Jayson Tatum Surpasses Jaylen Brown with Largest Contract in NBA History

The NBA offseason has kicked off with players signing substantial contracts to either remain with their current teams or join new ones. Among these deals is a record-setting contract for Jayson Tatum, who the Boston Celtics are planning to sign to a five-year, $314 million supermax deal, making it the largest contract in NBA history. Tatum’s new contract surpasses that of his teammate Jaylen Brown, who signed a supermax deal worth $286 million last season.

Additionally, Paul George secured a significant payday by signing a four-year, $211.58 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, marking a major shake-up in both conferences. This deal makes George one of the highest-paid players in the league, with an average annual value (AAV) of $52.3 million, just behind his new teammate Joel Embiid’s $53.3 million per season.

LeBron James is also expected to sign a substantial deal soon, potentially placing him among the highest-paid players next season. Luka Doncic is anticipated to surpass Jayson Tatum when he becomes eligible for a supermax extension with the Mavericks next summer. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo will begin three-year extensions in the 2025-26 season, each earning over $58 million annually. Consequently, the list of highest-paid players is poised to change frequently.

Below is a look at the largest contracts in NBA history by total value, all of which have been signed or agreed upon in the last three years.

Largest Contracts in NBA History

Based on total value:

1. Jayson Tatum, Celtics: Five years, $314 million
2. Jaylen Brown, Celtics: Five years, $285 million
3. Nikola Jokic, Nuggets: Five years, $276 million
4. Bradley Beal, Suns: Five years, $251 million
5. Anthony Edwards, Wolves: Five years, $244 million (tie)
6. Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers: Five years, $244 million (tie)

Largest Contracts for the 2024-25 Season

Based on average annual value (AAV):

1. Jaylen Brown, Celtics: $57.1 million
   • Brown became the highest-paid player in the NBA when he signed a five-year, $285.39 million extension with the Celtics in July 2023. He earned his third All-Star selection, Eastern Conference Finals MVP, and Finals MVP after leading the Celtics to their first championship since 2008, averaging 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and five assists during the Finals.
2. Nikola Jokic, Nuggets: $55.2 million
   • The three-time MVP and 2023 NBA champion signed a five-year, $276.12 million deal with the Nuggets in July 2022. Despite a second-round playoff exit this year, Jokic remains one of the league’s top players.
3. Devin Booker, Suns: $55.1 million (tie)
   • Booker signed a four-year, $220.44 million extension with the Suns in 2022. Known for his consistent offensive performance, Booker has kept the Suns competitive despite not returning to the Finals since 2021.
4. Karl-Anthony Towns, Wolves: $55.1 million (tie)
   • Towns received a four-year, $220.44 million extension in 2022 and played a pivotal role in the Timberwolves‘ first conference finals appearance since 2004.
5. Stephen Curry, Warriors: $53.8 million
   • Despite the Warriors missing the playoffs last season, Curry remains a top player, signing a four-year, $215.35 million deal in August 2021. He continues to be an All-NBA player and vital to the Warriors’ success.
6. Joel Embiid, 76ers: $53.3 million
   • Embiid signed a four-year, $213.28 million extension with the 76ers in August 2021. Despite injury challenges, Embiid has led the league in scoring twice in the last three seasons and earned an MVP award.
7. Paul George, 76ers: $52.9 million
   • George’s four-year, $211.58 million deal with the 76ers significantly boosts their championship aspirations alongside Embiid and Maxey.
8. Bradley Beal, Suns: $50.2 million
   • Beal signed a five-year, $251.02 million deal with the Wizards before being traded to the Suns. Despite injury concerns, Beal’s addition aims to solidify the Suns’ title contention.
9. Kawhi Leonard, Clippers: $49.8 million
   • Leonard signed a three-year, $149.51 million extension with the Clippers in January. Despite injury setbacks, Leonard remains a key player for the Clippers.
10. Anthony Edwards, Wolves: $48.9 million (tie)
    • Edwards, one of the league’s fastest-rising stars, signed a five-year, $244 million extension in July 2023, leading the Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals.
11. Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers: $48.9 million (tie)
    • Haliburton’s five-year, $244 million rookie max extension with the Pacers, after making the All-NBA Third Team, positions the Pacers as strong contenders in the Eastern Conference.