As the NBA offseason progresses, we are witnessing a financial revolution that is redefining the boundaries of player compensation. Teams are locking in their star players with unprecedented deals, signaling a strong vote of confidence in their talents and marketability both on and off the court.
Historic Deal for Jayson Tatum
The Boston Celtics are reportedly finalizing a ground-breaking contract with Jayson Tatum. This five-year, $314 million supermax contract will commence in the 2025-26 season, and it is set to become the richest deal in NBA history in terms of total value. With an average annual value (AAV) of approximately $62.8 million, Tatum's deal surpasses the previous record set by his teammate Jaylen Brown. Brown signed a five-year, $285 million supermax deal just last season, with an AAV of $57.1 million, making him the highest-paid player for the 2024-25 season.
Player Salaries in the Spotlight
The escalation in player salaries is a clear reflection of the booming business of the NBA. Broadcasting deals, surging global viewership, and increasing merchandise sales have enabled teams to invest heavily in their top talent. The Celtics' investment in Tatum, coupled with the lucrative deals signed by other top players, underscores this trend.
For instance, Paul George secured a four-year, $211.58 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, earning him an AAV of $52.3 million. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid continues to command a substantial salary, currently earning $53.3 million annually. Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are also set to receive significant pay raises, with their three-year extensions bringing in more than $58 million per year, starting from the 2025-26 season.
Key Extensions Across the League
Several other players have inked massive deals that stand as a testament to their on-court contributions and off-court marketability. Nikola Jokic signed a five-year, $276 million deal with the Denver Nuggets in 2022, while Bradley Beal secured a five-year, $251 million contract before being traded to the Phoenix Suns. Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves signed a five-year, $244 million extension following his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod.
Additionally, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers agreed to a five-year rookie max extension that increased to around $245 million after his All-NBA Third Team selection. Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns both signed four-year, $220 million extensions in 2022, and Stephen Curry secured a four-year, $215 million deal in August 2021. These figures all highlight the league's trend of securing young, promising talent for the long term.
Future Contracts and Financial Balances
Looking ahead, Luka Doncic is expected to become eligible for a supermax extension next summer, potentially adding to the list of eyewatering contracts. The balancing act for teams now becomes how to maintain championship contention while managing these enormous payrolls.
Jayson Tatum's historic contract with the Celtics marks a significant milestone in the NBA's financial landscape. This offseason has truly redefined what is possible in terms of player compensation, reflecting the league's robust financial health and the star athletes' ever-growing influence.