Nikola Jokic has signed the biggest contract in the history of the NBA, while Bradley Beal has agreed to a deal worth more than a quarter-billion dollars as NBA free agency 2022 begins.
On Thursday, Jokic agreed to a $264 supermax extension and remain with the Denver Nuggets over five seasons, starting with the 2023-24 season. Depending on the cap of the league’s salary going into the 23-24 season, the final number may go up just a little bit if it exceeds current estimations. He could make around $60 million in the last year of his contract. Check out the top sports betting sites for betting on the NBA!
The two-time reigning Serbian MVP gained prominence during his seven NBA seasons, all with the Nuggets. He became an All-Star in his fourth season and has remained on that level ever since. He won the MVP title each of the last two seasons after averaging 26.4 points in 2020-21 and 27.1 points in the past season.
After re-signing with the Washington Wizards, Beal will make $251 million over the next five seasons. His contract is not exactly an extension but a separate contract that happened on the same day as Jokic, a day after Beal turned down a $37 million contract for this coming season on Wednesday.
Beal has now become one of the highest-paid players in the history of the NBA. He will make around $43 million this season, and with a $3-4 million annual raise, he could earn around $57 million in the 2026-27 season.
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Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves and Devin Book from Phoenix Suns are also expected to be offered extensions, as well as Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies, Tyler Herro from the Miami Heat, and Zion Williamson from New Orleans Pelicans.
According to Towns and Booker’s agent, Jessica Holtz, both have signed up on four-year deals that will be started in 2024 and are worth at least $224 million. Tandem Sports, which represents Morant, said that he would have his first rookie extension worth at least $193 million, which could reach the range of $230 million.
Meanwhile, Anfernee Simons has agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. Luguentz Dort, who made around $4 million combined in his three seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, has signed up on a five-year deal worth nearly $88 million to remain with the team.
Jalen Brunson had been speculated to also receive an extension due to his close association with the New York Knicks, a team his father played for. According to the reports from ESPN, his contract would be worth $104 million over four years. In his four seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, he had earned around $6 million.
On Thursday, P.J. Tucker talked with Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and agreed to a three-year deal for $33 million, with James Harden likely re-signing as well. Harden declared himself a free agent on Wednesday, although he has not voiced any intention to leave the team.
On the other hand, while most players are extending their contracts, Kevin Durant told the Brooklyn Nets that he wanted a trade. This undoubtedly impacted some teams when they are making or considering decisions, considering that one of the world’s most elite players is looking for a new team to play for.
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