Caitlin Clark Did Not Receive $5 Million Offer, Claims Paul Pierce as He Counters Ice Cube’s Public Statement

Reports revealed that American rap icon Ice Cube made a hefty offer to Iowa Hawkeyes sensation Caitlin Clark, to join his league, the ‘BIG3’, ahead of her last season in the NCAA. Later on Wednesday, Ice Cube confirmed the breaking news himself on X. He wrote, “BIG3 made a historic offer to Caitlin Clark”. Despite this confirmation, Paul Pierce believes the reported offer of $5 million to Clark is a “cap”. 

Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett have been busy releasing new podcast episodes every week. This time, former NBA veteran Tony Allen joined the Celtics duo and Pierce shared, “That’s cap. They not giving nobody five million to play BIG 3.” To back his statement, Pierce also spoke about the highest WNBA salary from last season. 

For the 2023 season, Indiana Fever guard Erica Wheeler was the highest-paid athlete in the WNBA with a salary of $242,154. While Garnett believes Clark will make a minimum of $250,000, Pierce does not. “You can’t pay her more than Aja Wilson”, stated the 2008 champion. Wilson’s paycheck for 2023 was $202,155, and Pierce believes Clark doesn’t deserve more than that. However, Garnett is sure that Clark will be receiving a historic paycheck. 

Well, the offer from ‘BIG3’ stands as proof of it. Ice Cube also wrote on Twitter, “We intended the offer to remain private while Caitlin Clark plays for the championship, but I won’t deny what’s now already out there…BIG3 made a historic offer to Caitlin Clark. Why wouldn’t we? Caitlin is a generational athlete who can achieve tremendous success in the BIG3′.” Famous WNBA icons like Lisa Leslie and coach Nancy Lieberman have previously starred in the BIG3. Will Clark also join them? 

What are Caitlin Clark’s thoughts on the BIG3 offer? How is the offer different from her ‘estimated’ rookie season salary?

The BIG3 would be a great place for Clark to grow, but at the moment, the 22-year-old is not interested in anything other than the NCAA. She wants to make her last run in the NCAA as impactful as possible. Clark spoke, “I honestly don’t talk about those things with really anybody. I have other people that deal with it. They haven’t said a word to me about it. And, my main focus is on this team and helping us find a way to beat Colorado and hopefully win another one after that.” Even if Clark decides to join the BIG3, here are a few pros and cons.

There would be scheduling conflicts with the WNBA. Moreover, handling two tournaments at the same although limited time increases the chances of an injury, which Clark would not want. But at the same time, Ice Cube’s deal is quite catchy. In her rookie year in the WNBA, Clark is expected to make a base salary of $76,000. This was estimated keeping in mind a salary range of $64,154 to $76,535, per Spotrac. However, in the Big3 she can make $625,000 per game, and there will be only a total of 8 games that she has to play. 

So, do you think Clark will accept an offer from BIG3 when she is done with the NCAA? 

Read More: “I Think There’s One Conflict”: Dreaming of Caitlin Clark Accepting $5 Million Offer, Ice Cube Admits Troubles of Getting Her to Big 3 League