The NBA offseason is in full swing, and financial records are being shattered as teams lock in their star players with monumental contracts. Leading the frenzy is the Boston Celtics, who are reportedly finalizing the largest contract in NBA history with Jayson Tatum.
According to sources, the Celtics are planning to sign Tatum to a five-year, $314 million supermax contract. This historic deal is set to commence in the 2025-26 season, making it the richest in the league's history in terms of total value. The average annual value (AAV) of this contract is roughly $62.8 million, eclipsing previous records.
This new contract for Tatum surpasses the previous record-holder, Jaylen Brown, who signed a five-year, $285 million supermax deal just last season. Brown's contract, set to begin in the 2024-25 season, will make him the highest-paid player in the league for that year with an AAV of $57.1 million.
Contract Trendsetters and Their Impacts
Beyond Boston, other marquee players are also securing lucrative deals. Paul George recently inked a four-year, $211.58 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, bringing his AAV to $52.3 million. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid continues to command a high salary, earning $53.3 million annually under his current deal with the same team.
Anticipation is building for Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who are both set to receive significant pay raises with their three-year extensions, each bringing in over $58 million annually. These extensions will also kick off in the 2025-26 season, further emphasizing the trend of escalating player salaries.
Future Superstars and Their Market Value
The eye-watering contracts don't stop there. Luka Doncic is set to become eligible for a supermax extension next summer, a situation that will undoubtedly draw considerable attention given his rise as one of the league's premier talents.
Other notable contracts include Nikola Jokic's five-year, $276 million deal with the Denver Nuggets signed in 2022 and Bradley Beal’s five-year, $251 million contract before he was traded to the Phoenix Suns. Anthony Edwards, after his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod, secured a five-year, $244 million extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tyrese Haliburton also saw his stock rise significantly, with his rookie max extension with the Indiana Pacers increasing to around $245 million following his All-NBA Third Team selection.
Meanwhile, veterans like Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns each signed four-year, $220 million extensions in 2022. Not to be outdone, Stephen Curry secured a four-year, $215 million deal with the Golden State Warriors back in August 2021.
Market Dynamics and Financial Implications
The continuous escalation in player salaries underscores the NBA's booming business. With broadcasting deals, global viewership, and merchandise sales on a steady rise, teams are finding themselves more capable and willing to invest significantly in their star players. These contracts are a reflection not only of the players' contributions on the court but also of their marketability and brand strength off the court.
However, this trend also introduces a balancing act for franchises as they strive to maintain championship contention while managing enormous payrolls. The influx of these substantial deals is defining the current NBA offseason, rewriting financial records, and setting new standards for player contracts.
As the dust settles, all eyes will be on Jayson Tatum as he prepares to embark on his historic deal with the Celtics, a move which might just be the harbinger of even greater financial evolutions in the NBA's future.