The NBA offseason is in full swing, and teams are making significant moves to secure their future, with lucrative deals being finalized to lock in their star players. Leading the headlines is the Boston Celtics' reported plan to finalize the largest contract in NBA history with Jayson Tatum.
According to sources, the Celtics are set to sign Tatum to a five-year, $314 million supermax contract, starting in the 2025-26 season. This historic deal, with an average annual value (AAV) of approximately $62.8 million, will make Tatum the highest-paid player in NBA history in terms of total contract value.
Breaking Records
This record-breaking contract will surpass the previous high set by Jaylen Brown, who also plays for the Celtics. Brown inked a five-year, $285 million supermax deal last season, which will commence in the 2024-25 season, giving him an AAV of $57.1 million and making him the highest-paid player for that year.
The surge in supermax contracts underscores the escalating player salaries within the NBA, propelled by the league's booming business. With broadcasting deals, global viewership, and merchandise sales on the rise, teams are increasingly willing to invest heavily in their marquee players.
Other Significant Contracts
Beyond Boston, the Philadelphia 76ers have made headlines by signing Paul George to a four-year, $211.58 million contract, equating to an AAV of $52.3 million. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid continues to command a high salary under his current deal, bringing in $53.3 million annually.
Notable extensions are also on the horizon for Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo, each set to rake in over $58 million annually from their three-year extensions beginning in the 2025-26 season. Another player to watch is Luka Doncic, who will be eligible for a supermax extension next summer, potentially adding another significant contract to the growing list.
High-Value Extensions
The landscape of player contracts is further shaped by deals made in recent years. Nikola Jokic's five-year, $276 million deal with the Nuggets in 2022, Bradley Beal's five-year, $251 million pact prior to his trade to the Suns, and Anthony Edwards' five-year, $244 million extension with the Timberwolves following his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod, each highlight the trend.
Additionally, Tyrese Haliburton signed a five-year rookie max extension with the Pacers, which surged to around $245 million after his selection to the All-NBA Third Team. Similarly, Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns each secured four-year, $220 million extensions in 2022, while Stephen Curry's $215 million, four-year deal signed in August 2021 underscores his continued value to the Golden State Warriors.
Balancing Act for Teams
The spree of enormous contracts reflects not only the players' on-court contributions but also their marketability and brand strength off the court. For teams, the challenge becomes maintaining championship contention while managing these massive payrolls. With so many stars locked into financially substantial deals, the onus is on the franchises to balance their budgets and competitive aspirations.
As the offseason progresses, the NBA continues to redefine financial records, setting new standards for player contracts. This trend showcases not only the league's financial health but also the increasing importance placed on securing and retaining top talent. The forthcoming seasons will undoubtedly see more eye-watering contracts and the continued evolution of the NBA's economic landscape.
Jayson Tatum's impending deal with the Celtics marks a historical milestone in this ongoing saga of lucrative player contracts. The 2025-26 season will not only witness Tatum commencing his record-setting contract but also set the stage for a new era of financial dynamics in professional basketball.