The NBA offseason continues to set new financial benchmarks, as teams lock in their star players with unprecedented deals. Leading the charge is the Boston Celtics, who are reportedly finalizing the largest contract in NBA history with their standout player, Jayson Tatum.
Record-Breaking Deal for Jayson Tatum
The Celtics are planning to sign Tatum to a five-year, $314 million supermax contract, which will commence in the 2025-26 season. This historic deal marks the richest contract in the league's history in terms of total value, with an average annual value (AAV) of approximately $62.8 million. Tatum's impending contract surpasses the previous record held by his teammate Jaylen Brown.
Brown secured a five-year, $285 million supermax deal last season. His contract, which will commence in the 2024-25 season, boasts an AAV of $57.1 million, making him the highest-paid player in the league for that year.
Lucrative Contracts Across the League
Notably, the NBA landscape is witnessing substantial financial commitments to its top players. Paul George has signed a four-year, $211.58 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, translating to an AAV of $52.3 million. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid continues to command a high salary, earning $53.3 million annually under his current deal.
Other marquee players are also seeing significant pay raises. Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo have each inked three-year extensions that will bring in more than $58 million annually. These extensions, set to start in the 2025-26 season, underscore the increasing value teams place on their elite talent.
Luka Doncic is another star eyeing a major payday. He becomes eligible for a supermax extension next summer, likely adding another substantial contract to the ever-growing list of lucrative deals.
Historical Contracts and Future Earnings
The trend of astronomical contracts is not new but continues to evolve. Nikola Jokic signed a five-year, $276 million deal with the Denver Nuggets in 2022, while Bradley Beal secured a five-year, $251 million contract before being traded to the Phoenix Suns. Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves also joined the ranks of highly-paid players with a five-year, $244 million extension, following his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod.
Rising star Tyrese Haliburton signed a five-year rookie max extension with the Indiana Pacers, which increased to around $245 million after his All-NBA Third Team selection. Other notable players like Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns each secured four-year, $220 million extensions in 2022. Stephen Curry, the face of the Golden State Warriors, cemented his legacy with a four-year, $215 million deal in August 2021.
The Business Behind the Salaries
The escalation in player salaries underscores the booming business of the NBA. Broadcasting deals, global viewership, and merchandise sales are all on the rise, allowing teams to invest heavily in their star players. These contracts reflect not only the players' on-court contributions but also their marketability and brand strength off the court.
For teams, maintaining championship contention while managing enormous payrolls becomes a balancing act. As salaries continue to rise, organizations must strategize more meticulously to ensure they can build competitive rosters without compromising financial stability.
Redefining Financial Records
The current NBA offseason is redefining financial records and setting new standards for player contracts. Jayson Tatum, on the cusp of starting his historic deal with the Celtics, is set to become the highest-paid player in league history, embodying the modern NBA's emphasis on securing elite talent with generational wealth. As the league continues to grow, one can only expect the financial ceiling to rise even higher, paving the way for future stars to achieve even greater monetary milestones.