Should the Boston Celtics offer Jayson Tatum a maximum contract extension after the 2019-20 season?
CJ McCollum thinks it's ridiculous to even ask that question.
The Portland Trail Blazers guard apparently found humor in a report from ESPN's Brian Windhorst this weekend that the Celtics "most likely" will offer Tatum a maximum extension this coming offseason.
Translation: McCollum believes Tatum deserves his money. McCollum isn't alone among NBA players, either, as Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young also chimed in.
It's hard to argue with McCollum and Young: Tatum was enjoying a breakout third season for Boston before the NBA shut down on March 11, averaging career highs in points (23.6), rebounds (7.1) and assists (2.9) per game while earning his first career All-Star nod.
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Many believe the 22-year-old has superstar potential, with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith even saying Tatum could be the NBA's best player one day.
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Tatum is set to make $9.9 million next season on the final year of his rookie contract. (He has a qualifying offer for the 2021-22 season.) After the C's gave Jaylen Brown a four-year extension last fall, it would make sense for them to lock up their other young rising star.
There is an unknown regarding the NBA salary cap, which could decrease this offseason as a result of lost league revenue caused by the coronavirus pandemic and thus decrease the value of a max contract for Tatum.
But if Tatum gets his money, he'll likely be getting a call from Utah Jazz star and fellow Team USA member Donovan Mitchell.