It’s wildly apparent that the NBA is becoming a bigger deal by the day. Whether it be advertisement revenue, TV deals, or multiple endorsements, the league’s name continues to grow. As a result, a big beneficiary has been the players themselves. In a few short years, we’ve seen an exponential rise in players’ salaries. However, the soon-to-come media deal might lead to a never-before-seen explosion. As a result, players could be subject to insanely ludicrous amounts of money. Chiming in on one such potential deal was the $400 million rich, Shaquille O’Neal.

Could there be a touch of jealousy on the cards for a hypothetical $80 million deal?

The explosion of money expected to come into the league

That’s right, folks. In a projection based off of the new TV rights deal, players could be in line for a paycheck of $80M per year. While not a guarantee, the first beneficiary could be Luka Doncic. Even though the sum is insane, the five-time All-Star warrants that kind of an amount. During his 5 seasons in the league, Doncic has become a mainstay and is a regular draw.

A proven competitor, the Dallas Mavericks superstar shines brightest on the biggest stage. However, this deal is still sure to shock fans if it comes true.

After all, the ire of older players over the current generation’s payscale has long been a topic of discussion in NBA circles.

Even though their stance is understandable, it is a byproduct of their greatness that the league is flourishing as it is. Shaq put up the post on his story.

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Even though he’s remained relatively quiet on the front, his co-host Charles Barkley has long been critical of current-day players getting a huge paycheck, including Anthony Davis. Perhaps, the Los Angeles Lakers legend is following a similar trajectory?

His combined salary was far less than what current players are earning after all.

Shaquille O’Neal earned how much in the NBA?

Drafted in 1992, O’Neal enjoyed a long and illustrious career. While he became a role player in his later days, he was a physical force unlike any other in his heyday.

However, that near 20-year-run amounts to less than $330 million in total earnings. To be exact, the amount is $329,651,688. The purpose of that exercise is to explain that Jaylen Brown signed a contract worth that same sum this past offseason.

One contract against 20 years of an undisputed top-10 player of all-time. The divide is clear to see. As the numbers keep going up, could the voice of the legends grow louder? Moreover, is it warranted? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

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