The NBA offseason is proving to be a whirlwind of activity as teams aggressively secure their star players with record-breaking contracts. The Boston Celtics are leading the charge, reportedly finalizing the largest contract in NBA history with Jayson Tatum.
Jayson Tatum's Historic Deal
Jayson Tatum is set to sign a five-year, $314 million supermax contract with the Celtics, starting in the 2025-26 season. This deal not only underscores Tatum's immense value on the court but also cements his place in NBA history as the richest contract in terms of total value. The average annual value (AAV) of Tatum's contract is an eye-popping $62.8 million, setting a new benchmark in the league.
This monumental agreement also surpasses the previous record held by Tatum’s teammate, Jaylen Brown, who signed a five-year, $285 million supermax deal last season. Starting in the 2024-25 season, Brown’s contract will make him the highest-paid player in the league for that year, with an AAV of $57.1 million.
Contracts Across the League
The Celtics are not the only team inking massive contracts. Paul George has signed a four-year, $211.58 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, equating to an AAV of $52.3 million. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid, also with the 76ers, commands an annual salary of $53.3 million under his current deal.
Elsewhere in the NBA, Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are preparing for substantial pay raises. Their respective three-year extensions will each bring in over $58 million annually, starting in the 2025-26 season.
Luka Doncic will soon be eligible for a supermax extension next summer, further intensifying the financial landscape of the league.
Past and Future High-Profile Extensions
Nikola Jokic set a significant precedent in 2022 when he signed a five-year, $276 million deal with the Denver Nuggets. Not long after, Bradley Beal secured a five-year, $251 million deal before being traded to the Phoenix Suns. Another rising star, Anthony Edwards, aligned with the Minnesota Timberwolves for a five-year, $244 million extension following his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod.
Tyrese Haliburton, who signed a five-year rookie max extension with the Indiana Pacers, saw his contract value increase to around $245 million after his All-NBA Third Team selection. Additionally, both Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns inked four-year, $220 million extensions in 2022. Stephen Curry remains a top earner as well, with his four-year, $215 million deal signed in August 2021.
The Implications and Future Outlook
Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard continue to command high salaries through their recent extensions, reflecting their enduring value to their teams. The escalating player salaries are a testament to the NBA's booming business, fueled by robust broadcasting deals, expanding global viewership, and increasing merchandise sales. These factors enable teams to invest heavily in their stars.
However, managing such enormous payrolls while striving for championship contention requires a delicate balancing act. The current NBA offseason highlights how financial records are being reshaped, raising the bar for future player contracts.
As Jayson Tatum gears up for his historic deal with the Celtics, the landscape of player compensation in the NBA continues to evolve. Each new contract not only rewards on-court contributions but also underscores the marketability and brand strength of the league's premier players. With such lucrative deals being inked, the offseason is redefining what it means to be a top-tier player in the NBA.