NBA Salaries: Only 23% Players Make More Money than Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra

On a slow Tuesday evening in the NBA world, Eric Spoelstra turned up the heat with a mega announcement. The Miami Heat management handed out the contract extension to the 53-year-old, worth $120 million. The highest contract to be ever signed by an NBA coach. The previous highest was signed by the San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popovich for $80 million. While the Hoops Nation went gaga about the news, an uncanny stat – in fact, a baffling one – surrounding the contract popped out.

Even though the league carries athleticism, glamor, and nail-biting action on the court, the money involved has always attracted the masses. Most players similarly showcase their talent on the court to take home the big money. Especially this season witnessed some of the most lucrative deals ever signed in the history of the league. Despite that, Spoelstra’s recent number-game pushed back 77% of players.

The NBA players’ salaries range from a minimum pay of  $1,119,563 to $51,915,615 in the current season. The Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry bagged the highest annual salary of this season. Nevertheless, what matters the most is that only 23% of players earn more than Eric Spoelstra.

A recent report from Sun Sentinel stated that the Miami Heat HC’s $120 million worth contract was signed for 8 years. This means the 53-year-old veteran coach will receive $15 million annually for the next eight seasons.

Notably, Spoelstra is still the second highest paid when it comes down to annual pay, as Greg Popovich is paid $16 million per season. Amid these calculations, there always existed a debate about coaches getting paid more than the players. In this case, Spoelstra’s recent contract clearly ignited a wildfire in the NBA world.

One may argue that the players do all the work, but at the same time, coaches put their minds to use and solve puzzles from the courtside.

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And Spoelstra had done it often, taking his side to the Finals six times and winning it twice.

Top 5 highest-paid coaches in the NBA

The top place has been reigned by Greg Popovich for quite some time now. He is currently in a 5-year contract with the Spurs worth $80 million, which pays him $16 million per year. In the second place, Eric Spoelstra replaced the new Detroit Pistons coach Monty Williams with his $120 million 8-year contract, fetching him $15 million per year.

Williams signed a fresh 78.5 million in the 2023 offseason for 6 years, earning him $13 million per season. Currently, the Pistons are in a slump with a disappointing run. Nevertheless, Williams had five more years to erect a strong team with the youngsters.

In the fourth spot, GSW’s Steve Kerr earns $9.5 million per year, and he is also headed toward a contract expiration this season. The NBA world could embrace another update in the future. In the fifth place, the Indiana Pacers‘ Rick Carlisle cashes out $7.25 million per year.

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Do you find the pay gap between the players and coach a significant issue? Let us know in the comments below.