“Dame getting 122 and Rudy making 250, the ‘Diesel’ going to be right there” - Shaquille O'Neal admits he’s jealous of Damian Lillard’s big contract, says he would take 400 million for 5 years
Shaquille O'Neal isn't one to shy away from making bold statements in the media. The former Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat superstar recently admitted that he is envious of Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard, who signed a mammoth new contract.
Lillard has reportedly agreed to a two-year extension through the 2026-27 season in a deal worth $225 million. His current deal ends in the 2024-25 season after which the new contract kicks in. He will have earned $296 million over the course of six years if he exercises his player-option for the 2026-27 season.
Speaking on The Big Podcast, O'Neal congratulated Lillard over his new contract, but admitted that it made him jealous. He also spoke about how much he would get paid in the current market if he were still playing.
"I'm jealous of Dame Lillard. 122 for 2. Aah. Congratulations to Dame and his family but I'm jealous. I'm super jealous. Listen, I don't usually wish stuff like this but I wish I was playing right now.
"Because, look, think about it, with Dame getting 122 and Rudy making 250, the diesel going to be right there. If this is legal, I'm go 400 for 5," he said.
Damian Lillard has signed a two-year, $122M extension with the Trail Blazers, sources tell @BobbyMarks42.
The extension has a player option for the 2026-27 season. https://t.co/hk0wEIyhAR
How much would Shaquille O'Neal earn if he played in today's NBA?
Shaquille O'Neal was a force of nature. His size and physicality made him a threat on both ends of the floor. He also had brilliant footwork and a high basketball IQ and was widely considered one of the best players of his generation.
Considering his achievements, it would be safe to say that Shaquille O'Neal would be among the highest earners if he were still playing in the league. MVP Nikola Jokic is set to sign a five-year supermax extension with the Nuggets that will earn him north of $260 million. If he were still in the league, O'Neal would have signed a similar deal.