Compared to the Spurs contract to Fox, the Celtics contract to Brown is not that bad?

Boston Celtics self-media Celtics Unite posted a news on social media, talking about the contract comparison between De 'Aaron Fox and Jaylen Brown. According to previous news, Fox signed a four-year max salary renewal with the San Antonio Spurs for a total of $229 million. In response, CelticsUnite wrote: Jaylen Brown’s annual salary is $57 million, while Dalon Fox’s annual salary is $56 million. Suddenly, I felt that Jaylen's contract didn't seem that bad either.

According to the content of this new contract, Fox's annual salary in the 2026-27 season was $51 million, $55.1 million in the 2027-28 season, $59.2 million in the 2028-29 season, and $63.3 million in the 2029-30 season. In July 2023, the Celtics signed a five-year, $288 million early contract renewal with Brown. Brown's salary in the 2025-2026 season was $53.14 million, $57.08 million in the 2026-27 season, $61.02 million in the 2027-28 season, and $64.95 million in the 2028-29 season.

In a three-party deal before the trading deadline last season, the Spurs got him from Fox's old club, the Sacramento Kings. In order to get Fox, the Spurs gave the Kings three future first-round picks and two future second-round picks, which also shows their determination to get Fox. After joining the Spurs, Fox made a total of 17 appearances in the NBA regular season last season, averaging 34 minutes of playing time, averaging 19.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.3 blocks, and 2.4 turnovers and 2.7 fouls. He shot 44.6%, three-point shooting percentage 27.4%, and free throw shooting percentage 81.9%.

In the NBA regular season this season, Brown played a total of 63 games in 82 games, averaging 34.3 minutes per game, averaging 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.3 blocks, and 2.6 turnovers and 2.4 fouls. His shooting percentage was 46.3%, three-point shooting percentage was 34.3%, and free throw shooting percentage was 76.4%. In the playoffs, Brown played 11 games in total, averaging 36.5 minutes per game, averaging 22.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1 steal, 0.3 blocks, and 3.5 turnovers and 3.2 fouls. His shooting percentage was 44.1%, three-point shooting percentage was 33.3%, and free throw shooting percentage was 75.8%.

In fact, many fans may not understand the specific situation. Brown meets the veteran's maximum salary clause. His salary in the 2024-25 season is earned by 35% of the 2024-25 season salary cap. The salary cap in the 2024-25 season is about 141 million US dollars, so Brown's salary can reach this number. In the 2026-27 season, the expected salary cap will reach US$165 million. Fox actually does not meet the veteran's maximum salary clause, and his salary is still obtained by the 2026-27 season salary cap *30%. In other words, as long as the salary cap continues to rise like now, the so-called maximum salary contracts may become less max after 3-4 years. In other words, you may just not accept the salary at this price. In a few years, when everyone adapts, you will find that Fox's salary is just like this.