Top 5 most valued NBA contracts in 2026: Jalen Brunson, Derrick White, and more

The NBA's financial landscape is reaching new heights to fulfill its global expansion dream, fueled by the 11-year, $77 billion media rights deal with Disney, Amazon, and Comcast's NBCUniversal. And in this ever-evolving landscape of the salary caps, finding a superstar on a bargain deal is the ultimate cheat code for front offices.

Though the trade season ended on February 5th, still lets take a look at some of the most valued NBA contracts in 2026 as per Spotrac. Spotrac broke down the most team-friendly deals in the league, excluding rookie scales and max extensions, to find the true steals.

1. Deni Avdija: Portland Trail Blazers (Declining Structure)

Fresh off his first All-Star appearance, Deni Avdija was Wizards’ 9th overall pick in 2020, and was later sent to Blazers in 2024, where he signed a 4-year, $55 million contract. It’s rare to find a potential All-Star locked into a declining salary structure, and the Blazers have exactly that.

Avdija has $39.4 million remaining on his contract, and this season, he’ll earn $13.3 million, $13.1 million next season, and $11.8 million in 2027-28. Despite the declining salary value, he still has a $14.3 million cap hit and continues to blossom into a versatile wing who impacts both ends of the floor.

2. Jalen Brunson: New York Knicks (Player Option)

Jalen Brunson’s four-year, $156.5 million extension stunned the basketball world as the 3-time NBA All-Star sacrificed a whopping $113 million to help the Knicks build a contender team. For the Knicks' offensive cornerstone, the $39.1 million average annual salary seems like a massive win for New York.

Under this deal, Jalen Brunson will get a player option in the final season and is eligible to sign an extension worth over $400 million. He is set to earn $34.9 million this season, and this financial flexibility has allowed the Knicks to surround him with high-level talent.

3. Derrick White: Boston Celtics (Player Option)

Derrick White is the ultimate connector, and his four-year, $125.8 million extension is proving to be worth every penny. With an average annual value of $31.5 million, the Celtics are paying a starter's salary for a player who has proven he can scale his role up to a primary option when needed.

For the 2025-26 season, White is set to earn a base salary of $26,350,000, while carrying a cap hit of $28,100,000 and a dead cap value of $26,350,000. The contract will see him through the 2028-29 season, where he’ll earn $34.8 million with a player option.

4. Jalen Johnson: Atlanta Hawks (UFA)

The post-Trae Young Hawks will be heavily dependent on the shoulders of the 24-year old Jalen Johnson. Since joining the franchise as a rookie, Johnson secured a 5 year, $150 million rookie extension back in 2024. Effective from this season, he’s set to earn a base salary of $30 million per season, which is Hawks’ masterstroke in cap management.

Unlike most deals that scale upward, the flat structure means Johnson’s cap hit will actually become valuable with the rising salary cap each year. For the 23.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists threat, the $30 million paycheck is definitely a steal.

5. Jaden McDaniels: Minnesota Timberwolves (UFA)

Jaden McDaniels remains the Timberwolves’ elite perimeter defender while he continues to hone his skills as a two-way force on the hardwood. Signed under a five-year, $131 million rookie extension, the 25-year-old will get an annual average salary of $26.2 million.

McDaniels is having a breakout season as he is shooting with a career high of 51.9% from the floor and 45.4% from the deep. His shot efficiency, combined with elite lockdown defense for under $27 million, is a steal for the Wolves and their luxury tax limit.





Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.