Ranking the 15 best contracts in the NBA: Jalen Brunson, Deni Avdija, Alperen Sengun and more

Contract negotiation is just as vital as scouting for front offices these days

Mar. 4, 2026 at 2:40pm

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The article ranks the 15 best contracts in the NBA, taking into account factors like average annual value, length, age, guarantees, durability, portability, and contract structure. The list includes players like Jalen Brunson, Deni Avdija, Alperen Sengun, and more, highlighting how important contract negotiation has become in modern NBA team-building.

Why it matters

The 2023 CBA imposed new spending restrictions on NBA teams, making contract negotiation a vital part of roster construction. The best teams are the ones that have done the best job of managing expenses by acquiring good contracts. This ranking showcases some of the most valuable deals in the league.

The details

The article analyzes seven key factors that make a good NBA contract: average annual value, length, age, guarantees, durability, portability, and structure. It then ranks the 15 best contracts in the league based on these criteria, with a focus on deals that extend beyond the current season.

  • The rankings are based on contracts that extend beyond the 2025-26 season.

The players

Aaron Nesmith

A 3-and-D wing who signed a team-friendly three-year, $51.4 million extension with the Pacers after being traded from the Celtics.

Derrick White

A versatile guard with the Celtics who is on a three-year, $97.8 million contract with a player option for the final season.

Scotty Pippen Jr.

The son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen, he signed a four-year, team-friendly deal with the Grizzlies after going undrafted.

Isaiah Stewart

A physical, defensive-minded center with the Pistons who is on a two-year, $30 million contract.

Neemias Queta

A minimum-salary center with the Celtics who is generating over $30 million in surplus value according to advanced metrics.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.