Ranking the Largest Contracts in NBA History
We rank the largest NBA contracts, led by Jaylen Brown's $303 million deal, with others
like Nikola Jokic and Bradley Beal also securing massive paydays.
The NBA is rated as one of the wealthiest sports leagues, not just in America but in the world. Pundits observe that, as the basketball league rises so does the players’ salaries. NBA players are some of the best-paid athletes in the world. While some of the best EuroLeague teams have recorded similar growth where they have invested heavily in the game, they are no match to the NBA side. The league’s salary cap has increased significantly in just over ten years.
We have seen teams offering contracts that critics say are unimaginable. Starting with 2016, the NBA salary cap spiked even further, and ever since, the upward trajectory has been the trend. The 2016 Mike Conley Jr deal might have been the biggest NBA contract ever but over the years the $ 153 million deal has been overtaken, with current ones almost double that.
In this article, we delve into the highest contract ever signed in NBA history, breaking down the top five contracts that have breached the $200 million mark.
1.Jaylen Brown-Boston Celtics
What is the contract value: $303,734,893
Years: Five (2024-2029)
The title for the biggest NBA contract ever is currently held by Jaylen Brown. This is after he signed a massive five-year deal worth nearly $304 million with the Boston Celtics in 2023. The deal started in the 2024 season, but there are chances that it may fluctuate based on the salary cap projections. They are expected to rise by 5%. Pundits observe that Jaylen Brown’s deal surpasses all others in NBA history. It may only be breached if his teammate, Jayson Tatum, goes ahead and signs his expected extension next summer.
When the NBA legend Bill Russell made his famous quote that has been used when people talk about measure of success, he captured the mood and he could have as well been describing Brown. “The most important measure of how good a game I played was how much better I’d made my teammates play.” Jaylen Brown, with his huge talent and leadership, represents this quote.
2. Nikola Jokic -Denver Nuggets
Value of the contract: $276,122,630
Years: Five (2023-2028)
When Nikola Jokic, who is currently the reigning NBA Finals MVP in 2022, signed a five-year deal, which is worth $276 million he became the highest-paid player of the season. Basketball commentators describe him as a player with an incredible basketball IQ.
In 2023, Denver Nuggets benefited from this attribute bagging their first NBA championship in franchise history. Pundits observe that this contract contributed greatly to this feat.
Some may have described a statement that Jokic made after the finals as pride but the “I don’t play for the stats, I play for the win, “quote is seen by many as a testament to his selfless style of play even though he was commanding one of the largest contracts ever. Observers say that this mindset has allowed him to thrive.
3.Bradley Beal-Washington Wizards
Contract Value: $251,019,650
Years: Five (2022-2027)
Described as a deal that gives Bradley Beal unprecedented control over his basketball future, the five-year $ 251 million contract extension with the Wizards enters history as one of the largest. Commentators say that Bradley’s deal was unexpected as he had earlier narrowly missed an All-NBA selection some years back. Despite this setback, Bradley stayed committed to the Washington Wizards and this came to pay off with the record-breaking deal.
4. Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns
Deal’s value: $234,572,800
Years: Four (2024-2028)
When Kobe Bryant once said, “Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses.” He may have spoken to the heart of Devin Booker as this quote resonates well with him. Pundits say that it is his work ethic that propelled him to superstar status. It is the same virtue that was to see him bag one of the most lucrative contracts in NBA history.
5. Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Contract value: $234,572,800
Years: Four (2024-2028)
Karl Anthony ties with Booker. Although they represent different teams, they both bagged the largest four-year contract ever. Although injuries have affected his recent season, Karl Anthony is poised for a comeback where he is expected to help the Timberwolves successfully navigate the competitive Western Conference.
It is expected that NBA contracts will continue to grow, something that commentators see as mirroring the growing popularity and profitability of the Basketball League. As contracts keep on rising we should not be surprised to see new records set.
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