In the modern NBA, building a championship contender is no longer just about collecting star players—it is about managing contracts wisely. With the league’s financial system becoming increasingly restrictive due to luxury tax penalties and the stricter rules introduced in the most recent collective bargaining agreement, teams must extract as much value as possible from every dollar spent. In this environment, a single team-friendly contract can dramatically reshape a franchise’s future, creating flexibility to sign additional talent, make trades, or maintain long-term roster stability.
RELATED: Top 10 underpaid NBA players right now
Advertisement
Recognizing this reality, CBS Sports compiled a ranking of the Top 15 best contracts in the NBA, evaluating deals based on several factors: average annual salary, remaining years, player age, and overall on-court impact relative to cost. The goal is simple—identify players who are producing far beyond what their contracts would normally command in today’s market. Some names on the list are rising young stars who signed extensions before their breakout seasons, while others are elite role players whose salaries remain far below their true value.
At the top of the list are players such as Deni Avdija, Jalen Brunson, and Alperen Sengun, whose performances have significantly outpaced the financial commitments their teams made to them. In Avdija’s case, Portland is essentially paying mid-level exception money for a player performing like an All-Star, an extraordinary return on investment in a league where star salaries can exceed $50 million per season.
Ultimately, the contracts highlighted in this ranking represent the ideal outcome for NBA front offices: players who deliver elite production, versatility, and consistency while occupying a relatively small portion of the salary cap. These deals provide teams with a crucial competitive advantage and illustrate how smart financial planning can be just as important as talent evaluation in today’s NBA.
Advertisement
1. Deni Avdija
1. Deni Avdija
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) reacts after making a three-point basket against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images
Total owed: $25,000,000
Years remaining: Two
Deni Avdija’s deal stands out because he’s producing at an All-Star level while earning roughly the equivalent of a mid-level exception salary. Even more remarkable, his contract actually declines in value each year, making it even more team-friendly as the salary cap rises. Portland is essentially getting star-level production for role-player money, which creates enormous roster flexibility. If Avdija maintains this level of play, his contract could go down as one of the greatest value deals in modern NBA history.
Advertisement
2. Jalen Johnson
2. Jalen Johnson
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) handles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Total owed: $120,000,000
Years remaining: Four
Jalen Johnson’s contract is valuable because Atlanta locked in a young All-Star before he reached his peak. The deal is flat at about $30 million per year, which means it will take up a smaller share of the cap over time. For a versatile forward who can score, defend, and rebound, that price is well below what similar players command on the open market. If Johnson continues to improve, the Hawks may control an All-Star caliber wing at a bargain price for years.
3. Jalen Brunson
3. Jalen Brunson
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Total owed: $78,274,562
Years remaining: Two
Jalen Brunson is arguably the best player on this list, which makes the value of his contract even more striking. Instead of waiting for free agency to pursue a maximum deal, Brunson signed an early extension that allowed the Knicks more financial flexibility. That decision effectively turned a franchise-level star into a below-max contract player. For a legitimate MVP-level offensive engine, the Knicks are paying far less than the market would normally demand.
RELATED: Highest NBA career earnings of all-time
4. Jaden McDaniels
4. Jaden McDaniels
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) dribbles the ball against the Toronto Raptors in the first half at Target Center. Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Total owed: $84,020,688
Years remaining: Three
Jaden McDaniels represents the kind of contract teams dream about landing: a highly versatile defensive wing locked in at a manageable number. Elite perimeter defenders who can also score efficiently are among the rarest archetypes in the league. McDaniels has already made an All-Defensive team and is improving offensively, making his deal look even better with each season. As salaries rise around the league, Minnesota may end up paying roughly half of what similar two-way wings cost.
5. Alperen Sengun
5. Alperen Sengun
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) controls the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Total owed: $112,018,349
Years remaining: Three
Houston managed to negotiate Sengun’s extension slightly below the maximum salary he could have commanded. Considering Sengun quickly developed into an All-Star caliber offensive hub, that difference matters significantly. The Rockets essentially secured a franchise center while preserving cap flexibility to build around him. Because his deal starts at a lower percentage of the cap than similar extensions, it becomes more team-friendly each season.
6. Ivica Zubac
6. Ivica Zubac
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Total owed: $42,132,440
Years remaining: Two
Ivica Zubac is a rare case of a traditional center providing strong value in the modern NBA. Despite receiving All-NBA votes recently, he still earns far less than many starting centers. His rebounding, interior defense, and efficiency around the rim make him a highly reliable anchor. Teams often pay significantly more for comparable production at the position.
7. Payton Pritchard
7. Payton Pritchard
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Total owed: $16,071,428
Years remaining: Two
Payton Pritchard’s contract has become a steal thanks to his scoring and playmaking off the bench. Guards with his level of shooting and offensive impact often command nearly double his salary. He has also shown the ability to step into a starting role when needed without a major drop in performance. For Boston, the deal provides valuable scoring depth at a fraction of the usual cost.
8. Ajay Mitchell
8. Ajay Mitchell
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) goest up for shot after stealing the ball from he Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Total owed: $5,700,000
Years remaining: Two
Ajay Mitchell’s contract illustrates the benefit of finding value outside the lottery. Because he entered the league as a second-round pick, Oklahoma City was able to sign him to a very team-friendly deal. His early performance suggested he could eventually develop into a major rotation player or even a breakout star. If that trajectory continues, the Thunder may have secured a high-level contributor for virtually nothing.
RELATED: Top 10 lifetime contract earnings in NFL, MLB & NBA
9. Nickeil Alexander-Walker
9. Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) drive for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Total owed: $29,565,510
Years remaining: Two
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has evolved into one of the more useful two-way guards in the league. His defensive versatility and improved shooting make him valuable across multiple lineup configurations. Players who can guard multiple positions and contribute offensively usually command much higher salaries. Atlanta benefits from having that type of role player on a contract well below the league’s going rate.
10. Onyeka Okongwu
10. Onyeka Okongwu
Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) reacts after a basket against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Total owed: $32,980,000
Years remaining: Two
Onyeka Okongwu’s value stems from his ability to stretch the floor while playing center. He has improved significantly as a three-point shooter, adding an element many teams desperately want from big men. Combined with his mobility and defensive versatility, Okongwu has become more than just a traditional rim protector. For a salary just above mid-level range, Atlanta is getting a starting-caliber center with modern skills.
11. Neemias Queta
11. Neemias Queta
Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) reacts during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden. Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Total owed: $2,667,944
Years remaining: One (non-guaranteed team option)
Neemias Queta might be the cheapest impactful contract in the entire league. On a minimum deal, he provides interior defense, rebounding, and rim protection at a level many teams pay tens of millions for. Because Boston also holds a team option, they maintain flexibility in deciding his future. That combination of production and cost makes this one of the most extreme bargains in the NBA.
12. Isaiah Stewart
12. Isaiah Stewart
Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Total owed: $30,000,000
Years remaining: Two
Isaiah Stewart’s contract looks increasingly favorable as his game expands beyond traditional center duties. Once known primarily for his physical defense and rebounding, he has added perimeter shooting and versatility. Those skills allow him to fit into multiple lineup styles, which raises his value considerably. Detroit secured that flexibility at a relatively modest cost compared to similar big men.
13. Scotty Pippen Jr.
13. Scotty Pippen Jr.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) dribbles the ball in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Total owed: $5,250,677
Years remaining: Two (team option for 2027–28)
Scotty Pippen Jr. is one of the league’s best value backup point guards. Despite already proving he belongs in an NBA rotation, Memphis has him locked into a near-minimum contract. Guards who can defend at the point of attack and contribute offensively are usually much more expensive. The team option attached to the deal gives Memphis even more control over his future.
RELATED: Top 15 worst contracts in the NBA
14. Derrick White
14. Derrick White
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) reacts towards the official after a play during the second half against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden. Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Total owed: $97,780,000
Years remaining: Three (player option for 2028–29)
Derrick White’s value comes from his incredible versatility. He can handle the ball, defend multiple positions, rebound well for a guard, and shoot efficiently from deep. Players with that level of two-way impact typically earn significantly more, especially on contending teams. Because White fits almost any system, his contract also carries major trade value around the league.
15. Aaron Nesmith
15. Aaron Nesmith
Indiana Pacers guard/forward Aaron Nesmith (23) shoots the ball while New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Saddiq Bey (41) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Total owed: $51,389,440
Years remaining: Three
Aaron Nesmith’s development into a reliable 3-and-D wing has dramatically increased the value of his contract. High-level perimeter defenders who shoot near 40% from three are among the most coveted players in the NBA. Yet Nesmith’s salary remains far below what similar players earn in today’s market. For Indiana, it’s the kind of deal that allows them to maintain depth while still pursuing bigger stars.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The NBA’s best contracts highlight a simple truth about roster construction: value matters just as much as talent. Players like Deni Avdija, Jalen Brunson, Derrick White, and Aaron Nesmith deliver production that far exceeds the financial commitments attached to their deals, allowing their teams to allocate resources elsewhere. In a league where the salary cap and luxury tax penalties increasingly limit roster flexibility, these bargains can become the foundation of long-term success.
—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead—
NFL:Dallas Cowboys star Dak Prescott, fiancee break up before wedding
MLB:Tarik Skubal breaks silence on impending free agency
SPORTS MEDIA:Stephen A. Smith bashes underwhelming NBA star as ‘food addict’
WBC:Livvy Dunne, Paul Skenes show off ‘travel day’ fits for World Baseball Classic
WNBA:Players, union leaders divided, claims letter from 2-time MVP and 4-time All-Star
VIRAL:Wendy’s takes viral shot at NFL quarterback with ‘Chief Tasting Officer’ job offer