2018 NBA Draft class sets record with over $1 billion in rookie contract extensions; here's what the stats say

The 2018 NBA Draft class with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver [Source: Sky Sports]

The 2018 NBA Draft class is one of the best in recent years. It featured the likes of doncic" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">Luka Doncic and Trae Young in the top five of the first round, both of whom are considered exceptional players. The 2018 class was loaded with talent all the way up to the second round, making it one of the deepest drafts in recent NBA history.

Moreover, the NBA has been showering players with money lately, which is no surprise given basketball's massive worldwide following and global reach. The NBA has nearly double the social media followers than all the other North American sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NHL and MLS) combined. Of Forbes' Top 100 highest-paid athletes listed in 2020, 35 were NBA players.

Given the surge in NBA money, even the young players are making a lot of money.

The deadline for rookie scale extensions for the 2018 NBA Draft class is 6 PM ET on October 18th, 2021. As we move closer to the deadline, franchises have started locking up their players with contract extensions.

The summer of rookie extensions could be expensive:

Deandre Ayton
Mikal Bridges
Luka Doncic
Trae Young
Miles Bridges
Shai Gilegous-Alexander
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Collin Sexton
Robert Williams
Michael Porter Jr.

The Memphis Grizzlies extended Jaren Jackson Jr. for four years for $105 million, because of which the 2018 NBA Draft class has now officially crossed $1 billion in contract extensions. Eight players alone have crossed the $1 billion mark and with less than five hours left in the deadline, we should expect more players to join the list and inflate that number.

The record-breaking 2018 NBA Draft class

Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks with Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks

Luka Doncic and Trae Young both signed landmark rookie-scale extensions worth $207 million for five years each. Doncic and Young are among a handful of players who will end up signing multiple $200M+ deals in their career.

Trae Young inks his rookie maximum extension with the @ATLHawks ✍🏼

(via @TheTraeYoung) https://t.co/LvhInKg1GV

In fact, Luka Doncic's extension signing wasn't guaranteed until he put pen to paper. Rick Carlisle quitting the job and the obvious tension with Mark Cuban had led to rumors that Doncic might test free agency to get away from the "dysfunctional front office." But ultimately, Mark Cuban, Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and Nico Harrison flew to Slovenia in the offseason to offer Doncic a five-year, $207 million contract.

Luka Doncic on agreeing to his $207M supermax rookie extension:

(via @wojespn) https://t.co/sQ08ymGnql

Moreover, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Michael Porter Jr. signed with the OKC Thunder and Denver Nuggets, respectively, for five-year $172 million max rookie extensions.

Mikal Bridges of the Phoenix Suns signed for four years and $90 million whereas Wendell Carter Jr. signed for four years and $50 million with the Orlando Magic. Robert Williams of the Boston Celtics also extended his rookie contract for four years worth $48 million.

The Jackson extension puts the 2018 rookie class over the $1 billion dollar mark in extensions.

It is the largest amount in league history for rookie first round extensions. twitter.com/wojespn/status…

And finally, Jaren Jackson Jr.'s rookie scale extension worth $105 million for four years that helps the 2018 class break the record.

Surprisingly, the 1st overall pick in 2018, Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns, has still not signed an extension. The Suns front office has been reluctant to offer him the maximum extension, even though Ayton believes he deserves it. Nonetheless, with only a few hours left in the deadline, we should expect some sort of extension if not the maximum.

Players like Collin Sexton of the Cavaliers and Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets have also not announced any extension.

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