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League: NBASport: BasketballCountry: United StatesCategory: Trades

AJ Dybantsa's rookie contract set to exceed LeBron James' earnings

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 7:49 AM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AJ Dybantsa's rookie contract set to exceed LeBron James' earnings
Summary

AJ Dybantsa, selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, will reportedly sign a four-year, $69 million rookie contract with the Washington Wizards. This average annual salary of $17.25 million significantly surpasses LeBron James' rookie earnings of $4.6 million per year. James was drafted first overall in 2003 and earned a total of $18.7 million over his initial contract. The substantial growth in NBA revenue and player contracts over the years highlights the changing financial of the league. Dybantsa's contract reflects this trend as he aims to make an immediate impact with the Wizards.

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Yahoo Sports
Key Details
  • •AJ Dybantsa is the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
  • •He will earn $69 million over four years with the Washington Wizards.
  • •LeBron James' rookie contract totaled $18.7 million from 2003 to 2007.
  • •Dybantsa's annual salary exceeds James' rookie average by $50.3 million.
  • •NBA revenue growth is attributed to lucrative TV deals.
Latest Updates
  • 7:49 AMYahoo Sports — How much will 2026 No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa earn compared to LeBron James as a rookie
What they're saying
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The NBA has become richer since LeBron James was drafted the No. 1 overall pick in 2003.

Related Teams & Leagues
Cleveland CavaliersWashington WizardsNew York KnicksNBABasketball

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