Funny how a mega-media deal can change the contract landscape in any sport, especially in the NBA.
The league signed a $76 billion television and streaming deal with the likes of ESPN, NBC and Amazon that begins for the upcoming season. One of the early beneficiaries of that rights deal is Oklahoma City Thunder MVP guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
According to reports, Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year, $285 million deal that will pay him an average of $71.25 million per season, concluding in the 2030-31 season.
How will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s salary compare to others in the NBA in the 2025-25 season?
Gilgeous-Alexander will be the highest paid player in the NBA by far in the upcoming season and beyond, eclipsing Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry by 17%. Curry will make $59.6 million in 2025-26.
He will also beat the final year of LeBron James’ current contract, which he just opted in to, by a 22% margin. James will make $52.6 million.
How does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s contract compare to members of the Cleveland Cavaliers?
By yearly average, the Cavaliers’ highest-paid player is guard Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell signed a three-year contract worth $150 million last year, averaging $50 million per.
Forward Evan Mobley’s contract extension is the next most lucrative, averaging $44.8 million for the run of its five-years and $224 million.
Next up: Guard Darius Garland whose five-year, $193 million deal is worth $38.6 million per year, but with incentives it could be worth $230 million.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is still among highest paid athletes
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is no longer the highest paid athlete in town, but he certainly makes the Top 10 with $36 million for the upcoming season. That revolutionary contract Watson signed in 2022 was worth an average of $46 million over its five-year run.
Two core players on the Browns follow Watson: Cornerback Denzel Ward, a Macedonia graduate, will make $24.5 million for the upcoming season and defensive end Myles Garrett will make $21.9 million.
Keep in mind, Garrett signed an extension worth $40 million per year that ties him to the team through 2030.
George M. Thomas covers a myriad of things including sports and pop culture, but mostly sports, he thinks, for the Beacon Journal
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s contract makes him highest paid in NBA; see salary comparisons
Reporting by George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
