NBA Offseason Sets New Financial Benchmarks
The NBA offseason is in full swing, and teams across the league are vying to secure their superstar talents with record-breaking contracts. Leading the charge are the Boston Celtics, who are reportedly finalizing the largest contract in NBA history with their star player, Jayson Tatum.
The Celtics are preparing to sign Tatum to a monumental five-year, $314 million supermax contract, which will commence in the 2025-26 season. This contract not only makes Tatum the highest-paid player in NBA history in terms of total value but also underscores the franchise's commitment to building around their marquee player for the foreseeable future. With an average annual value (AAV) of approximately $62.8 million, Tatum's deal surpasses the previous record held by his teammate, Jaylen Brown.
Brown, who inked a five-year, $285 million supermax deal last season, will start his contract in the 2024-25 season. His deal, boasting an AAV of $57.1 million, will make him the highest-paid player in the league for that year. The Celtics' willingness to invest heavily in Tatum and Brown signals their determination to maintain championship contention in the coming years.
League-wide Financial Powerhouses
Across the league, other franchises are also making significant financial commitments to their star players. The 76ers recently secured Paul George with a four-year, $211.58 million contract, equating to an AAV of $52.3 million. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid continues to command a high salary under his current deal, drawing $53.3 million annually. Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are set to receive substantial pay raises with their three-year extensions, both bringing in more than $58 million annually starting in the 2025-26 season.
Looking ahead, Luka Doncic is set to become eligible for a supermax extension next summer, which could further shift the landscape of NBA salaries. Previously, Nikola Jokic signed a five-year, $276 million deal with the Nuggets in 2022, while Bradley Beal secured a five-year, $251 million contract before being traded to the Suns. Each of these deals reflects the players' immense value on the court and their marketability off it.
Future Stars Making Their Mark
Not to be overlooked, younger stars are also making significant strides with lucrative extensions. Anthony Edwards signed a five-year, $244 million extension with the Timberwolves, following his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod. Similarly, Tyrese Haliburton's rookie max extension with the Pacers increased to around $245 million after his All-NBA Third Team selection, solidifying his status as one of the league's rising talents.
Other notable contracts in recent years include Devin Booker's and Karl-Anthony Towns' four-year, $220 million extensions in 2022 and Stephen Curry's four-year, $215 million deal signed in August 2021. Veteran players like Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard continue to draw high salaries with their recent extensions, emphasizing that proven talent remains highly valued in the league.
A Booming Business
The escalation in player salaries underscores the NBA's booming business. With increasing revenue from broadcasting deals, global viewership, and merchandise sales, teams are more willing than ever to invest heavily in their marquee players. These contracts are not just reflections of the players' contributions on the court but also their marketability and brand strength off it.
For teams, balancing championship aspirations with managing enormous payrolls becomes a delicate act. However, ensuring that top talent remains within the franchise is a priority that often justifies the financial outlay.
The current NBA offseason is redefining financial records and establishing new standards for player contracts. As Jayson Tatum prepares to embark on his historic deal with the Celtics, the broader landscape of NBA salaries continues to evolve, setting the stage for future renegotiations and the next wave of superstar contracts.