06/08/2025
From $100M to $400M: The NBAβs contract evolution is WILD π°
Juwan Howard became the leagueβs first $100 million man in 1996, signing a 7-year, $105M deal after just his second season, where he dropped:
π 22.1 points
π 8.1 rebounds
π 4.4 assists
Stephen Curry shattered that mark two decades later, becoming the first player to ink a $200 million contract. Fresh off a title run in 2017, the 2x MVP signed for 5 years, $201 million. In the season prior, he averaged:
π 25.3 points
π 4.5 rebounds
π 6.6 assists
Jayson Tatum took it to another level. After leading the Boston Celtics to a championship in 2024, he secured the bag: 5 years, $313 million.
π 26.9 points
π 8.1 rebounds
π 4.9 assists
Interestingly, it was supposed to be his teammate, Jaylen Brown, until new cap projections decreased the value of his 5-year $305 million deal to $285 million.
And the next number? $400 million. All eyes are on Luka Doncic in 2028.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola JokiΔ have player options in 2027. However, they will be 33 and 32 years old, respectively, by that time.
Will age hinder their teams from offering a 5-year max?
It's possible for one or both of them but Doncic, who will be at a prime 29 in 2028, is the safest bet right now.
The money keeps growing. So does the game.
Whoβs next to make history?