What would you do if you were offered $18 million a year to critique the NBA world? Take it, right? But here’s the protagonist of our story – Stephen A. Smith, who did not even bat an eye over the amount of zeroes $18 million has. Stephen A. has worked really hard all through his life to get to where he is right now. And that does get him the credentials in the industry. Probably that’s why he’s inching closer to a $125 million deal soon.

From the $12 million he was already earning, Smith and ESPN are going to reach the pinnacle of the contract where he could be looking to earn anywhere between $20 and $25 million a year. NBA Insider Michael McCarthy first broke the news of the potential culmination of this contract that will put some NBA players’ contracts to shame. Over 5 years, Smith could soon earn almost $125 million, surpassing the contracts of other ESPN analysts like Pat McAfee ($85 million), Troy Aikman ($90 million), and even Joe Buck ($75 million).

Smith’s expected deal could arrive, thanks in part to Pat McAfee himself. While he had been a valuable member of the ESPN team, he has reportedly been getting on the nerves of the leadership over at ESPN due to his ‘loose-cannon’ type personality. Through his role in the Aaron Rodgers-Jimmy Kimmel feud and reportedly calling Caitlin Clark a “white b**ch”, he has criticized the same people who were once guests on his host. Furthermore, his feud with ESPN’s former executive vice president Norby Williamson was no hidden secret. Smith has reportedly made use of the same issues to his own advantage.

“He (Smith) lets Pat McAfee frustrate the ESPN executives so much, they’re like, F— it. Stephen A. is a good team player” said an anonymous source to Front Office Sports.

Pat McAfee is too volatile for ESPN, and is a sharp contrast to the shades that Smith displays. Stephen A. is more calm, friendly with his team as far as broadcasting is concerned. He has a great work ethic and rarely makes a fuss in the ESPN offices. He abides by the company policies garnering him all the support that’s needed here for being in candidature for such a massive contract.

But then again, NBA media being NBA media, they can’t let Smith just grab the huge paycheck just like that. They do have their share of fun and trolling to do.

Fans react to Stephen A. Smith’s hypothetical $100 million contract

No sooner had the news broken about a possible raise in Stephen A. Smith’s pay when fans descended onto social media to share their reaction. One fan compared Smith’s possible future pay with some existing NBA contracts. This led him to conclude that the sportscaster would earn more money than New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson. This caused the commentator to further state “troll gimmick really does pay.”

Jalen Brunson had earlier signed a 4-year extension worth $104 million in July 2022. Now, after having been named to the All-NBA Second Team, the Knicks have reportedly made him a max extension worth $156.5 million, which he is considering. According to ‘The Athletic’ reporter Fred Katz, the 2024 NBA All-Star is eligible for an even higher contract. However, the player probably won’t go beyond the given number so that his team does not face the risk of crossing the Second Apron limit.

Even if Brunson would accept the proposed extension deal, he won’t be earning less than Stephen A. Smith for long.

One fan made an indirect reference to the sports journalist’s recent feud with Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, stating that the former would be paid exorbitantly just “to lie about his sources everyday”.

Back in May 2024, during a segment of ‘First Take’, Stephen A. Smith revealed a quote from an ‘undisclosed source’ that claimed “Jaylen Brown, it’s not so much that he is underrated, it’s that he’s just not liked because of his ‘I am better than you’ attitude. He knows it. It’s the same reason he is not as marketable as he should be”.

Once the same reached the ears of Brown, he took to X to ask Smith to “State your source”. The Celtics star also received the support of Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas. Despite this, Smith refused to reveal his source, but would later go on to apologize to Brown. The latter didn’t let the feud die down, however. During the Boston Celtics victory parade, he was seen wearing a T-shirt that read out “STATE YOUR SOURCE.”

Another social media user did not just check Brunson’s contract but seven other athletes from different sports. According to him, Stephen A. Smith’s new contract would grant him more money than Warriors’ power forward Draymond Green, NFL Defensive End Maxx Crosby, and the newest addition to the New York Knicks: Mikal Bridges.

If Smith’s power move bears fruition, then he could end up with a 5-year, $125 million deal. In such a situation, only 54 players in the NBA would make more than him during the 2024-25 season. According to Basketball Reference, the players who are set to make around $25 million during the next season include 25-year-old Anfernee Simons, 24-year-old RJ Barrett, 27-year-old Dejounte Murray, and 24-year-old Jaren Jackson Jr. After spending decades in sports television, the 56-year-old sportscaster will get to be on a level where he can hold the same annual pay as a cluster of experienced athletes.

One social media user may have opened the wounds of Golden State Warriors fans through his comment. He expressed his shock at the $25 million/year pay by stating that the franchise was not willing to fork up even this much for Klay Thompson.

After having served with the Warriors for over 13 years, small forward Klay Thompson recently called his tenure with the team quits. The same was done after he and the franchise could not decide on a mutually agreed extension contract. While the Warriors offered a 2-year, $48 million deal, Thompson rejected it. In the end, after he went into free agency, the Dallas Mavericks took him in under a 3-year, $50 million deal.

One individual highlighted that Smith may deserve the pay raise. At the same time, however, he criticized that amidst all the mass layoffs, it, ESPN could pay the money to retain their employees and not just focus on the well-being of one high-earning individual.

Almost 1 year ago from today, ESPN let go of over 20 high-profile sports commentators. The reason for the same was given to be a ‘cost-cutting’ initiative. While Smith was able to retain his job, the layoffs included former Warriors HC Mark Jackson, current LA Clippers senior consultant Jeff Van Gundy, and former small forward Jalen Rose. Therefore, the commenter may not have been accepting of the fact that such a big raise would accompany a single individual just a year after 20 top-talent individuals were removed from their positions to save money.

Overall, the reactions were not positive towards Stephen A. Smith’s hypothetical 5-year, $125 million extension.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.