The NBA offseason is in full swing, and teams across the league are making significant moves to secure their star players with lucrative deals. One of the most headline-grabbing reports involves the Boston Celtics and their rising star, Jayson Tatum.
According to sources, the Celtics are on the verge of finalizing the largest contract in NBA history with Tatum. The deal, a five-year, $314 million supermax contract, is set to commence in the 2025-26 season. This contract not only stands out as the richest in total value in the league’s history but also comes with an eye-popping average annual value (AAV) of roughly $62.8 million.
This landmark deal will surpass the previous record held by none other than Tatum’s teammate, Jaylen Brown. Brown inked a five-year, $285 million supermax deal last season, which will kick off in the 2024-25 season, making him the highest-paid player in the league for that year with an AAV of $57.1 million.
The Celtics' aggressive financial moves underscore the growing trend in the NBA where player salaries are reaching unprecedented heights. This surge is partly driven by booming business opportunities, including broadcasting deals, global viewership, and merchandise sales. Teams are increasingly willing to invest heavily in their stars, reflecting the players' on-court contributions, marketability, and brand strength off the court.
Other Notable Contracts
While the Celtics are making headlines, other teams are also locking in their key players with substantial deals. Paul George, for instance, has secured a four-year, $211.58 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, boasting an AAV of $52.3 million. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid continues to command a high salary, bringing in $53.3 million annually under his current deal.
Big names like Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are also set to receive significant pay raises. Their three-year extensions, set to begin in the 2025-26 season, will each net them more than $58 million annually. These deals further emphasize the financial growth and competitive nature of the league.
Future Deals on the Horizon
The offseason buzz isn't just about current contracts. Looking ahead, players like Luka Doncic are poised to make waves in the near future. Doncic becomes eligible for a supermax extension next summer, setting the stage for another potentially record-breaking deal.
Recent years have already seen significant contracts. 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. Emerging stars like Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton have also landed impressive deals. Edwards signed a five-year, $244 million extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves after his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod. Haliburton’s five-year rookie max extension with the Indiana Pacers escalated to around $245 million following his All-NBA Third Team selection.
Veteran players aren't left out either. Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns both signed four-year, $220 million extensions in 2022, while Stephen Curry continues to draw a high salary with his four-year, $215 million deal inked in August 2021. Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard also remain among the top-paid, benefiting from their recent extensions.
Balancing Act for Teams
The escalation in player salaries highlights the NBA's robust financial health but also presents a balancing act for teams. Managing enormous payrolls while maintaining championship contention is increasingly becoming a delicate dance. Teams must weigh their investments in star players against the need to build a well-rounded, competitive roster capable of making deep playoff runs.
The current NBA offseason is not only redefining financial records but also setting new standards for player contracts. As Jayson Tatum gears up for his historic deal with the Celtics, the league continues to evolve, driven by its ever-growing global appeal and the immense marketability of its star players.