Key Contract Terms: Hartenstein, Ellis, Young, Achiuwa, Hardaway Jr. and Others
SLUG: contract-terms-hartenstein-ellis-young-achiuwa-hardaway-williams
CONTENT:
Mutual options are back in NBA paperwork for the first time in a quarter-century. League sources confirmed that both Isaiah Hartenstein’s three-year, $75 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Keon Ellis’ two-year, $18 million agreement with the Brooklyn Nets include a final-season clause that can be picked up by either the player or the team. The option year is canceled only if both sides decline.
The last time the NBA saw a mutual option was 25 years ago, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Brooklyn is expected to add a similar provision to a pending deal with Moritz Wagner, though that contract has not yet been finalized.
Additional contract details around the league
Trae Young – Washington Wizards: The four-year pact begins at roughly $49.49 million, includes a 2% raise in Year 2, and jumps to the maximum 8% increases in Years 3 and 4, bringing the total value to $212.8 million.
Precious Achiuwa – Sacramento Kings: Sacramento used its full bi-annual exception, giving the forward a fully guaranteed two-year deal worth $11.23 million, slightly below initial reports.
Tim Hardaway Jr. – Miami Heat: The one-year contract is valued at $6.065 million, trimming Miami’s payroll under the first apron hard cap.
Kenrich Williams – Oklahoma City Thunder: His one-year, $5 million agreement includes an additional $500,000 in unlikely incentives. Such bonuses do not hit the cap unless earned but do count toward the team’s apron salary.
Michael Ajayi and Kylan Boswell – Charlotte Hornets: Both undrafted rookies signed two-year two-way contracts.
Bruce Thornton – Houston Rockets: The rookie’s four-year deal guarantees only the first season. Years 2 and 3 are non-guaranteed; Year 4 is a team option.
The resurgence of mutual options and the varied structures of these contracts illustrate how teams are maneuvering under the league’s evolving cap and apron rules.
Source: Hoops Rumors
