As the NBA offseason progresses, teams continue to jostle for dominance, signing their star players to eye-watering contracts. Notably, the Boston Celtics are on the cusp of rewriting league history with a monumental signing, as they prepare to secure Jayson Tatum for the long haul.
Historic Deal in the Making
Reports indicate that the Celtics are finalizing the largest contract in NBA history with Jayson Tatum. The agreement, a five-year supermax contract valued at $314 million, is poised to start in the 2025-26 season. This colossal deal underscores Tatum’s importance to the Celtics and marks a significant milestone in the league, eclipsing all previous contracts in total value and average annual value (AAV).
Tatum’s new contract will boast an AAV of roughly $62.8 million, setting a new benchmark and surpassing Jaylen Brown's previous record. Brown, who signed a five-year, $285 million supermax deal last season, will see his contract commence in the 2024-25 season and feature an AAV of $57.1 million, making him the highest-paid player for that year.
Significant Paydays Across the League
The Celtics aren’t the only team making headlines with lucrative player deals. Paul George has secured a four-year, $211.58 million contract with the 76ers, reflecting an AAV of $52.3 million. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid, under his current contract, commands an impressive $53.3 million annually. Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are also set to receive significant pay raises, each drawing in over $58 million annually with their new three-year extensions that will kick off in the 2025-26 season.
Looking ahead, Luka Doncic becomes eligible for a supermax extension next summer, hinting at another potential record-breaking deal. The pattern of escalating player salaries continues with past signings such as Nikola Jokic, who inked a five-year, $276 million deal with the Nuggets in 2022, and Bradley Beal’s five-year, $251 million contract before his trade to the Suns. Noteworthy too is Anthony Edwards’ five-year, $244 million extension with the Timberwolves, which followed his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod.
Valuable Extensions and High-Salaried Stars
Younger talents are also cashing in with sizeable rookie max extensions, such as Tyrese Haliburton’s five-year deal with the Pacers, which rose to around $245 million after his All-NBA Third Team selection. Established stars continue to command high salaries with ample extensions. Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Stephen Curry have all secured four-year deals ranging from $215 million to $220 million in recent years. Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard continue to draw significant paychecks with their current contracts, underscoring their ongoing value to their respective franchises.
NBA’s Financial Surge
The constant escalation of player salaries highlights the NBA's booming business. With broadcasting deals, global viewership, and merchandise sales on the rise, franchises are more willing than ever to invest heavily in their marquee players. These monumental contracts reflect not only the players' on-court contributions but also their marketability and brand strength off the court. Teams face the complex challenge of maintaining championship contention while managing soaring payrolls.
This NBA offseason is redefining financial records and setting unprecedented standards for player contracts. As the ink dries on these deals, Jayson Tatum stands at the forefront, ready to embark on his historic journey with the Celtics. With the ever-rising salaries and the intense competition for star talent, the landscape of NBA contracts continues to shift dramatically, making every offseason a fascinating spectacle of strategic financial maneuvering.