Bleacher Report says Aaron Wiggins owns the NBA’s best contract

The Oklahoma City Thunder embarked on this journey a while ago and haven't looked back. The franchise has garnered league-wide praise for being the top destination for developing star talent for years. But beyond the sheer number of immensely potent players on the roster is the sound front-office work authored by the higher-ups.

With a revolving door of new and intriguing talent seemingly entering every year, everyone's financial situation has become increasingly exigent, especially under the league's newly implemented collective bargaining agreement.

However, Thunder general manager Sam Presti has repeatedly figured out how to hit the right button.

The most valuable part of them all?

The Thunder have been moderately busy handing out contracts over the last few seasons, but the real challenge is yet to come. In due time, the core trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams will demand whoppers on their contracts. But as the Thunder prepare for the inevitable, they have already made some sweet moves to prioritize the present for a better future.

Over the summer, Oklahoma City re-signed swingman Aaron Wiggins to a five-year, $47 million deal to remain with the team. However, this deal's prospects and the salary cap implications make it a particular win for the franchise.

Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus recently ranked the top 12 players in the NBA in terms of contract value. Wiggins, also tabbed as the league's most underrated player earlier in the offseason, earned the top spot on the list.

"As a 6'6" bench scorer, Wiggins signed a five-year, $47 million deal with the Thunder (including $2 million in unlikely incentives)," writes Pincus. "While he'll average $9-9.4 million a season, his salary declines year-to-year, culminating in a team option at $8-8.3 million for 2028–29. With the salary cap climbing 10 percent a year and Wiggins' salary decreasing, his final season projects to be just 3.9 percent of the cap. As the Thunder eventually extend players like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, having Wiggins at that price will be extremely valuable."

Scratching the surface

For a player with immense upside, Wiggins will be an incredible bargain for several years for a Thunder team that promises to contend for an NBA championship perennially. At less than four percent of the total salary cap in his final year, the swagman's growing development and his team-friendly contract, which provides a bigger spending window for the franchise, warrant him a top spot on this list.

Being handed a front-loaded contract instead of a traditional back-loaded one was an all-time chess move by Presti. Wiggins skyrocketed his 3-point percentage to over 49 percent last season and was OKC's top catch-and-shoot marksman, which only begins to illustrate the impact he can deliver on winning. As the perfect niche player alongside multiple talented ball handlers, he has many contributing years in front of him.

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