The NBA offseason is in full swing, and it is shaping up to be one for the history books. Franchises are solidifying their rosters by locking in their marquee players with deals that are breaking financial records. This season, all eyes are on the Boston Celtics as they gear up to finalize the richest contract in NBA history with their star, Jayson Tatum.
A Historic Deal for Jayson Tatum
The Celtics are reportedly planning to ink a five-year, $314 million supermax contract with Jayson Tatum. This colossal deal is set to commence in the 2025-26 season and will make Tatum the highest-paid player in the league in terms of total value. The contract boasts an average annual value (AAV) of approximately $62.8 million, surpassing all previous records.
This groundbreaking agreement not only underscores Tatum’s immense value to the Celtics but also highlights the escalating financial landscape of the NBA. Just last season, Tatum's teammate Jaylen Brown set a record with his own supermax deal—$285 million over five years, with an AAV of $57.1 million. Brown’s contract will begin in the 2024-25 season, making him the highest-paid player that year until Tatum’s deal takes effect.
Other Notable Deals and Extensions
The Celtics are not the only team making headlines with massive contracts. Paul George recently signed a four-year, $211.58 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, translating to an AAV of $52.3 million. Additionally, Joel Embiid continues to command a high salary, averaging $53.3 million annually under his current deal with the 76ers.
In a similar fashion, marquee players like Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are poised for significant pay raises. Their three-year extensions will each bring in more than $58 million annually starting in the 2025-26 season. As these contracts demonstrate, teams are willing to invest heavily in their stars to maintain championship contention.
Other substantial contracts in recent years include Nikola Jokic’s five-year, $276 million deal with the Denver Nuggets and Bradley Beal’s five-year, $251 million contract, which led to his trade to the Phoenix Suns. Anthony Edwards also secured a five-year, $244 million extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves, a reward for his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod.
Rising Stars and Established Icons
The league’s financial generosity is not limited to its veteran stars. Upcoming talents are also seeing their salaries skyrocket. Tyrese Haliburton, for example, signed a five-year rookie max extension with the Indiana Pacers. Following his All-NBA Third Team selection, the contract value increased to around $245 million.
Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns, both central figures for their respective teams, signed identical four-year, $220 million extensions in 2022. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry’s four-year, $215 million deal, signed in August 2021, continues to reflect his worth to the Golden State Warriors.
NBA's Booming Business
The escalation in player salaries emphasizes the NBA's booming business. The league’s growth is driven by lucrative broadcasting deals, rising global viewership, and increasing merchandise sales. As a result, franchises are more inclined to invest heavily in their stars, who are not only critical to their on-court success but also significantly enhance their marketability and brand strength off the court.
However, this financial windfall does come with its own set of challenges. Balancing enormous payrolls while remaining competitive for championships is becoming a delicate act for many teams. The offseason deals being struck this year are redefining financial records and setting new benchmarks for player contracts. These agreements reflect the value that these unparalleled athletes bring to their teams, both in terms of performance and commercial appeal.
As for Jayson Tatum, he is preparing to embark on his historic deal with the Celtics, a contract that not only secures his future with the team but also cements his status as one of the most valuable players in NBA history. The league, its teams, and fans alike will watch closely as these astronomical deals continue to shape the future of professional basketball.