The Biggest NBA Contracts in History A Look at the Highest Paid Players

The NBA is one of the most popular and lucrative sports leagues in the world. While many people tune in to watch their favorite teams compete for the championship, there is also a lot of buzz surrounding the players themselves and their contracts. Every year, top players are signed for millions of dollars, making them some of the highest paid athletes in the world.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the biggest NBA contracts in history, from the record-breaking deals of modern-day superstars to the surprising contracts of past legends. We will explore the details of these contracts, including the player’s salary, bonuses, and other incentives. So let’s dive into the world of high-stakes NBA contracts and discover the top earners in the league.

The Rise of Massive NBA Contracts

The Rise of Massive NBA Contracts

Over the years, the salaries of NBA players have skyrocketed, with top players earning tens of millions of dollars annually. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including the growth of the league’s popularity, increasing revenues from TV deals, and the rise of superstar players who demand higher salaries.

Another significant factor that has contributed to the rise of massive NBA contracts is the introduction of the salary cap. The NBA introduced the salary cap in 1984 as a way to level the playing field and prevent big-market teams from dominating the league. The cap limits the amount of money that teams can spend on player salaries, preventing them from outspending smaller market teams.

However, the salary cap has also had unintended consequences, such as driving up the salaries of top players. With only a limited amount of money to spend on player contracts, teams are willing to pay top talent exorbitant amounts to secure their services. As a result, the average salary of an NBA player has increased from $200,000 in 1984 to over $7 million in 2021.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the biggest NBA contracts in history and the players who earned them.

The Top 6 Biggest NBA Contracts

1. Russell Westbrook (5-year, $206 million)
2. James Harden (4-year, $171 million)
3. Stephen Curry (5-year, $201 million)
4. Kevin Durant (2-year, $61.5 million)
5. Damian Lillard (5-year, $139 million)
6. LeBron James (4-year, $153.3 million)

Now, let’s dive into each of these massive contracts and explore the details of how they came about and what they entailed for the players involved.

Russell Westbrook – $206 Million over 5 years

In 2017, Russell Westbrook made NBA history when he signed the largest contract in league history – a five-year deal worth a whopping $206 million with the Oklahoma City Thunder. This contract was quite substantial, even by NBA standards, as it amounted to an average annual salary of $41.2 million.

At the time, Westbrook was coming off an incredible season where he averaged a triple-double and won the NBA MVP award. He had established himself as one of the best players in the league and was an integral part of the Thunder’s success. To keep him on their team, the Thunder offered him a supermax contract, which allowed them to offer him more money than any other team could.

The contract included an unprecedented $233 million player option in its final year, which would have made Westbrook the highest-paid player in NBA history for a single season. However, after two seasons, Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he still remains under contract for the next few years.

James Harden – $171 Million over 4 years

James Harden is another player who has made a name for himself on the court and at the bank. In 2017, he signed a four-year, $171 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets. The deal amounted to an average annual salary of $42.75 million and included a player option in its final year.

Harden had already established himself as one of the top players in the league, winning the NBA MVP award in 2018 and leading the Rockets to multiple playoff appearances. The Rockets were determined to keep him on their team and offered him a max contract that was worth significantly more than what other teams could offer.

The contract proved to be a wise investment for the Rockets, as Harden continued to dominate on the court and draw in fans and revenue. However, in 2021, Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, where he will continue to earn a hefty salary.

Stephen Curry – $201 Million over 5 years

In 2017, the Golden State Warriors signed superstar Stephen Curry to a five-year, $201 million contract extension. This deal made Curry the first player in NBA history to earn over $40 million annually and solidified his status as one of the league’s top earners.

Curry had been a key member of the Warriors’ championship-winning teams and had earned back-to-back NBA MVP awards in 2015 and 2016. With his contract set to expire, the Warriors were keen to keep him on their team and offered him a supermax contract that no other team could match.

The contract proved to be a smart move for the Warriors, as Curry continued to showcase his impressive skills on the court and helped lead the team to several more playoff appearances. He remains one of the highest-paid players in the league, making over $45 million in the 2020-2021 season.

Kevin Durant – $61.5 Million over 2 years

Kevin Durant may have only been with the Golden State Warriors for two seasons, but he made a lasting impact both on and off the court. In 2018, he signed a two-year, $61.5 million contract with the Warriors, which included a player option for the second year.

Durant joined the Warriors in pursuit of an NBA championship, and he delivered by winning back-to-back titles and earning two NBA Finals MVP awards. However, after two seasons, Durant left the Warriors to join the Brooklyn Nets, where he signed another massive contract worth over $164 million.

While his two-year stint with the Warriors may have been short, Durant’s time there solidified his reputation as one of the best players in the league and earned him a considerable sum of money.

Damian Lillard – $139 Million over 5 years

Damian Lillard is another player who has earned a spot on the list of top earners in the NBA. In 2019, he signed a five-year, $139 million supermax contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers. This deal amounted to an average annual salary of $27.8 million and included several incentives and bonuses.

Lillard had already established himself as one of the top point guards in the league and was a fan favorite in Portland. The Trail Blazers prioritized keeping him on their team and offered him a supermax contract that no other team could match.

The contract proved to be a smart move for both parties, as Lillard continued to excel on the court and helped lead the Trail Blazers to the playoffs in multiple seasons. He remains under contract with the Trail Blazers until at least 2025.

LeBron James – $153.3 Million over 4 years

No list of top NBA contracts would be complete without mentioning the king himself, LeBron James. In 2018, he signed a four-year, $153.3 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, making him the highest-paid player in the NBA at the time.

James had already established himself as one of the best players in NBA history, with multiple championships and MVP awards under his belt. His move to the Lakers was a highly anticipated event, and the team was willing to pay top dollar to have him on their roster.

The contract proved to be a wise investment for the Lakers, as James continued to dominate on the court and lead the team to an NBA championship in 2020. He remains one of the highest-paid players in the league and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

The Surprising Contracts of Past Legends

The Surprising Contracts of Past Legends

While the modern era has seen an explosion of massive NBA contracts, there were also some notable deals in the past that may surprise you. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest contracts of NBA legends.

Michael Jordan – $33.14 Million over 1 year

Michael Jordan is widely regarded as one of the best players in NBA history, but he wasn’t always the highest-paid player in the league. In 1997, during his last season with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan earned a staggering $33.14 million, making him the highest-paid player at the time.

While this may seem like a lot, it pales in comparison to the salaries of today’s top players. However, at the time, Jordan was breaking records and setting the standard for future generations of NBA players.

Shaquille O’Neal – $120 Million over 7 years

In 1996, Shaquille O’Neal signed a seven-year, $120 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, making him the highest-paid player in the league at the time. This deal averaged out to an annual salary of $17.1 million, which was quite substantial for the mid-90s.

O’Neal had already established himself as one of the top players in the league and became even more popular after joining the Lakers. His massive contract was seen as a symbol of the team’s commitment to building a championship-winning roster.

Magic Johnson – $25 Million over 25 years

Magic Johnson is another NBA legend whose contracts may surprise you. In 1984, he signed a 25-year, $25 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, making him the highest-paid player in the league at the time.

While this may seem like a relatively modest sum compared to today’s standards, it was quite significant at the time. This deal also included several incentives and bonuses that could potentially have increased his earnings over the years.

The Impact of Huge Contracts on the NBA

The Impact of Huge Contracts on the NBA

The rise of massive NBA contracts has had a significant impact on the league as a whole. While top players are earning record-breaking salaries, there is also a trickle-down effect that affects the rest of the league.

For one, the increasing salaries of star players have led to a widening pay gap between them and role players. The average salary of an NBA player in 2021 was just over $7 million, but top players are earning tens of millions annually. This disparity can create tension within teams and make it harder for smaller market teams to compete with big-market teams.

Secondly, the increase in player salaries has also resulted in higher ticket prices for fans. As teams try to cover the costs of these massive contracts, they often pass the burden onto their fans by raising ticket prices, making it harder for the average person to attend games.

Lastly, the rise of huge contracts has also made the NBA more competitive than ever before. With teams willing to spend top dollar to secure top talent, players have more bargaining power and can choose which team they want to play for based on more than just salary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the biggest NBA contracts in history tell a story of the evolution of the league and its players. From the surprising contracts of past legends to the record-breaking deals of modern-day superstars, these contracts have had a significant impact on the NBA as we know it.

While some may argue that these massive contracts are detrimental to the league, others see them as a reflection of the growth and success of the sport. As the NBA continues to expand its reach and revenue, we can expect to see even more jaw-dropping contracts in the future.