The NBA has always been about competition. On the court and at the bank. But when a 32-year-old player, who’s never been an All-Star, signs a deal that dwarfs the lifetime earnings of one of the game’s greatest legends, Larry Bird, it’s bound to spark some debate. And according to one ex-NBA player, that debate is turning into something much deeper

The ex-Maverick in discussion is Chandler Parsons, who, during his appearance on Run It Back, said, “It all stems the money. We make more money than they [veterans did]… Hate/jealousy kind of thing, which I totally get. And I. I kind of somewhat the same way about these guys now…”

Michelle Beadle, the show’s host, emphasized the depth of the issue by mentioning that it’s not as if Harris has not proved his worth as per his contract. But even the players with less popularity and role on the team make huge numbers.

For some reason, Parsons seized this moment to critique Detroit Pistons star Tobias Harris. “That is the problem. Like, Larry Bird is watching this, and Tobias Harris is making $300 million. He’s like, I was so much better than that guy… I think that’s natural to feel that way,” he said on Run It Back.

Harris’s career earnings of $301 million – despite never making an All-Star appearance – are staggering. Yep! Not one All-Star selection and still surpassed Bird in earnings by $276.9 million. Well, his 2 year, $52 million contract with the Detroit Pistons alone sounds like a significant number in his 30s. However, it’s not as if Parsons has not proven his worth as per his contract.

In Bird’s era, the NBA’s salary cap in 1984 was $3.6 million per team. By 2024, that number had skyrocketed to $136 million, reflecting the league’s exponential growth. With soaring TV deals, global expansion, and increased revenue sharing, today’s contracts are a product of an entirely different financial worldview.

But salary figures aside, what does Harris actually bring to Detroit?

Can Tobias Harris justify his $301M payday in Detroit?

Yes, Tobias Harris isn’t Larry Bird, and no one’s expecting him to be. But what he does bring to the Pistons is exactly what they need. A steady, experienced presence on both ends of the floor. In a season where Cade Cunningham is leading the charge, Harris has stepped in as the glue guy, keeping the supporting cast balanced and ready to compete.

Now, let’s not overlook what Harris has done throughout his career. He’s bounced around the league, sure, but he’s had some big years, like 2019 when he averaged 20 points per game. Even now, he’s putting up a respectable 13.8 points, snagging six rebounds a night, and even getting close to a block per game. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but they speak volumes about his impact on a team trying to turn the corner.

And speaking of turning the corner, Detroit isn’t out of the playoff race just yet. Hosting a series is still on the table, though finishing as the fifth or sixth seed seems more realistic. Either way, it’s a massive step forward for a franchise that’s been stuck outside the postseason since LeBron James and the Cavs shut the door on them back in 2016. Harris’s contribution in this cannot be denied.

Parsons’ frustration isn’t unique – legends from Bird’s era see today’s inflated salaries and wonder how their contributions were valued in comparison. But in the end, NBA paydays are a reflection of the league’s evolution.

Yesterday’s stars paved the way for today’s contracts, and tomorrow’s players will likely say the same about the next generation.