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via Imago

via Imago

The divide between the most popular American sports continues to grow. While stars of the NBA and NFL continue to mingle, the divide between their pay is clear as day. As a result, fans of the two sports constantly seem aligned against one another. But, there is a surprising name that thinks the leagues are more similar than we think. In an era where the contract divide keeps growing, a veteran NBA analyst laid down a shocking truth bomb.

Further, his comments sparked an incensed response from a Boston Celtics legend.

NBA-NFL contracts getting closer than ever

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The NBA offseason saw an insane amount of money spent on players. Within the first day, a combined sum upwards of a billion dollars made its way to the athletes. As a result, comparisons to the relatively mediocre NFL contracts ran aplenty.

When you look at the divide, it’s almost egregious. Patrick Mahomes, the NFL’s stalwart, is earning a sum that would put him as the 5th highest-earner in the NBA. Among the players that signed their contract this season alone. Lamar Jackson, who signed the largest contract in NFL’s history, has about $187 of his total $260 million guaranteed. That number puts him in the ballpark of Zion Williamson‘s contract.

But, there is a caveat. Even though the divide continues to get bigger, it seems like the structuring is getting closer with each passing day. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who Shaq called untouchable, broke down how the NBA contracts are slowly resembling NFL contracts.

You could get a 7-year contract…Now a lot of players are getting 1-year contracts guaranteed with non-guaranteed years…Football-style contracts… Zion’s contract…It’s mostly non-guaranteed. But, basically, the NBA is moving towards the NFL model.

His insightful reading of the game could be one of the reasons why he’s remained relatively safe at ESPN. Despite the chaos surrounding the recent layoffs, Windy seems to be going strong.

Notably, his opinion led a former NBA Champion to lash out at the current state of the league.

Kevin Garnett furious at the declining state of contracts

Over his career, KG accumulated upwards of $330 million dollars. Moreover, the entire amount of money owed to him through his 20-year tenure came guaranteed. However, it seems like the league is moving to a far different approach.

Read More: 1 Day After Patrick Mahomes and Stephen Curry Fought Over Millions, Chaotic News Cycle Leaves NBA and NFL Fan Bases Divided

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The aforementioned Zion Williamson contract is close to $231 million. But, only if he meets certain criteria. Even the base guaranteed amount worth $197 million comes with further conditions. Sure, Williamson is prone to injuries. However, a weight check and body fat counter, ala NFL, is stretching the bar a bit too thin.

Garnett shared Brian’s breakdown on his IG and had some expletive comments to add as well. This is why we fought sooooo FUXXIN Hard…MFS Have rAn THE LEAGUE IN THE GROUND!!

For years, the standard in the NBA has been fully-guaranteed deals. Whether it be all-timers like Michael Jordan and LeBron James or relative no-namers, the NBA has always been a player-friendly league.

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This shift, while partially understandable, is grinding a lot of legend’s gears. Soon, it might lead to a player’s revolt as well. How the new model goes over, only time will tell.

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