
via Imago
May 10, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the basketball against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during the third quarter in game five of the 2023 NBA playoffs conference semifinals round at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

via Imago
May 10, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the basketball against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during the third quarter in game five of the 2023 NBA playoffs conference semifinals round at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA today has become one of the highest-grossing leagues in the world. With every passing year players are earning a lot more and the contracts being offered are becoming even more glamorous. The world of sport has become a hot bed for investors and sponsors bringing in billions of dollars in revenue. Keeping in mind that the players have endorsements of their own the money made by the players today is unfathomable.
To put this into perspective Stephen Curry earned a whopping $48 million during the most recent season. Larry Bird earned $24 million during his entire career meaning Steph has earned double of what Larry did during his entire career, in one season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Logo legend makes bold claim.
In today’s league, players like Stephen Curry and Lebron James have made a fortune by playing basketball. The latter became the first active player to become a Billionaire, but one is yet to do so solely from a playing contract. Although that maybe the case now NBA legend Jerry West thinks it’s going to happen soon.
Speaking to Paul George on his podcast Jerry West made a bold prediction when speaking on the growth of the NBA. He told George “I am going to make a prediction we are going to see a player in this league, I think with this new financial system in place, I think you’re going to have a player who’s going to make a billion dollars in his career.” Paul George readily admitted to his prediction, to which West funnily replied, “Don’t you want to be younger?”

USA Today via Reuters
Dec 12, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Boston Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon (left) and guard Paul George (13) reach for the ball in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
There is credibility in what Jerry West was trying to say. With rookies now earning in the millions it is no surprise that Jerry West believes there is going to be a Billion-dollar contract soon. Although how soon is yet to be determined.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Is a billion-dollar contract even possible?
Nikola Jokic was handed the best deal in the NBA so far when Denver offered him $264 million for 5-years. Although this deal was struck in the July of 2022, a billion-dollar contract still seems a far reach. According to this deal Jokic earns around $52 million per year.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This figure is outrageous even by the league’s standards, and if it were to happen would require a franchise to be extremely profitable. Though a bold claim do you think it’s possible?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT