The NBA offseason is in full swing, marking a period where teams across the league are strategically locking in their stars with lucrative deals to secure their futures. Among the most significant moves in recent history is the Boston Celtics' approach to finalizing the largest contract in NBA history with their star forward, Jayson Tatum.
Record-Breaking Deal for Tatum
The Celtics are reportedly on the brink of signing Tatum to a staggering five-year, $314 million supermax contract, set to commence in the 2025-26 season. This deal not only positions Tatum at the pinnacle of earnings in NBA history in terms of total value but also sets a new benchmark with an average annual value (AAV) of approximately $62.8 million. This contract will surpass the previous record held by Tatum's teammate, Jaylen Brown.
Comparative Contracts
Brown's own five-year, $285 million supermax deal, which he inked last season, is set to kick off in the 2024-25 season. Brown’s contract, featuring an AAV of $57.1 million, will make him the highest-paid player in the league for that year.
While the Celtics are making headlines with these supermax contracts, other teams are also ensuring their rosters are fortified with star talent. Paul George recently inked a four-year, $211.58 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, reflecting an AAV of $52.3 million. Additionally, Joel Embiid commands $53.3 million annually under his current deal with the 76ers.
Upcoming Extensions and Notable Deals
Apart from the already established contracts, other NBA stars are also set to receive significant pay raises. Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are both slated to commence their new three-year extensions in the 2025-26 season, each bringing in more than $58 million annually.
Meanwhile, other rising stars are entering the conversation for future supermax extensions. Luka Doncic will become eligible for such an extension next summer, adding yet another layer to the already dynamic financial landscape of the league.
For context, Nikola Jokic signed a monumental 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, following his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod, signed a five-year, $244 million extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Investments in Future Talent
Beyond these high-profile names, younger talent is also being locked in for the future. Tyrese Haliburton, after making the All-NBA Third Team, signed a five-year rookie max extension with the Indiana Pacers, which increased to around $245 million. Other significant extensions include Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns, both securing four-year, $220 million deals in 2022, and Stephen Curry, who signed a four-year, $215 million contract in August 2021.
Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard continue to draw high salaries with recent extensions, underscoring their value to their respective teams and the league as a whole.
The Business of Basketball
The escalation in player salaries highlights the NBA's booming business. Broadcasting deals, global viewership, and merchandise sales are all on the rise, making teams increasingly willing to invest heavily in their stars. These contracts reflect not just the players' on-court contributions, but also their marketability and brand strength off the court.
Managing these enormous payrolls while maintaining championship contention becomes a challenging balancing act for teams. The current NBA offseason is redefining financial records and setting new standards for player contracts.
As Jayson Tatum prepares to embark on this historic deal with the Celtics, the landscape of the NBA continues to evolve, driven by the ever-growing financial commitments teams are making in their star players.