The NBA offseason has become a spectacle unto itself, with teams vying not just for new talent but also for the opportunity to secure their stars with record-breaking contracts. This year, the Boston Celtics are taking center stage by reportedly finalizing the largest contract in NBA history with their superstar, Jayson Tatum.
Historic Deal for Jayson Tatum
According to reports, the Celtics are set to sign Tatum to a five-year, $314 million supermax contract, which is slated to commence in the 2025-26 season. This monumental deal will not only set a new benchmark in total value but also feature an average annual value (AAV) of roughly $62.8 million, making it the richest contract in the league's history.
This agreement surpasses the previous record held by Tatum’s teammate, Jaylen Brown. Brown inked a five-year, $285 million supermax deal last season. His contract, set to kick off in the 2024-25 season, will make him the highest-paid player for that year with an AAV of $57.1 million.
Big Contracts Across the League
Tatum and Brown’s contracts are part of a larger trend as NBA teams eagerly lock in their key players with lucrative deals. The Philadelphia 76ers, for instance, secured Paul George with a four-year, $211.58 million contract, boasting an AAV of $52.3 million. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid, commanding $53.3 million annually under his current deal, continues to draw impressive salaries with recent extensions.
Other stars like Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are also set to receive substantial pay raises in the coming years. Both players have agreed to three-year extensions, each bringing in more than $58 million annually. These extensions will begin in the 2025-26 season, aligning them with Tatum's historic contract timeframe.
Future Supermax Candidates
The trend of monumental contracts shows no sign of slowing down. Luka Doncic is poised to become eligible for a supermax extension next summer, which could potentially further redefine salary standards in the league. Nikola Jokic, who signed a five-year, $276 million deal with the Denver Nuggets in 2022, remains one of the highest-paid players. Similarly, Bradley Beal’s five-year, $251 million contract, signed before his trade to the Suns, underscores the escalating market for elite talent.
Young stars are also jumping on the supermax bandwagon. Anthony Edwards recently signed a five-year, $244 million extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves following his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod. Tyrese Haliburton, having earned a spot on the All-NBA Third Team, saw his rookie max extension with the Indiana Pacers increase to around $245 million.
The Financial Landscape and Marketability
The skyrocketing salaries reflect not only the players' on-court contributions but also their marketability and brand strength off the court. Teams are increasingly willing to invest heavily in their stars, driven by booming broadcasting deals, rising global viewership, and substantial merchandise sales.
Such enormous payrolls present a balancing act for franchises striving to maintain championship contention. Nonetheless, the escalating player salaries underscore the NBA's robust financial health and growing global influence.
Shifting Financial Records
The current offseason is redefining financial records and setting unprecedented standards for player contracts. Jayson Tatum's upcoming deal with the Boston Celtics is a testament to this evolving landscape, positioning him at the forefront of a financially booming league.