Justin Timberlake’s Package Goes Viral in New ‘Wardrobe Malfunction’
Justin Timberlake had his own “wardrobe malfunction” when using a harness onstage at a concert in Nashville, Tennessee that accented his bulge. Timberlake’s package delivered: The moment went viral.
“One person who attended the concert posted a video of Timberlake on TikTok as he is seen pulling his shirt down in an attempt to cover up the bulge in his groin area and the harness pulling on his pants,” reported UK newspaper The Independent. The clip racked up more than 7 million views in no time.
Commentators were quick to weigh in, “with many people turning to the comments section to compare the event to a Chris Brown concert back in June when he also wore a harness that accidentally highlighted his groin,” the newspaper added.
Others stuck to the celebrity at hand, referencing the infamous moment with Janet Jackson at the Superbowl XXXVIII halftime show in 2004, when a “wardrobe malfunction” during a duet led to Jackson’s breast being exposed on television.
Commentators also referenced Britney Spears’ memoir, which included intimate assertions about Timberlake.
“I think you saw Justin’s Timber,” one person snarked, while another remarked, “Him constantly trying to cover it with his shirt 😭😭”.
Another zinged, “britney in the background HAHAJAKAKKAJSHDHDHAJ”
“Karma is sweet eh 😂” a third offered.
Inevitably, some commented on the apparent size of the bulge.
“2024 Revealed a ‘lil’ something 🤣🤣🤣” one person cracked.
“Britney Spears WASNT lying in her book yall 😂💀” another declared.
“2-centimeters of cry me a river,” another japed.
“I guess money can’t buy you everything…✋🏼😫” someone else chimed in, while another noted, “Not him singing ‘Hard to find’ while you zoom innnnn 🤣😭😭”.
One person, rising to Timberlake’s defense, posted, “in his defense it was cold 🤣🤣🤣🤣”.
“Why I came to the comments 😂😂😂,” another person quipped.
“Justin Timberlake Is Coming To Austin’s Moody Center: Updated Setlist, Bag Policy, Parking, And More Surprises!”
Justin Timberlake will be performing at Moody Center today for The Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
Here’s what you need to know.
Are there tickets available to Justin Timberlake’s Austin show?
Yes. The cheapest we saw at 1 p.m. on Monday were single seats in the upper decks for $55. Ticket info is available here.
What is on Justin Timberlake’s Forget Tomorrow setlist?
Based on the setlist from his most recent Forget Tomorrow stops, audiences can expect Timberlake to start with a track from his latest album “Everything I Thought It Was” (2024) before jumping into his mid-2000s era with songs from “Justified” (2002) and “FutureSex/LoveSounds” (2006). A little past halfway through the show, the singer has been busting out his 2002 hit song “Cry Me a River,” which blew up in its heyday due to speculation that it was about his failing relationship with Britney Spears.
Justin Timberlake performs onstage during his “The Forget Tomorrow” world tour at Rogers Arena on April 29, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The pop star will be performing at Moody Center tonight, Feb.3 for his latest world tour.
If you’re most excited to see Timberlake bring his smash hits to life, you’ll most likely have to wait to the end of the concert. 2013’s “Suit & Tie” is sure to make an appearance later in the setlist, as well as an acoustic version of “What Goes Around… Comes Around” (2006). The night wouldn’t be complete without “Rock Your Body” and “SexyBack,” both of which will certainly make their mark at the tail end of the evening.
The tour has teased a grand finale of “Mirrors” where J.T. is flown over the audience on an LED screen of tiny mirrors.
When was Justin Timberlake’s last Austin show?
The former NSYNC member hit the Moody Center stage on May 31, 2024. A second show on June 1 was added due to overwhelming demand. Since then, the ex-Mouseketeer became a meme from a viral mugshot taken from a DWI arrest in the Hamptons on June 18. 43-year-old Timberlake recently plead guilty to the lesser charge of impaired driving on Sep. 13.
Heading to Moody Center? Here’s what you need to know
Where is Moody Center in Austin? Where do I park?
With over 15,000 seats, Moody Center has become the go-to arena for popular touring artists since opening in 2022. Located on the University of Texas at Austin campus at 2001 Robert Dedman Drive, the venue gives you the option to pre-purchase a parking spot at one of five nearby parking garages ahead of the show: Manor Garage, Trinity Garage, Parking Garage B, State Garage G and State Garage R. The ADA drop-off and pick-up area is located northwest of the venue on Robert Dedman Drive. The box office is at the southwest corner of the arena.
There are two entrances, on the west and east sides of the building. Guests must pass through metal detectors and a bag search before entry.
At the end of the night, designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up is on Clyde Littlefield Drive. The roads surrounding Moody Center get congested after events, so expect a slow departure from the area, but hot dog vendors are often stationed outside if you’re hungry for a late-night snack.
What is Moody Center’s bag policy? What can I bring?
Moody Center permits clear bags that do not exceed 14″ x 14″ x 6″ or small clutch purses that do not exceed 5″ x 9″ x 1.5″ for their events. The venue prohibits recording equipment apart from smartphones. There is also no smoking permitted on the premises, including vapes. Find a full list of allowed and prohibited items at moodycenteratx.com.
Inside the Moody Center: Food, drink and seating
There are two levels inside the arena, with entrance portals labeled to identify the section where you’re seated. Upper-level seating is terraced and Moody Center does permit binoculars. Front-of-stage seating is also available for purchase, but the space is a standing area for some concerts. Premium suites are also available. The venue follows a “no re-entry policy.” Guests who exit the building during an event will not be admitted back inside. However, if you need some air, there is a spacious balcony on the second level.
Inside the complex, you will find a variety of food and beverage options available for purchase from vendors, including pizza slices from Tony C’s, brisket sandwiches from Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, and ice cream cones from Mister Softee. Alcohol is also available for purchase. All transactions at Moody Center are completely cashless and prices tend to be steep. There are no water refill stations at the venue, but there are frequently water coolers outside on hot days.
“‘SNL’ Fans Gape As Justin Timberlake Dares To Imitate Jimmy Fallon – Right In Front Of Him!”
Justin Timberlake performed a pretty spot-on impersonation of Jimmy Fallon in an episode of ‘SNL’
A screenshot of Justin Timberlake, Kenan Thompson, and Jimmy Fallon from a 2013 episode of ‘SNL’ (Cover Image Source: SNL | YouTube)
Justin Timberlake once performed an impersonation of his pal Jimmy Fallon! During an episode of ‘Saturday Night Live’, Timberlake played the role of Fallon; meanwhile, Fallon essayed the character of Jim Parsons. In the last couple of years, we have seen many shows doing a parody of the popular television show ‘Family Feud’, hosted by Steve Harvey. In the parody, some renowned celebrities can be seen imitating some real-life versions of the contestant characters. SNL’s ‘Family Feud’ sketches provide a golden opportunity for cast members to showcase their impression skills.
In a sketch that aired on December 31, 2013, NBC pitted two CBS rivals against each other. According to NBC, the episode featured Fallon as ‘The Big Bang Theory’ star Jim Parsons, while musical guest Timberlake played ‘Tonight Show’ host Jimmy Fallon. Jay Pharoah portrayed ‘Law & Order: SVU’ star Ice-T, Kenan Thompson played Steve Harvey, and Kate McKinnon took on the role of ‘Weakest Link’ host Jane Lynch. When the two teams competed against each other, things got very messy. When Fallon and Timberlake came on the stage for the buzzer challenge, Timberlake tried his best to break Fallon’s character. The actor’s impression of the late-night talk show host was impressively accurate. On the other hand, Fallon also stayed in character as his very Sheldon Cooper-esque Jim Parsons.
Soon after, many fans gushed over Timberlake’s impersonation skills on X formerly known as Twitter. An X user wrote, “Justin Timberlake playing as Jimmy Fallon in front of Jimmy Fallon is one of the funniest things I’ve seen in my life.” Another user tweeted, “#Hashtag” with Jimmy Fallon & Justin Timberlake. Accurate. Accurate, so accurate.” A third internet user quipped, “Justin Timberlake as Jimmy Fallon is so accurate. Ahh, I love it. #SNL”
Justin Timberlake playing as Jimmy Fallon in front of Jimmy Fallon is one of the funniest things I’ve seen in my life. https://t.co/777lnyjvp3 pic.twitter.com/bNXZse3VKi
— Charlie Bucket (@jman_gt) January 3, 2022
This is not the first time that Timberlake has performed an impression Fallon. In a 2013 episode of ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’, Timberlake appeared as a musical guest and impressed everyone with his impersonation skills. Speaking of Timberlake’s impression, Fallon said, “I think it’s gotten worse.” In his response, Timberlake went on to say, “Well, I mean, I’m getting laughs from The Roots every time I do it. Maybe it’s that thing where you don’t see yourself the way you really are, Jimmy.” Only a good friend can pull off such a great act.
Fallon and Timberlake have been close friends for over two decades now. According to The News, the two met each other for the first time backstage at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards. While recalling the moment, Fallon said, “We were almost connected… I remember I was pacing down stairs and I think I was dressed as a superhero or something. I was like pacing, and I’m like, ‘I’m so nervous! I hope this hosting thing goes well because you know, if I host this and that’s my career.’ And you go, ‘Yeah well, this is my first solo thing ever, so…’”
Since then, Fallon and Timberlake have flaunted their close bond on social media as well as on ‘The Tonight Show.’ Throughout the years, Timberlake has made several appearances on the NBC talk show. The fans have loved watching the funny camaraderie between the two. Even till this day, Fallon and Timberlake remain very close and they continue to support each other on and off-screen.
Mahomes’ Third Child, GOLDEN RAYE, Makes an Adorable Picture Perfect Entrance, Shared by Proud Parents Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes
Mahomes’ Third Child, GOLDEN RAYE, Makes an Adorable Picture Perfect Entrance, Shared by Proud Parents Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes
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### Mahomes’ Third Child, GOLDEN RAYE, Makes an Adorable Picture-Perfect Entrance, Shared by Proud Parents Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes, the star quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, and his wife Brittany Mahomes, have just shared the heartwarming news of the arrival of their third child—a beautiful baby girl named Golden Raye Mahomes.
The couple, who already share two children, Sterling Skye and Bronze, took to social media to introduce their newborn to the world with a touching photo. Brittany posted an adorable picture of their little bundle of joy resting peacefully in her arms, surrounded by soft pastel-colored blankets. The serene scene captured the essence of this new chapter in the Mahomes family’s life.
Golden Raye’s name has sparked interest from fans and followers alike, with many noting its unique and meaningful tone. Brittany shared on Instagram, expressing their joy and excitement, writing, “Golden Raye has made our world even brighter.”
The arrival of Golden Raye was anticipated with much excitement, and the proud parents couldn’t be happier to expand their family. Patrick Mahomes also took to social media, sharing his joy about the newest member of their family. “Couldn’t be more thankful for our growing family and the love that surrounds us,” he said in his post.
Fans of the Mahomes family have already shown an outpouring of support and well wishes for the couple and their children. As with the birth of their previous children, Sterling and Bronze, Golden Raye’s entrance into the world has sparked overwhelming affection and admiration from those who follow the Mahomes family’s journey.
This latest milestone marks another memorable moment in the lives of the Mahomes family, known not only for their sports success but also for their strong family bonds. Both Patrick and Brittany have always been open about their love for their children and their desire to provide them with a happy and loving home.
As the Mahomes family continues to grow, fans are excited to watch this next chapter unfold, following the family’s joyful journey through parenthood. For now, Golden Raye is enjoying her peaceful early days with her proud parents, and we can only expect more heartwarming moments to come from this picture-perfect family.
“Taylor Swift’s 2025 GRAMMYs Outfit Criticized: She’s Intentionally Dressed Ugly to Look Innocent, Even Though She’s Almost 40! Plus the Shocking Truth About the ‘T’ Necklace on Her Thigh – Bedroom Secrets with Travis!”
Critics SLAM Taylor Swift’s 2025 GRAMMYs Outfit, Accusing Her of Dressing Poorly on Purpose to Appear Innocent and Child-Like, despite Approaching 40! Plus, the Shocking Truth Behind the “T” Chain on Her Thigh is A Bedroom Secret with Travis All Along!
Critics SLAM Taylor Swift’s 2025 GRAMMYs Outfit, Accusing Her of Dressing Poorly on Purpose to Appear Innocent and Child-Like, despite Approaching 40! Plus, the Shocking Truth Behind the “T” Chain on Her Thigh is A Bedroom Secret with Travis All Along!
Popstar Taylor Swift appeared to be sending her professional football player boyfriend Travis Kelce a loving message when she showed up in a scarlet red gown at the 2025 Grammys.
Subtly dangling from her thigh was a chain that many fans believe was an Easter Egg for Kelce. Swift wore “a chain draped over her left thigh that featured a jeweled red ‘T,’” which many fans believe referred to Kelce, who could not attend the ceremony.
In addition, Page Six noted that Swift wore a gown in a special color: “Chiefs’ red.” Her boyfriend is a star on the Kansas City Chiefs’ football team, which uses red and white as its colors. Page Six also noted the “T” chain, describing it as a “ruby leg chain adorned with a ‘T’ charm and designed in collaboration with Swift herself.”
Kelce wasn’t at the Grammys because he was arriving in New Orleans, where his team will play in the Super Bowl next week. Swift liked an Instagram photo showing his arrival, according to Us Weekly.
Taylor Swift Chose Vivienne Westwood for Grammys 2025
According to Page Six, Swift donned “a bright ruby-colored Vivienne Westwood corset dress and matching Casadei heels.”
Page Six reported that she was decked out in gems and “accessorized with over 60 carats of Lorraine Schwartz rubies, including waterfall earrings and a duo of rings.”
Page Six noted that the “T” leg chain might also refer to a Swift lyric that goes, “What if he’s written ‘mine’ on my upper thigh only in my mind?”
According to Page Six, Swift is no stranger to planting “easter eggs” for fans to spot.
Although Swift has racked up an impressive amount of Grammys hardware over the years, February 2 was Beyonce’s time to shine.
Swift presented Beyonce with the Best Country Album of the Year award.
“Wow, I really was not expecting this,” Beyonce said, according to USA Today. “I think sometimes ‘genre’ is a code word to keep us in our place as artists, and I just want to encourage people to do what they’re passionate about and to stay consistent.”
Sabrina Carpenter beat out Swift and others for the Best Pop Vocal Album award, according to a roundup of award winners published by CBS News.
“Taylor Swift Shocks With Sexy Look At Grammys, Especially Speaking Out To Travis Kelce!”
The singer hit the red carpet in a glittering single-shoulder minidress—custom Vivienne Westwood couture—which she paired with sky-high strappy stilettos, ruby-red statement earrings, and, of course, a red lip. The corseted silhouette has been a favorite of the singer, who’s worn several waist-cinching looks to watch her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, play football.
Swift is known for littering her looks with “Easter eggs” for fans, but this look is an unsubtle show of support for Kelce, no doubt about it. Not only is the dress Chiefs red, Swift also wore a leg chain with a “T” pendant. The chain peeked out under the slit of the minidress, and honestly, it’s making me blush!
Swift is nominated for six awards at the 2025 Grammys, including album of the year and best pop vocal album for 2024’s The Tortured Poets Department. Her song “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone is nominated for record of the year, song of the year, and best music video. Her collaboration with Gracie Abrams, “Us,” is nominated for best pop duo/group performance. The pop star will also take the stage to present at some point during tonight’s.
Sadly, Swift’s boyfriend Kelce won’t be joining her tonight in Los Angeles, as he’s busy preparing for the 2025 Super Bowl. The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday in New Orleans, and there’s a very, very good chance that Swift will be in attendance. There’s also a very good chance that she’ll be decked out head-to-toe in another luxury brand, which has been her outfit MO as of late.
Travis Kelce Fined $11,255 for Taunting Buffalo Bills Players During AFC Championship
The Kansas City Chiefs star was also fined by the NFL last month for a separate offense during a game in December
Travis Kelce with Damar Hamlin during the 2025 AFC Championship.Photo: Todd Rosenberg/Getty
Travis Kelce has his quarterback’s back!
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end was fined by the NFL on Saturday, Feb. 1 for taunting Buffalo Bills players during the AFC championship game late last month, according to NBC Sports.
Kelce, 35, was fined $11,255 for his actions, in which he got in Bills star Damar Hamlin’s face after the safety tackled Patrick Mahomes following his 1-yard TD run.
Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, who then head-butted Kelce, also received a fine of $6,722 for unnecessary roughness.
Jason Kelce Refuses Travis’ Suggestion of Wearing a Split Eagles-Chiefs Jersey to Super Bowl Like Mom Donna
Travis Kelce during the 2025 AFC Championship.Jamie Squire/Getty
It wasn’t the first time this season that Kelce has lost money while making plays.
During the Chiefs’ Christmas Day victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Chiefs star dunked the ball over the goal post in celebration of a record-setting achievement.
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Travis Kelce celebrates his record-breaking touchdown during the Chiefs’ Dec. 25 game.Justin K. Aller/Getty
Kelce officially passed Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez for the franchise record of all-time receiving touchdowns, when he scored his career 77th touchdown.
The New Heights podcaster’s homage to the retired athlete earned him a $14,069 fine for “unsportsmanlike conduct use of a prop.”
Following the tribute, Gonzalez thanked Kelce for the recognition and reportedly said that he would pay the fine he incurred to show his appreciation for the gesture.
While his wallet may be a touch lighter heading into Super Bowl week, Kelce is revealing more about his game day mindset when his team takes on Jason Kelce’s former squad, the Philadelphia Eagles, on Sunday, Feb. 9.
Kylie Kelce Says She’s Struggling to Decide If She Roots for Eagles or Travis in Super Bowl: ‘This Is Hard’
Travis Kelce during the 2025 AFC Championship.Perry Knotts/Getty
In a guest spot on the finale of his brother’s ESPN show They Call It Late Night on Saturday, Feb. 1, Travis shared that he has a special place in his heart for Philly.
“I’m a Jason Kelce fanatic, dude. I love that guy, man. I still got all of the gang green from your guys’ Super Bowls and your run in Philly,” he said. “I still got some Philly pride, man. I’m wishing the best for those guys, but … you know, it’s … go Birds.”
“There’s absolutely no chance you mean that,” Jason, 37, batted back.
Jayson Tatum IS DOMINATING THE LAST MINUTES – A TOP CONTENT FOR CLUTCH PLAYER OF THE YEAR? 🔥🏀⏳
Tatum is one of the top candidates for the award, but he has some work to do if he wants to catch favorite Nikola Jokic.
Jayson Tatum and Al Horford celebrate during Friday’s win. AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
With the recent emergence of clutch stats, the NBA began giving out a Clutch Player of the Year award three years ago.
The NBA defines clutch time as the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime when the score is within five points.
With Friday’s win over the Pelicans, the Celtics improved to 14-9 in clutch situations, giving them the fourth-best clutch win percentage in the league.
Jayson Tatum, who sealed the win with a buzzer-beater with 0.2 seconds remaining, appears to be making a case as a contender for the relatively new award.
According to NBC Sports Boston Celtics statistician Dick Lipe, Tatum’s shot tied him with Miami’s Tyler Herro for the most made field goals (3) in the last five seconds of a game when going for a lead or tie. Tatum is 3-for-6 in such situations, while Herro is 3-for-8.
Tatum has the sixth-most clutch points (79) this season. He’s second in the league in clutch assists (20), and fifth in clutch rebounds (25). He’s shooting 46 percent in clutch time. His three-point shot (5-for-25) hasn’t been falling in those situations, but he is second in the league in clutch paint points (40).
As of Saturday, Tatum is tied for the fourth-best odds (+1200) to win the award, via DraftKings Sportsbook.
Denver’s Nikola Jokic is the betting favorite (-115) while Trae Young is second (+900). Tyrese Maxey (+1000) and De’Aaron Fox (+1200), who won the inaugural award in 2023, are both around Tatum. Young and Maxey notably led their teams to clutch wins over the Celtics at TD Garden this season.
Jokic is shooting 56 percent from the field during clutch time, including 54.5 percent from 3-point range. He’s tied for the league lead in clutch rebounds (31) and third in clutch assists (18). He leads the league in triple-doubles in clutch games (10). He’s also played fewer clutch minutes (85.8) than Tatum so far (101.4).
Maxey leads the league with 98 clutch points, but he has just seven clutch assists against four clutch turnovers. Young leads the league in clutch assists (26), but is shooting 36.7 percent from the field in clutch time. Fox is fourth in clutch points (85) and tied for fourth in clutch steals (5), but his team has a losing record (11-14) in the clutch.
Cleveland (15-5) has the league’s highest winning percentages in clutch situations, and Darius Garland has the highest field-goal percentage (60.6) of the top-eight favorites for the award. His sample size is smaller, though, with 58.3 clutch minutes which puts him outside of the top 50 in the league in that category. Time will tell if he can keep up his percentages over the rest of the season.
Tatum was already in the hunt before Friday’s buzzer-beater, and there’s a chance it could end up boosting his odds. Jokic remains the favorite, Garland could be a dark horse, and Fox appears to have a shot at winning his second award.
Ultimately, the voters will decide. The award, which honors the player who is the best in a given season at coming through for his teammates in the clutch, will be voted upon by a media panel based on nominations from NBA head coaches.
Jayson Tatum is BOTH SHINING AND AWESOME as Celtics ‘WASH AWAY’ the Bulls!
A chill game, a chill fit: Tatum’s pregame look was as lowkey as the Celtics’ final matchup against the Bulls.
The Celtics hosted the Bulls Wednesday night for the final game of the series, which offered the perfect backdrop for this Jayson Tatum appreciation post.
Last time the Celtics met the Bulls, then in Chicago, it was less than a week before the holidays, and Tatum wore what looked like a Christmas sweater with a patchwork of colors, shapes, and vibes.
Other notable moments from that meeting: Tatum produced 43 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, and bestowed upon fans that incredible dunk.
Now, more than a month later, Tatum walked the tunnel with a similar style as last time — a bright medley of playful figures on an inspired look that combined the chill of streetwear with the tradition of varsity aesthetics.
While the game itself was not the most exciting win for the Celtics — beating the Bulls 100-122 — Tatum’s pregame tunnel walk was a moment worth pausing for.
Strolling down the “JetBlue runway,” viewers and scrollers spotted a jovial Tatum, full of laughter, holding a commemorative plush snake for Lunar New Year. Tatum rocked one of his go-to designers, Diet Starts Monday, last worn at the Garden after Thanksgiving in a more comfy casual style.
This jacket, with its woolen body and faux leather sleeves, drew the eye into its embroidery and patches made of chenille. Not sure about you, but the bright pink middle finger positioned between Tatum’s heart and gut definitely catches attention.
It is possible that his outfit choices don’t mean much and simply reflect the completion of a basic activity of daily living — he just got dressed. Yet it is possible to view the outfit as a culmination of the fashion choices that have been covered here since November:
He wore a designer favorite.
He had the classic tan pants.
He had on Nikes.
He leaned into color blocking.
He did the varsity athletic look, which has been in his rotation.
Either way, Tatum knows style and has been owning the runway for a while now, only recently held up as a style standard bearer, modeling for Coach, attending runway LVMH events, playing the role of brand ambassador, and posing for a Vogue winter feature.
“Every year, my style evolves a little bit, but it’s always a reflection of my personality and taste,” Tatum told Esquire last spring.
As a self-proclaimed fashionista who regularly stunts on Instagram with stylized images and iconic photo dumps, Tatum likes to look good and play with fine details like patches, stitching, fabric, color, pattern, and trends that make his outfits newsworthy, noteworthy, and worthy of an appreciation post like this one with no plot, just vibes.
Luka Dončić & De’Aaron Fox TRADE CAUSES A STORM – Celtics BET IT ALL ON Tatum & Brown! 🔥🏀😱
Sacramento and Dallas traded their stars. The Celtics are paying a substantial cost to keep theirs.
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
As the Kings and Mavericks shipped their stars out of town this week, one can’t help but be reminded of how the Celtics have taken the opposite approach with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
De’Aaron Fox and Luka Doncic are on their way to new organizations. Fox will team up with Victor Wembanyana in San Antonio, Doncic with LeBron James in Los Angeles.
Tatum and Brown, who won their first championship together last season, each signed Supermax contract extensions with the Celtics worth more than $300 million apiece.
Players who have seven or eight years of NBA experience, an All-NBA selection two of the three previous seasons, and have never changed teams are eligible for the Supermax. Fox and Doncic would have met the criteria this summer had they stayed with their respective franchises.
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The circumstances that led up to their trades were different. Dallas, which had lost to the NBA Finals last season, had reportedly grown impatient with Doncic. His conditioning was a major concern that raised questions about a longterm commitment, according to ESPN. His defense was also a noticeable issue in the series against the Celtics, who hunted him in pick-and-roll situations.
Fox is not only in tremendous shape, he’s one of the best transition players in the league. However the Kings, who had won at least 46 games in each of the past two seasons, have shown signs of regression this year. They’ve been treading water at 24-24 and they’ve lost four of their last five games. They attempted to shake things up, first by firing coach Mike Brown, and then ultimately settling on moving Fox.
The Celtics, on the other hand, invested in both of their stars. They also signed Derrick White and Jrue Holiday to nine-figure contract extensions. Boston’s entire starting five is under contact for next season.
As this roster continues to age, salaries continue to increase and the current ownership group prepares to sell the team, the Celtics could have some tough decisions to make in the near future.
According to Spotrac, the Celtics’ estimated tax bill for this season is around $65 million. If it were a person, the luxury tax bill would be the highest paid player on the team.
Next season, Tatum and Brown are projected to make $54 and 53 million respectively. The NBA salary cap projected to be around $156 million according to The Athletic. It’s going to take a lot of money just to keep those two together long term, let alone the rest of the team.
The Celtics are treating it as the cost of doing business for now, but eventually, something is probably going to have to give financially.
As this week’s trades demonstrate, not every fanbase gets to enjoy the kind of approach that the Celtics are taking with their stars.
Enjoy it while it lasts, these windows don’t stay open forever.
A screenshot of Justin Timberlake, Kenan Thompson, and Jimmy Fallon from a 2013 episode of ‘SNL’ (Cover Image Source: SNL | YouTube)
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Jayson Tatum and Al Horford celebrate during Friday’s win. AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff