The NBA offseason is in full swing, with teams locking in their star players to eye-popping deals and some contracts setting historic benchmarks. Leading the charge are the Boston Celtics, who are reportedly on the verge of finalizing the largest contract in NBA history with their standout forward, Jayson Tatum.
Jayson Tatum to Set a New Benchmark
The Celtics are preparing to sign Tatum to a staggering five-year, $314 million supermax contract. This deal, set to commence in the 2025-26 season, will become the richest in NBA history in terms of total value. With an average annual value (AAV) hovering around $62.8 million, Tatum's contract will not only secure his future in Boston but also surpass the previous record held by his teammate Jaylen Brown.
Just last season, Brown inked a five-year, $285 million supermax deal, which 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. However, Tatum's forthcoming contract will eclipse that figure, adding a new layer to the Celtics' financial landscape.
Significant Contracts Across the League
This offseason isn't only about the Celtics. Paul George landed a four-year, $211.58 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, translating to an AAV of $52.3 million. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid, also with the 76ers, commands $53.3 million annually under his current deal.
Several other prominent players are set to receive substantial pay raises. Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo have secured three-year extensions that will each bring in more than $58 million per year, starting from the 2025-26 season. Their new deals continue the trend of lucrative contracts reshaping the financial landscape of the NBA.
Future High Earners and Recent Signings
Luka Doncic is a player to watch in the coming year as he becomes eligible for a supermax extension next summer. Meanwhile, other stars have already secured their futures with significant deals. Nikola Jokic signed a five-year, $276 million deal with the Denver Nuggets in 2022, and Bradley Beal secured a five-year, $251 million contract before being traded to the Phoenix Suns.
Anthony Edwards recently inked a five-year, $244 million extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves after his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod. Tyrese Haliburton's five-year rookie max extension with the Indiana Pacers surged to around $245 million following his selection to the All-NBA Third Team.
Historic Extensions
In 2022, Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns each signed four-year extensions worth $220 million, and Stephen Curry landed a four-year, $215 million deal with the Golden State Warriors in August 2021. Players like Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard continue to command high salaries with their recent extensions, underscoring the high-stakes financial commitments teams are willing to make to secure top talent.
Implications for the NBA
The escalating player salaries highlight the NBA's booming business, driven by lucrative broadcasting deals, increasing global viewership, and soaring merchandise sales. These substantial contracts reflect the players' immense value, both on and off the court, as they continue to enhance their marketability and brand strength. For teams, the challenge lies in maintaining championship contention while managing enormous payrolls.
This offseason has redefined financial records and set new standards for player contracts, illustrating the evolving dynamics of the league. Jayson Tatum is poised to embark on his historic deal with the Celtics, further cementing his status among the league's elite and signaling a new era in NBA player compensation.