The NBA offseason is in full swing, and teams across the league are making headlines with their blockbuster deals. Among the most notable is the Boston Celtics' move to finalize the largest contract in NBA history with Jayson Tatum. The Celtics are planning to sign Tatum to a staggering five-year, $314 million supermax contract, set to begin in the 2025-26 season. This deal places Tatum at the pinnacle of financial success in the NBA, with an average annual value (AAV) of approximately $62.8 million.
Breaking Records and Setting Benchmarks
Tatum's contract is now the richest in the league's history, surpassing the previous record held by teammate Jaylen Brown. Brown signed a five-year, $285 million supermax deal last season, which kicks off in the 2024-25 season. With an AAV of $57.1 million, Brown will become the highest-paid player in the league for that year. These contracts underscore the Celtics' commitment to retaining their star players and maintaining their competitiveness in the NBA.
The trend of escalating player salaries is not limited to Boston. Across the league, star players are commanding record-breaking deals as teams secure their top talent. Paul George has inked a four-year, $211.58 million contract with the 76ers, giving him an AAV of $52.3 million. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid continues to draw a high salary, commanding $53.3 million annually under his current deal.
Star Power and Pay Raises
Other notable players receiving significant pay raises include Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Both players will see their three-year extensions bring in more than $58 million annually, starting in the 2025-26 season. As the NBA continues to grow as a global brand, franchises are more willing to invest heavily in their stars to ensure championship contention and marketability.
Luka Doncic is set to become eligible for a supermax extension next summer, potentially adding his name to the list of players cashing in on the league's financial boom. This offseason has already seen Nikola Jokic sign a five-year, $276 million deal with the Nuggets in 2022, and Bradley Beal, who was later traded to the Suns, securing a five-year, $251 million deal.
Young stars like Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton are also benefiting from the league's financial boom. Edwards signed a five-year, $244 million extension with the Wolves following his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod. Haliburton's five-year rookie max extension with the Pacers saw a significant increase to around $245 million after his All-NBA Third Team selection.
Investing in the Future
Veteran players continue to command high salaries as well. Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns both signed four-year, $220 million extensions in 2022, while Stephen Curry secured a four-year, $215 million deal in August 2021. Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard have both drawn high salaries with recent extensions, further illustrating the trend of rewarding proven talent.
The escalation in player salaries is a clear reflection of the NBA's booming business. With broadcasting deals, global viewership, and merchandise sales on the rise, teams are increasingly willing to invest in their stars. These lucrative contracts not only reflect the players' contributions on the court but also their marketability and brand strength off the court.
The Balancing Act
For teams, maintaining championship contention while managing enormous payrolls has become a delicate balancing act. The current NBA offseason is redefining financial records and setting new standards for player contracts. As Jayson Tatum prepares to embark on his historic deal with the Celtics, it is evident that the landscape of NBA contracts is continually evolving.
The willingness of franchises to commit such substantial financial resources to their stars highlights the importance of elite talent in the pursuit of success. As the league continues to grow and flourish, so too will the contracts of its top players, cementing their status not just as athletes, but as global icons.