Jaylen Brown has marked history by signing a five-year max contract deal with the Boston Celtics. This new deal, worth $304,000,000, is the richest one ever offered to an NBA player, surpassing that of Michael Jordan. Such a rich deal promises an extravagant salary, making Brown the only player to earn a confirmed salary of $64,936,425 in 2027-28. This will make Jaylen Brown the highest-paid athlete, three decades after Michael Jordan’s inflation-adjusted 97-98 season salary, as per HoopsHype.
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Michael Jordan’s salary back in the late 90s was the highest ever offered to any player in NBA history. Jordan was earning $33,140,000, which, if adjusted with inflation, is around $15,000,000 more than the salaries of current players. Although Jaylen Brown has officially dethroned Michael Jordan, his record annual salary has been stood for about 25 years.
Jaylen Brown dethrones Michael Jordan as the highest-paid NBA athlete
The Boston Celtics have rightly recognized Jaylen Brown, who received a $304,000,000 five-year extension. Brown was playing the last season of his previous four-year $110,000,000 contract. This contract will only earn him a net salary of $28,508,929 annually in the 2023-24 season. Post this, Brown would now be eligible for a massive hike following his new contract.
From the 2024-25 season, Brown will earn around $52.3 million, increasing every subsequent year. In the 2027-28 season, $64.9 million, officially making him dethrone MJ’s highest salary record. Here is a detailed breakdown of Jaylen Brown’s contract, posted by NBA Central.
Jaylen Brown’s contract breakdown:
2024-2025: $52,368,085
2025-2026: $56,557,532
2026-2027: $60,746,979
2027-2028: $64,936,425
2028-2029: $69,125,872(Via @FOS) pic.twitter.com/QJkEuk8eex
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 25, 2023
With this, Brown will exceed Jordan’s inflation-adjusted salary of $61,258,556 by around $3,5 million. Compared to Brown’s current salary, his expected salary for 27-28 and 28-29 salary nearly three times what he is earning now. Indeed, with such high importance given to him by Celtics, fans hope he can live up to all expectations.
Michael Jordan had to fight his way to get his record salary package
Michael Jordan single-handedly united the world for the love of basketball. He became a global ambassador of the sport, making the sport one and for all. Even Wilt Chamberlain suggested every team pay 10% of their player contract to MJ.
However, MJ had to fight his way through to reach this stage. For the longest time, the Bulls’ management refused to pay him a worthy amount. To get his way done, Jordan cleverly conspired with the New York Knicks owner to deceive the Bulls’ management.
Indeed, MJ’s deception worked, keeping him on the throne for the highest salary for over 25 years.