both the NBA squad and a G-League squad. A player who is on a two-way contract can’t play more than 50 games for the NBA franchise. A team can’t have more than two players on two-way contracts. Only a player who has a three-year of experience is qualified for a two-way contract.

Exhibit-10 contract provides management with much more flexibility. This form of contract has the provision of converting a deal into a two-way type or nullifying the contract. The decision has to be made before the Regular Season or the deal is void. It depends on how the player is performing. In this vein, the Boston Celtics made the decision to sign Taylor Funk.

The 6’8” Forward went undrafted after six seasons in the NCAA. He played his last season for the Utah State Aggies and played for the Miami Heat during the Summer League. It wasn’t the most impressive outing as the Forward collected just 3.5 Points a game, shooting 4/17 from the three-point range. Will he even make the final roster as he competes against multiple aspirants? As for the Celtics and Jayson Tatum, a big season is looming. 

Jayson Tatum looks to reignite title hopes

The Celtics were never in the Damian Lillard sweepstakes, especially considering their hefty contract bill after Jaylen Brown signed a $60 million per year contract. Tatum termed this contract as a “no-brainer” so he is enthusiastic about building alongside Brown. 

READ MORE: 75 Days After Losing NBA Star to Ja Morant’s Team, Jayson Tatum Reminisces About His Former Celtics Teammate: “…We Had Bad Moments Together”

They were in the Finals in 2022 but crashed out in the Conference Finals this season. With Marcus Smart gone, they’ll have to put their faith in Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White. However, this current unit may not be enough to bring the Celtics a title, the last of which came in 2008. Will Tatum and Co. craft something special? Do share in the comments below.

Watch This Story: A Year After Lashing Out at ‘Plumber’ Claim, Shaquille O’Neal Defends 95YO “Luckiest S.O.B” and Celtics Legend