Tatum has the most expensive contract in NBA history. But how long will this last?
Artemy Berstenev July 2, 2024, 09:45 Moscow time
A Slovenian will yet update the North American League record.
It was funny: first, Boston owner Vic Grousbeck plans to put the club up for sale, and a few hours later it becomes known that forward and NBA champion Jayson Tatum is receiving the largest contract in NBA history from the Celtics management. Tatum and the Celts agreed on a five-year deal worth $315 million. Even funnier: the previous owner of the largest contract in league history was Jason’s teammate Jaylen Brown, who was owed $304 million in the summer of 2023.
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Tatum and Boston have reached an agreement on a new contract, and it’s no surprise. The massive contract is subject to a number of supermax conditions, and thanks to his consistent performances at the NBA All-Star level, Tatum is entitled to 35% of the club’s payroll. This deal means the forward will remain with the Celtics through the 2029-2030 season. And if he decides to exercise his player option, his earnings could reach $71.4 million in his final season, making him the first basketball player in league history to earn more than $70 million per year. Impressive, right?
Tatum may be celebrating his financial triumph, but Luka Doncic is on the horizon, ready to blow up bank accounts. His next contract extension with Dallas next year could easily top $346 million, highlighting not only his talent but also the crazy economics of the NBA, despite the Slovenian losing the finals to Jason himself. This is an era when the league’s stars are making more than some franchises were worth a decade ago. So don’t be mad at the players: they’re floating with the current of this golden river. And while we’re talking about money, Boston isn’t far behind, investing $125.9 million in Derrick White, which could be a bargain given his contributions to the team.
According to ESPN financial expert Bobby Marks, the Celtics’ salary cap for the 2025-2026 season is projected to be over $200 million, not including the luxury tax that owners will have to pay. Depending on the actions of Phoenix, where most of the money is spent on Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, Boston could become the first biggest spender in NBA history. But so far, fortunately for the Suns, the Arizonans have not shown the same financial ambitions. The Celts have already signed key long-term contracts, so financial issues are on the back burner. Their goal now is to use this opportunity to create a new dynasty.
Justification for Tatum’s pre-signing contract:
Jayson Tatum deserves to be the player with the most expensive contract in the NBA, and here’s why
