New contract: Five years, $170M ($34 million per year)

The No. 1 overall pick of the 2016 draft class signed a multi-year contract extension over the summer to guarantee his future with organization he helped turn around. Ben Simmons earned his money in just two seasons, after missing his rookie year with a broken foot. His impact on the team’s success was instant; Sixers made the playoffs in 2018 for the first time since the 2011-12 season. The play-making ability of Simmons was on full display during his rookie campaign. He averaged about 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game, including 12 triple-doubles, second only to Oscar Robertson for a player his rookie season. In his sophomore season, the numbers were increased (17.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 8.0), and he was named a reserve for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte. The first-time all-star posted 10 triple-doubles to finish the season, which were the third-most in the league. His 22 career triple-doubles are tied for the sixth-most among active players and rank second all-time among Philadelphia players behind Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain (62).

Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets

New contract: Five years, $170M ($34 million per year)

Jamal Murray earned his funds by competing nightly with the NBA’s top point guards, and never being scared to take the big shot. Murray is coming off his best season in his three years in the NBA. The 7^th overall selection of the 2016 draft, Murray set career highs in points (18.2), assists (4.8) and rebounds (4.2) while helping lead the Nuggets to 54 wins and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. He averaged 21.3 points in the playoffs, and helped Denver reach the second round for the first time in a decade. Murray was immediately paid big over the summer.

Malcolm Brogdon, Indiana Pacers

New contract: Four years, $85M ($21.3 million per year)

The 2016 Rookie of the Year was blessed with a bigger role by being traded to the Indiana Pacers this offseason. After playing 3 seasons in Milwaukee, and missing 59 games due to injury, I guess it was time for a change. Brogdon was a major asset to Milwaukee’s recent success, but they decided on a sign and trade that will bring back a first and two second round picks. The steady combo guard had one of the most efficient performances in the league last season; joining the exclusive 50-40-90 club. Brogdon shot 50.5% from the field, 42.6% from three, and 93% from the free throw line.

Caris LeVert, Brooklyn Nets

New contract: Three years, $52.5M ($16.7 million per year)

According to Bobby Marks, LeVert will earn $16.2 million the first year of the extension, going up to $18.8 million in year three, taking him up to 2023. Caris LeVert was the 20^th pick of the 2016 draft, and his work ethic and confidence propelled him past his peers. He was drafted to a young team, so everybody couldn’t get paid. In a recent interview, LeVert told Michael Lee of The Athletic, “I feel I can control how good I can be. “I’m going to push myself every single day and see where that ceiling is. I don’t know where it is. I don’t like to put limits on myself.” This season, the expectations for the Nets are very limited due to superstar Kevin Durant being absent. Brooklyn will rely on LeVert to increase his productivity, and possibly get that All-Star consideration that he nearly received last season. LeVert was averaging 18.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 47.5% shooting before dislocated his right foot on November 12, 2018. His progression even with the early season injury was non-stop, and that’s what earned him his payday.

Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors

New contract: Four years, $130M ($32.5 million per year)

The 2019 most improved player averaged 17.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game last season for the NBA champion Toronto Raptors. The growth of Pascal Siakam has 25 teams upset for passing him up in the 2016 draft. The departure of Kawhi Leonard shifted the focus for the Raptors, and Siakam became the main priority. Toronto had until Monday to agree on an extension or he would have hit restricted free agency next summer, but the organization got it done over the weekend. The Athletics’s Shams Charania reports the extension does not include any player or team options. Siakam’s improvement was represented by the numbers, as he scored 20+ points in 26 contests and 30 or more five times. He had only scored 20 or more points twice prior to last season. I expect Siakam to be an All-Star this year.

Buddy Hield, Sacramento Kings

New contract: Four years, $94M ($23.5 million per year)

After a back and forth dispute this weekend with the front office, Buddy Hield has finally reached the number he’s satisfied with. According to Sam Amick of the The Athletic, the Kings have agreed to terms on a four-year extension with Hield worth $86 million in guaranteed money and $20 million in possible incentives. This means Mr. Hield will need to produce to earn the extras. His deal has no team or player option attached. Hield let it be known that the Kings were not in the running for anything better, so he wanted to be treated as if he was the best option. Last season, he averaged 20.7 points per game while shooting 42.7% from 3-point range. Don’t know where the Kings can be at the end of the season, but the young team will be expected to compete every night.

Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

New contract: Four years, $103M ($25.7 million per year)

Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes reported: “He can secure $8M in incentives if he wins MVP, DPOY or makes one of three All-NBA teams. He pockets $4M if plays 65 games or more games, team wins 49 or more games and reaches second round of playoffs. Total guaranteed salary $103.” The 22-year-old Jaylen Brown has been a crucial piece to the recent success of the Boston Celtics. His versatility on the court gives head coach Brad Stevens the flexibility to place him at multiple positions. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 draft; averaged 13.0 points and 4.2 rebounds on 46.5% shooting last season. Signs of progression were shown throughout the season, but overall the Celtics as a team had a bad year. The expectations were high after Brown had phenomenal playoffs in 2018; he averaged 18.0 points and 5.0 rebounds on 46.6% shooting. The breakout party of him and Jayson Tatum had NBA critics sold on the future of the Celtics. With the new contract, Brown becomes the first player to agree to a rookie-scale extension with the Celtics since Rajon Rondo in 2009. I expect Brown to continue maturing on the court and become that two-way star he has the potential to be.

Dejounte Murray, San Antonio Spurs

New contract: Four years, $64M ($16 million per year)

The 23-year-old Spurs guard missed the entire last season because of a torn ACL; so potential was key to this signing. Murray was expected to have a breakout year after the departure of Spurs legend Tony Parker, but things didn’t go as plan. The point guard position is very competitive in today’s game, and Murray fits the mold with his 6-foot-10 wingspan, strong ball handling, and high IQ. He doesn’t look to score much, but he’s able. His height and length gives him the ability to guard multiple positions, and we all know Gregg Popovich likes to play with the matchups. San Antonio has a good combination of veteran presence and youth, so I expect them to have a good year with Murray in the backcourt orchestrating.

Domantas Sabonis, Indiana Pacers

New contract: Four years, $77M ($19 million per year)

Several reports floated through the NBA community about a possible trade for Domantas Sabonis, but the Pacers made the correct decision. Sabonis was awarded a four-year, $77 million extension with up to $85 million in incentives. Last season, Sabonis was a double-double machine off the bench; averaging 14.1 points and 9.3 rebounds on 59% shooting. The contract extension will prevent Sabonis from becoming a restricted free agent next summer, so that joins him with Victor Oladipo, Malcolm Brogdon, T.J. Warren, Myles Turner, and Jeremy Lamb all locked up for the next two seasons.