The NBA offseason is in full swing, and teams across the league are racing to lock in their stars with some of the most lucrative deals in sports history. Leading the charge, the Boston Celtics are reportedly on the verge of finalizing the largest contract in NBA history with their franchise player, Jayson Tatum.
According to reports, the Celtics are planning to sign Tatum to a five-year, $314 million supermax contract, commencing in the 2025-26 season. This deal, which boasts an average annual value (AAV) of approximately $62.8 million, will set a new benchmark in the league, surpassing the previous record held by Jaylen Brown. Brown signed a five-year, $285 million supermax deal last season, and his contract, set to kick off in the 2024-25 season, will make him the highest-paid player in the league for that year with an AAV of $57.1 million.
Big Deals Across the League
It's not just the Celtics making waves this offseason. Star players across the NBA are inking major contracts that reflect their contributions on the court and their marketability off it. Paul George recently secured a four-year, $211.58 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, translating to an AAV of $52.3 million. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid continues to command a high salary under his current deal, earning $53.3 million annually.
Other notable signings include Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo who are both set to receive significant pay raises. Their forthcoming three-year extensions will each bring in over $58 million annually, starting in the 2025-26 season. The contracts reflect the enormous value these players bring to their teams and the league as a whole.
Young Stars Cashing In
The market for young, ascending stars is equally robust. Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves signed a five-year, $244 million extension following his second All-Star appearance and his first All-NBA nod. Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers also got a significant pay boost, signing a five-year rookie max extension that increased to around $245 million after his All-NBA Third Team selection. These deals emphasize the investment teams are willing to make in cultivating and retaining young talent.
Other younger players who have recently signed lucrative deals include Nikola Jokic, who inked a five-year, $276 million deal with the Denver Nuggets in 2022, and Bradley Beal, who signed a five-year, $251 million deal before being traded to the Phoenix Suns. Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns are also noteworthy, each securing four-year, $220 million extensions in 2022. Stephen Curry, too, continues to draw a massive salary with a four-year, $215 million deal finalized in August 2021.
Balancing the Books
The escalation in player salaries underscores the booming business of the NBA. With broadcasting deals, global viewership, and merchandising sales continuously on the rise, teams are more willing and able than ever to invest heavily in their stars. These financial commitments reflect the players' exceptional on-court contributions, marketability, and brand strength off the court.
However, this willingness to invest brings its own set of challenges. Teams must maintain championship contention while managing enormous payrolls, striking a balance between fostering star talent and ensuring long-term fiscal health. The current NBA offseason is redefining financial records and setting new standards for player contracts, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible just a few years ago.
As Jayson Tatum prepares to embark on this historic deal with the Celtics, the narrative of the NBA continues to evolve, driven by the relentless pursuit of excellence both on and off the court. This summer’s deals will be remembered not only for their staggering financial figures but also for the shifting landscape they represent in professional basketball.