The NBA offseason is in full swing, and it's becoming clear that teams are more willing than ever to invest heavily in their star players. With broadcasting deals, global viewership, and merchandise sales on the rise, the financial landscape of the league is shifting rapidly, and the Boston Celtics are leading the charge.
Historic Deal for Jayson Tatum
The Celtics are reportedly finalizing the largest contract in NBA history with Jayson Tatum. This monumental deal will see Tatum signing a five-year, $314 million supermax contract, set to commence in the 2025-26 season. The contract's total value makes it the richest in the league's history, with an average annual value (AAV) of roughly $62.8 million. This record-breaking deal surpasses the previous record held by Jaylen Brown, who signed a five-year, $285 million supermax deal last season.
Comparisons and Key Figures
Jaylen 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. In comparison, Paul George has inked a four-year, $211.58 million contract with the 76ers, which commands an AAV of $52.3 million. Similarly, Joel Embiid draws $53.3 million annually under his current deal.
Not to be overlooked, Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are set to receive significant pay raises with their three-year extensions, each bringing in more than $58 million annually. These extensions are scheduled to start in the 2025-26 season, aligning the financial powerhouses with Jayson Tatum's historic deal.
Future Implications
Looking ahead, the league's financial records and player contracts continue to evolve. Luka Doncic becomes eligible for a supermax extension next summer, adding another potential high-stakes contract to the mix. Meanwhile, other stars are already locked into substantial deals. Nikola Jokic signed a five-year, $276 million deal with the Nuggets in 2022, and Bradley Beal secured a five-year, $251 million deal before being traded to the Suns.
Young talents are also making waves with significant contracts. Anthony Edwards signed a five-year, $244 million extension with the Wolves, following his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod. Additionally, Tyrese Haliburton inked a five-year rookie max extension with the Pacers, with his contract value increasing to approximately $245 million after his All-NBA Third Team selection.
Noteworthy Contracts
Several other notable contracts have been secured in recent years, reflecting the escalating salaries in the NBA. Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns each signed four-year, $220 million extensions in 2022. Stephen Curry also secured a four-year, $215 million deal in August 2021, further demonstrating the league's investment in its premier players. Meanwhile, both Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard continue to draw high salaries with recent extensions, underscoring their continued value to their respective teams.
Balancing Act for Teams
The escalation in player salaries highlights the NBA's booming business. Teams are more willing to invest heavily in their stars, reflecting the players' on-court contributions and off-court marketability. However, maintaining championship contention while managing enormous payrolls has become a delicate balancing act for teams. As the current NBA offseason redefines financial records, the league is setting new standards for player contracts.
In this rapidly evolving landscape, Jayson Tatum's upcoming historic deal with the Celtics is a testament to the ever-increasing value of elite talent in the NBA. With financial records continually being broken and new benchmarks being established, the offseason provides a glimpse into the future of the league, where player salaries and team investments continue to reach unprecedented heights.