Top Earning Contracts by Position in the NBA
The NBA has become a financial juggernaut, with salaries skyrocketing over the past decade. Superstar players now sign contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars, with salaries often eclipsing the cap space of entire teams in previous decades. The earning potential of players, however, often depends on their position, with certain positions commanding more lucrative deals due to their versatility, impact, and the current state of the game. This article explores the highest-earning contracts by position in the NBA and the factors that contribute to these mega deals.
Point Guards
The point guard position has evolved dramatically over the years. In the past, point guards were traditionally seen as facilitators whose main role was to distribute the ball and set up plays. However, the modern NBA has shifted to a pace-and-space era, where point guards are now required to score, shoot from distance, and play off the ball, making them integral to a team’s success.
One of the highest-paid point guards in the NBA is Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. In 2021, Curry signed a four-year, $215 million extension, making him the first player in NBA history to sign two $200 million-plus contracts. His salary reflects not only his on-court impact, including his transformational shooting ability and multiple MVPs, but also his off-court marketability. Other point guards with massive contracts include Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers, who inked a four-year, $196 million extension, and Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks, who secured a five-year, $207 million deal.
Point guards tend to command some of the biggest contracts because they are often the focal point of the offense. Their ability to score, assist, and facilitate plays in a dynamic, fast-paced game has made them indispensable.
Shooting Guards
Shooting guards, traditionally known for their scoring prowess, are also among the highest-paid players in the NBA. The evolution of the three-point shot has made the shooting guard position more valuable than ever. Elite shooting guards are expected to be proficient from beyond the arc, handle the ball when needed, and play tough defense.
James Harden, a former MVP and one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, signed a $171 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets, though he has since moved to the Philadelphia 76ers. Harden’s ability to both score and create for others has helped redefine what a shooting guard can do in today’s NBA. Other shooting guards with significant contracts include Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards, who signed a five-year, $251 million extension in 2022. Beal’s deal is reflective of his ability to carry the offensive load and his value to the Wizards franchise.
Shooting guards who can also act as playmakers have become crucial in the modern game, which has driven their earnings higher. Their dual role as scorers and secondary facilitators make them highly sought after, leading to massive contracts.
Small Forwards
Small forwards are often regarded as the most versatile players on the court. They are expected to score, defend multiple positions, and sometimes even facilitate the offense. This positional flexibility has made small forwards some of the highest-paid players in the NBA.
LeBron James, arguably the greatest player of all time, signed a two-year, $97.1 million extension with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022, even in the twilight of his career. His contract underscores the value of a player who can do everything on the court—score, defend, pass, and lead. Kevin Durant, another top small forward, signed a four-year, $194 million extension with the Brooklyn Nets before moving to the Phoenix Suns. Durant’s scoring ability and defensive presence make him one of the highest-paid players in the league.
The ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes small forwards some of the most valuable assets to teams, justifying their high salaries.
Power Forwards
Power forwards, much like small forwards, are now expected to have a broad skill set, including the ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting. Gone are the days when power forwards primarily played with their backs to the basket. Today’s power forwards are required to shoot, handle the ball, and defend both in the post and on the perimeter.
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is one of the highest-paid power forwards, having signed a five-year, $228 million supermax contract in 2020. His combination of size, speed, and skill has made him a two-time MVP and NBA champion, justifying the massive contract. Another power forward, Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers, signed a five-year, $190 million extension in 2020, underscoring the position’s importance in today’s game.
Power forwards who can defend multiple positions and stretch the floor with shooting ability have seen their value skyrocket in recent years.
Centers
While the NBA has shifted towards small-ball and perimeter shooting, elite centers still command top dollar. Centers are expected to protect the rim, score in the post, and, increasingly, shoot from mid-range or beyond the arc.
Nikola Jokić, the reigning NBA Finals MVP and two-time regular-season MVP, signed a five-year, $272 million supermax extension with the Denver Nuggets in 2022, making him the highest-paid center in the league. Jokić’s ability to score, pass, and rebound at an elite level makes him a unique talent. Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers also signed a four-year, $196 million extension in 2021, cementing his place as one of the top centers in the game.
Despite the league’s move towards a more perimeter-oriented style, dominant centers like Jokić and Embiid are still seen as cornerstones of championship-contending teams.
Conclusion
NBA contracts are reflective of the changing landscape of the league. While all positions are crucial, players who can adapt to the modern game’s pace and space, versatility, and skill set requirements tend to command the highest salaries. As the NBA continues to evolve, so too will the financial rewards associated with each position.
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