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The Biggest NBA Contracts Then & Now: How Much Is 30 Million Dollars In The NBA Today vs 20 Years Ago

David Astramskas (Redapples)

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Publish Date: Oct 23, 2024

Fact checked by: Sara Jane Gamelli

Thirty million dollars was a popular number in the NBA world over the past few days. A handful of players signed multi-year deals that will pay them approximately $30 million a season.

Jalen Green's MONSTER Extension BLOWS AWAY Gil's Arena

A few other players have agents asking teams if they would be willing to give their clients $30 million a season. Before we look at some of these deals, let's consider what that amount means today.

$30M IN 2024

The number one movie at the Box Office this weekend was SMILE 2. The film was produced on a $30 million budget, grossed $46 million worldwide, and should make at least $300 million during its theatrical run. Now, that's a significant investment.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was this past weekend, and the event kicked off with a performance by pop superstar Dua Lipa. I was curious about her net worth and shocked to see that it was "only" $35 million. I say "only" because I find it interesting that one of the world's most prominent and influential musicians right now is worth what a 5th man on a losing NBA team will make in six months.

You might be surprised that most of your favorite celebrity singers and actors are also "worth" much less than $30 million. For example, Zendaya's net worth is the equivalent of the 80th highest-paid player in the NBA this season: Dillon Brooks ($22M).

Of those 80 players, teams will pay 48 at least $30 million. Of those 48, teams will pay 27 at least $40 million and five at least $50 million.

Largest NBA Contracts 2024

Steph Curry: $55.7M
Nikola Jokic: $51.4M
Joel Embiid: $55.4M
Kevin Durant: $51.2M
Bradley Beal (yes, Bradley Beal): $50.2M

THE NEW $30M DEALS

Here's a list of a few extension deals announced by Shams (I miss Woj bombs) over the past few days. And to be clear, I'm not judging these players for taking the money or the teams paying them.

Jalen Johnson: 5-year, $150M (ATL)
The 4th-year forward averaged a career-high 16 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season.
Jalen Suggs: 5-year, $150.5M (ORL)
The defensive specialist averaged a career-high 12.6 points, 2 threes, and 1.4 steals last season.
Jalen Green: 3-year, $106M (HOU)
The explosive 4th-year guard took a slight dip in scoring last season but did have a hot 8-game streak of 33.8 points (52% FG), 7.8 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Trey Murphy III: 4-year, $112M (NOP)
He didn't join the $30M Club, but I don't think he's mad about being in the $28M one. Murphy will miss the start of the season, but when he returns, expect him to improve on his all-around impressive stats: 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3 threes.
Josh Giddey: TBD
The current Bulls point guard averaged career-lows in points (12.3) and assists (4.8) last season with the Thunder. He and the Bulls couldn't reach an extension after reportedly looking for $30 million a season.

$30M IN THE NBA 20 YEARS AGO

(Inflation Note: $1 in 2004 is equal to $1.67 today)

What does $30 million get you in 2004? How about Mel Gibson's film THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, which had a budget of $30 million and grossed over $600 million. You could also sign any player in the NBA because the highest-paid player in the league was MVP Kevin Garnett at $28 million.

Kevin Garnett's 2003-04 MVP Season Highlights | GOAT SZN

Kevin Garnett: $28M
Shaquille O'Neal: $24.7M
Dikembe Mutombo: $17.7M
Rasheed Wallace: $17M
Chris Webber: $15.9
Allan Houston: $15.9
Shawn Kemp: $14.9
Stephon Marbury: $13.5
Penny Hardaway: $13.5
Allen Iverson: $13.5
Antonio McDyess: $13.5
Latrell Sprewell: $13.5

As evident by the list, the Big Men were still getting the big bucks in this era.

2004 was also the year Mark Zuckerberg launched THE FACEBOOK. The company is now worth over $500 BILLION!

If you are into stocks, the closing price of NETFLIX in 2004 was $1.76. It's now $766.38!

$30M IN THE NBA 30 YEARS AGO

(Inflation Note: $1 in 1994 is equal to $2.13 today)

If we jump back another 10 years to see what $30 million can get in the NBA, we aren't talking about free agents; we are talking about teams. David Robinson was the highest-paid player that year at $5.7 million, and the San Antonio franchise sold a year earlier for $75 million.

David Robinson EPIC Quadruple Double Full Highlights vs Pistons 1994.02.17 - MAKES HISTORY!

David Robinson: $5.7M
Buck Williams: $5M
John Williams: $4.8M
Vlade Divac: $4.1M
Ron Harper: $4M
Michael Jordan: $4M
Robert Parish: $4M
Shaquille O'Neal: $3.9M
Patrick Ewing: $3.8M
Sam Perkins: $3.5M

Shawn Kemp made the All-NBA 2nd team that season while making $750,000. The NBA league minimum today is $1,157,153 for players with out any experience.

Since I've been giving movie examples, $30 million in 94 would have paid for half of THE LION KING's budget. The Disney franchise has made over $15 billion since. Now, that's what I call a great ROI.