The NBA offseason is in full swing, and teams across the league are making significant moves to secure their stars with lucrative deals. Leading the pack are the Boston Celtics, who are reportedly finalizing the largest contract in NBA history with their franchise player, Jayson Tatum.
A Historic Contract for 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 deal not only solidifies Tatum's future in Boston but also sets a new benchmark for the richest contract in the league’s history by total value. The average annual value (AAV) of the contract is roughly $62.8 million, placing Tatum at the pinnacle of NBA earners.
This record-breaking contract surpasses the previous high held by Jaylen Brown, who signed a five-year, $285 million supermax deal last season. Brown's contract, which will start in the 2024-25 season, offers an AAV of $57.1 million, briefly making him the highest-paid player in the league before Tatum’s new deal.
Major Deals Across the League
Across the NBA, other teams are also making significant financial commitments. Paul George has secured a four-year, $211.58 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, with an AAV of $52.3 million. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid, who commands $53.3 million annually under his current deal, continues to be a highly paid player for the 76ers.
Superstars Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are set to receive substantial pay raises with their respective three-year extensions, each bringing in over $58 million annually starting in the 2025-26 season. The increase in their salaries underscores the rising financial stakes for marquee players in the league.
Rising Stars and New Extensions
Other notable contracts in recent times include Nikola Jokic’s five-year, $276 million deal with the Denver Nuggets in 2022 and Bradley Beal’s five-year, $251 million contract before being traded to the Phoenix Suns. Additionally, Anthony Edwards has secured a five-year, $244 million extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves following his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod.
Young talent Tyrese Haliburton has also cashed in, signing a five-year rookie max extension with the Indiana Pacers. The value of Haliburton’s contract surged to around $245 million after his selection to the All-NBA Third Team.
Established stars like Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns have inked significant deals as well, each signing four-year, $220 million extensions in 2022. Stephen Curry remains a highly paid veteran with a four-year, $215 million deal secured in August 2021.
Financial Landscape of the NBA
The escalation in player salaries highlights the booming business of the NBA. With increasing broadcasting deals, global viewership, and merchandise sales, teams are more willing than ever to invest heavily in their stars. These contracts not only reflect the players' on-court contributions but also their marketability and brand strength off the court.
Managing enormous payrolls while maintaining championship contention is a balancing act for the teams. The current NBA offseason is redefining financial records and setting new standards for player contracts, indicating an era where top talents command unprecedented figures.
Looking Forward
As Jayson Tatum prepares to embark on this historic deal with the Celtics, the landscape of the NBA continues to evolve. The league's financial dynamics underscore the importance of securing top talent to stay competitive. For fans, each new contract represents both the growth of the sport and the dedication of teams to building a winning culture.
The sheer magnitude of these deals ensures that the NBA remains a league where the stars shine brightly, both on and off the court. With players like Tatum leading the way, the future of the NBA promises both excitement and financial milestones that will keep us all watching.