The NBA is known for its lucrative contracts and massive salaries. It's the league where the best of the best earn eye-watering sums for their talent on the court. If you've been keeping an eye on the numbers, some contracts really stand out. Let me take you through some of the biggest, most jaw-dropping deals in NBA history.
First up, we can't talk about massive contracts without mentioning Steph Curry. His contract with the Golden State Warriors was nothing short of historic. Back in 2017, Curry signed a 5-year deal worth $201 million. At the time, it was a record that made headlines across every sports network. For a player with amazing stats and an MVP title, this wasn't a huge surprise. Just imagine what you could do with $201 million! His shooting skills are so iconic that they’ve transformed the way the game is played, emphasizing the three-point shot more than ever before.
LeBron James, arguably one of the greatest to ever play the game, also has a contract that leaves us all astonished. While his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers wasn't as headline-grabbing as Curry’s in dollar amount, it still came in at a hefty sum. In 2018, LeBron signed a 4-year deal worth $153.3 million. This contract has proven to be valuable not just for James but for the Lakers franchise as a whole. Since joining the team, he led them to an NBA Championship in 2020, solidifying his worth. Plus, his influence off the court, from business ventures to movie production, is monumental.
A more recent jaw-dropper is Giannis Antetokounmpo's 5-year, $228 million supermax extension with the Milwaukee Bucks signed in 2020. This contract set the new standard for what star players can earn. Giannis, with his double MVP titles and defensive prowess, has proven to be worth every penny, especially after leading the Bucks to their first NBA Championship in 50 years in 2021. His versatility and athleticism make him one of the most exciting players to watch.
Oklahoma City Thunder's Russell Westbrook also inked a giant deal back in 2017. He signed a 5-year, $205 million extension, which at the time, was the richest contract in NBA history. Westbrook's energy and dynamic playstyle garnered him a lot of attention, and this contract was Oklahoma City’s way of securing his explosive performance for years. It's crazy to think how much the market value for star players has skyrocketed over the years.
Speaking of recent enormous contracts, Luka Dončić's extension in 2021 is also noteworthy. The Dallas Mavericks offered him a 5-year rookie max extension worth $207 million. For someone so young to secure a contract of this magnitude is incredible. Luka has already made a significant impact in the league with his exceptional skills and has a bright future ahead.
James Harden also managed to snag a massive deal back in 2017 with the Houston Rockets. He signed a 4-year extension worth approximately $170 million. Harden's scoring ability and playmaking skills are top-notch, making him one of the most valuable players in the league. This contract just goes to show how much teams are willing to pay to keep generational talents on their roster.
One of the most talked-about deals in recent years has to be Damian Lillard's 4-year, $196 million supermax extension with the Portland Trail Blazers. Signed in 2019, this deal makes Lillard one of the highest-paid players per season. His loyalty to the Blazers and his clutch performances make him a fan favorite and a cornerstone for the franchise.
Another eye-popping contract was signed by Klay Thompson in 2019 with the Golden State Warriors. Despite being injured and missing the entire 2019-2020 season, Klay got a 5-year, $190 million deal. This shows the trust and value the Warriors place in him as a crucial part of their championship-winning squad. His three-point shooting skills are legendary, and fans are eager to see him back in action.
Let's not forget about Anthony Davis, who signed a substantial contract with the Lakers in 2020. He agreed to a 5-year deal worth $190 million. AD's defensive skills and scoring ability make him a perfect partner to LeBron James, and together, they form one of the most formidable duos in the league. The Lakers' investment in Davis reflects their ambition to remain championship contenders.
Now, if you're interested in the biggest nba contract headlines, don't overlook Paul George's 4-year, $190 million extension with the Los Angeles Clippers. Signed in 2020, this deal was crucial for the Clippers to keep their star forward. George’s two-way playing style and scoring ability provide the team with a powerful edge both offensively and defensively. His presence is undoubtedly a major factor in the Clippers' aspirations to win their first NBA title.
Contracts like these highlight how much the NBA values its top talent. It's fascinating to see the evolution of these deals and how they reflect the increasing revenue and popularity of the league. Each contract not only secures financial futures for these athletes but also sets new benchmarks for upcoming negotiations. If you think about the amount of money involved, it's almost unbelievable, but then again, the NBA is a billion-dollar industry, and the stars are the main attraction. These contracts are the league's way of ensuring that the best players are rewarded handsomely for their skills, dedication, and impact on the game.