The NBA offseason has seen an explosion of financial milestones, reflecting the league's continued growth and the colossal value of its premier talents. Leading the headlines this summer is the Boston Celtics' reported decision to finalize the largest contract in NBA history with their star forward, Jayson Tatum.
Boston Celtics Bet Big on Jayson Tatum
In a groundbreaking move, the Celtics are poised to sign Tatum to a five-year, $314 million supermax contract, which would commence in the 2025-26 season. This deal not only locks in Tatum as the cornerstone of the franchise but also sets a new high-water mark in terms of total contract value within the league. With an average annual value (AAV) of approximately $62.8 million, Tatum’s extension eclipses the previous record held by his teammate Jaylen Brown.
Brown, who inked his own five-year, $285 million supermax deal last season, will see his contract kick in during the 2024-25 season, making him the highest-paid player in the league for that year with an AAV of $57.1 million. The Celtics' commitment to both Tatum and Brown underscores their strategy to build a championship-contending team around their dynamic duo.
Noteworthy Contracts Across the League
Boston isn’t alone in making monumental financial commitments this offseason. Paul George has agreed to a four-year, $211.58 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, translating to an AAV of $52.3 million. Likewise, Joel Embiid remains one of the NBA’s top earners, commanding $53.3 million annually under his current contract with the 76ers.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are also seeing substantial pay increases. Each has secured three-year extensions worth over $58 million annually, starting from the 2025-26 season. These contracts highlight the escalating salaries for top-tier players, reflecting their value both on and off the court.
Major deals from previous years also continue to shape the financial landscape. Nikola Jokic signed a five-year, $276 million deal with the Denver Nuggets in 2022, while Bradley Beal's five-year, $251 million contract was followed by a trade to the Phoenix Suns. Additionally, Anthony Edwards has committed to a five-year, $244 million extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves after his second All-Star appearance and first All-NBA nod.
Rising Stars and Financial Boons
Younger stars are not being left out of these historic financial moves. Tyrese Haliburton inked a five-year rookie max extension with the Indiana Pacers, which escalated to around $245 million following his selection to the All-NBA Third Team. Other notable extensions include Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns, each signing four-year deals worth $220 million in 2022, and Stephen Curry’s four-year, $215 million extension secured in August 2021. Together, these agreements represent the league's deep investment in its future generation of superstars.
Impact of Financial Growth in the NBA
The surge in player salaries underscores the NBA's booming business. With broadcasting deals, global viewership, and merchandise sales all on the rise, franchises are more willing than ever to invest heavily in securing their top talents. These massive contracts are not just reflections of the players' on-court contributions, but also their marketability and brand strength off the floor.
For teams, the challenge lies in striking the right balance—maintaining championship contention while managing enormous payrolls. This balancing act is more complex than ever, with financial records continually being redefined and new standards for player contracts being set each offseason.
Jayson Tatum’s historic deal with the Celtics is a testament to this evolving landscape. As the NBA continues to grow in popularity and profitability, the league’s best players are reaping the rewards, commanding unprecedented salaries that reflect their value in a global sports market. With these developments, the 2023 NBA offseason is not just memorable but also transformative, setting new benchmarks for financial commitments in professional basketball.