The NBA offseason is in full swing, and it's shaping up to be a record-breaking period for player contracts. Teams across the league are locking in their star players with lucrative deals, ensuring that their rosters remain competitive in the years to come. At the forefront of these monumental agreements is the Boston Celtics, who are on the verge of finalizing the largest contract in NBA history with their star forward, Jayson Tatum.
Historical Contract for Jayson Tatum
The Boston Celtics are reportedly finalizing a five-year, $314 million supermax contract with Jayson Tatum, which will commence in the 2025-26 season. This contract stands out not only for its sheer size but also because it represents the richest deal in the league's history in terms of total value. The average annual value (AAV) of Tatum's contract is approximately $62.8 million, making it a landmark agreement in the world of professional basketball.
Surpassing Previous Records
This new deal for Tatum surpasses the previous record held by his teammate, Jaylen Brown, who signed a five-year, $285 million supermax contract last season. Brown's contract, which will begin 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. The Celtics' commitment to their star players underscores their strategy of building a championship-contending team around a solid core of elite talent.
League-wide Financial Upheaval
Beyond Boston, other NBA teams are also making significant financial commitments to their star players. Paul George has inked a four-year, $211.58 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, boasting an AAV of $52.3 million. Similarly, Joel Embiid, also with the 76ers, commands an annual salary of $53.3 million under his current deal, highlighting the organization's effort to retain top-tier talent.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, both Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are set to receive substantial pay raises. Their three-year extensions will each bring in more than $58 million annually, setting new standards for player compensation in the league. Additionally, Luka Doncic will soon become eligible for a supermax extension next summer, adding to the anticipation of another record-breaking deal.
Major Deals in the Recent Past
Several high-profile contracts have been signed over the past few offseasons, reflecting the escalating value of star players in the NBA. Nikola Jokic secured a five-year, $276 million deal with the Denver Nuggets in 2022, while Bradley Beal inked a five-year, $251 million contract before being traded to the Phoenix Suns. Not to be outdone, Anthony Edwards signed a five-year, $244 million extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves following his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod.
Tyrese Haliburton, who signed a five-year rookie max extension with the Indiana Pacers, saw his contract increase to around $245 million after his All-NBA Third Team selection. Other notable extensions include Devin Booker's and Karl-Anthony Towns's four-year, $220 million deals and Stephen Curry's four-year, $215 million contract signed in August 2021. Within this financial landscape, Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard continue to draw high salaries following their recent extensions.
Economic Impact of Rising Salaries
The escalation in player salaries underscores the booming business of the NBA. With broadcasting deals, global viewership, and merchandise sales on the rise, teams are more willing than ever to invest heavily in their stars. These contracts not only reflect the players' on-court contributions but also their marketability and brand strength off the court.
However, maintaining championship contention while managing these enormous payrolls becomes a complex balancing act for teams. The current NBA offseason is redefining financial records and setting new standards for player contracts, as teams strive to assemble rosters that can compete at the highest level.
As Jayson Tatum prepares to embark on this historic deal with the Celtics, the NBA offseason continues to evolve, showcasing the league's financial growth and the ever-increasing value of its star players.