The NBA offseason is in full swing, and teams across the league are making significant moves to secure their star players for the future. The Boston Celtics, in particular, have made headlines by reportedly finalizing the largest contract in NBA history with Jayson Tatum. The Celtics are preparing to sign Tatum to a five-year, $314 million supermax contract, which would commence in the 2025-26 season. This deal not only sets a new benchmark in terms of total value but also underscores the league's escalating financial landscape.
Tatum's Record-Breaking Deal
Once inked, Tatum's contract will have an average annual value (AAV) of approximately $62.8 million, making it the richest deal in NBA history. This record-setting contract surpasses the previous high set by Tatum's teammate, Jaylen Brown, who signed a five-year, $285 million supermax deal just last season. Brown's contract, which kicks off in the 2024-25 season, comes with an AAV of $57.1 million, making him the highest-paid player in the league for that year.
High-Earning Stars
Beyond Tatum and Brown, other NBA stars have also secured lucrative deals in recent times. Paul George signed a four-year, $211.58 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, giving him an AAV of $52.3 million. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid commands $53.3 million annually under his current deal, maintaining his status as one of the highest-paid players in the league.
Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are also set for significant pay raises with their three-year extensions, each bringing in more than $58 million annually starting in the 2025-26 season. These high-value contracts underscore the premium placed on elite talent in the NBA today.
Notable Extensions and Upcoming Eligilbility
Looking ahead, Luka Doncic is poised to become eligible for a supermax extension next summer, potentially adding his name to the list of highest earners in the league. Other players who have secured substantial extensions recently include Nikola Jokic, who signed a five-year, $276 million deal with the Denver Nuggets in 2022, and Bradley Beal, who inked a five-year, $251 million deal before being traded to the Phoenix Suns.
Anthony Edwards also joined the ranks of top earners with a five-year, $244 million extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves following his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA selection. Tyrese Haliburton's contract has also considerably increased to around $245 million after his All-NBA Third Team selection, highlighting the trend of rewarding young rising stars.
Sports Superstars’ Lucrative Deals
Other notable signings include Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns, who both signed four-year, $220 million extensions in 2022. Additionally, Stephen Curry secured a four-year, $215 million deal in August 2021. Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard continue to draw high salaries with recent extensions, reflecting their consistent on-court contributions and marketability.
The Booming NBA Business
The escalation in player salaries can be attributed to the NBA's booming business, fueled by rising broadcasting deals, global viewership, and merchandise sales. This robust financial health allows teams to invest heavily in their stars, knowing that the returns extend beyond the court to marketability and brand strength.
For NBA teams, maintaining championship contention while managing enormous payrolls has become a balancing act. These record-breaking contracts not only set new standards but also redefine financial records in the league. As the current NBA offseason continues to shape the future landscape of the league, Jayson Tatum's historic deal with the Celtics stands as a testament to the evolving dynamics of player contracts and team strategies.