The NBA offseason is in full swing, and this year's headlines are dominated by record-breaking contracts. Teams are securing their star players with unprecedented deals, reflecting the league's financial boom and the increasing marketability of its top talents.
Jayson Tatum's Historic Deal
The Boston Celtics are poised to finalize the largest contract in NBA history with their star player, Jayson Tatum. The five-year, $314 million supermax contract, set to commence in the 2025-26 season, has an average annual value (AAV) of roughly $62.8 million. This contract will surpass the previous record held by Tatum's teammate, Jaylen Brown, who signed a five-year, $285 million deal last season.
Brown's contract will kick off in the 2024-25 season, making him the highest-paid player in the league for that year with an AAV of $57.1 million. The Celtics' aggressive financial commitments underscore their confidence in Tatum and Brown's capabilities to lead the team to future championships.
Other Major Contracts
Beyond the Celtics, other teams are also making significant investments in their star players. Paul George recently inked a four-year, $211.58 million contract with the 76ers, boasting an AAV of $52.3 million. Joel Embiid, a key player for the 76ers, commands $53.3 million annually under his current deal, cementing his status as one of the league's top earners.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers' Anthony Davis and the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo are set to receive substantial pay raises through their three-year extensions. Both players will earn over $58 million annually starting in the 2025-26 season.
Looking ahead, Luka Doncic becomes eligible for a supermax extension next summer, setting the stage for another potential record-breaking deal. Nikola Jokic, who signed a five-year, $276 million deal with the Nuggets in 2022, and Bradley Beal, who signed a five-year, $251 million contract before being traded to the Suns, are also key examples of the league's escalating player salaries.
Extensions and Renewals
Many other prominent NBA players have secured lucrative extensions. Anthony Edwards signed a five-year, $244 million extension with the Timberwolves after his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod. Tyrese Haliburton's contract with the Pacers ballooned to approximately $245 million following his selection to the All-NBA Third Team.
In 2022, Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns both signed four-year, $220 million extensions, while Stephen Curry secured a four-year, $215 million deal with the Golden State Warriors in August 2021. Players like Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard continue to draw high salaries from their recent extensions, maintaining their status among the league's financial elite.
Financial Landscape of the NBA
The staggering figures associated with these contracts highlight the NBA's booming business. With broadcasting deals, global viewership, and merchandise sales on the rise, teams are increasingly willing to invest heavily in their marquee talents. These substantial financial commitments reflect not only the players' on-court contributions but also their marketability and brand strength off the court.
Managing such enormous payrolls while maintaining championship contention is a delicate balancing act for teams. However, the current NBA offseason is redefining financial records and setting new standards for player contracts, illustrating the league's robust economic health and the continued elevation of its star players' worth.
As the offseason continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Jayson Tatum as he prepares to embark on his historic deal with the Celtics. This record-setting contract is emblematic of the evolving financial dynamics within professional basketball and serves as a benchmark for future negotiations in the league.