NBA 2019-20: 5 largest NBA duo contracts

We live in an era where duos and trios have become a huge part of being successful in the NBA. Superteams are being formed all around, creating more competition within the league, while leaving some teams completely dry and unable to make it forward. With the 2019 season starting on Tuesday, we will see familiar faces on teams, as well as some new faces.

If we rewind quickly, we can remember the crazy offseason free-agency of 2019, which was likely the hottest market to date. There are always rumors for signings and tradings but this was the year of surprises and shocks for both fans and organizations. Surprises such as NBA MVP Kawhi Leonard signing with the Los Angeles Clippers and shooting guard Paul George being traded to the same team as Leonard.

With that being said, here are the top 5 duos that are set to make the most money combined in the 2021-22 season.

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#5 Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum: $75 Million

Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.

The Portland Trail Blazers sit at number five for the highest combined contract money they are expected to receive in the 2021-2022 season. Both point guard Damian Lillard and shooting guard CJ McCollum signed contract extensions in the offseason.

Lillard signed a 4-year, $196 million super-max contract that would keep him with the Trail Blazers until 2025. McCollum signed a 3-year, $100 million contract that keeps him with the team until 2024. Both players have been outstanding throughout every season and have been a vital piece for the Blazers to move forward in the playoffs.

Some say that Lillard is responsible for Oklahoma City Thunder's rebuild after his game-winning shot against them in the first-round of the playoffs last season. One way or the other, they were able to move forward to the Western Conference Finals, where they were defeated by the Golden State Warriors. However, with the addition of center Hassan Whiteside this offseason, a combination of Lillard, McCollum, and Whiteside should be something to watch out for.

#4 Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant: $77 Million

Brooklyn Nets went all out to bring Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant to their side.

The blockbuster moves by the Brooklyn Nets have brought their two best players at number four on this list. In the 2019 offseason, point guard Kyrie Irving and small forward Kevin Durant signed huge contracts with the Nets.

Irving signed a 4-year, $141 million contract and left the Boston Celtics in the dark until they signed point guard Kemba Walker from the Charlotte Hornets. Durant signed a 4-year, $164 million contract after winning to championships with the Golden State Warriors.

While they are both set to make a combined $77 million in 2021-2022, Durant is unlikely to play in this coming season. But the organization still gave him a big contract, even after knowing his timeline of return could be between 9-12 months. Regardless of that, it will be interesting to see whether either of them will be on the team that season.

#3 John Wall, Bradley Beal: $79 Million

Toronto Raptors v Washington Wizards - Game Four

Here we are at number three, which most people are probably laughing about. The Washington Wizards just locked up their All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal to a 2-year, $72 million extension which keeps him with the team for the foreseeable future. Point guard John Wall signed a 4-year, $171 million contract extension in the offseason of 2017. Now here comes the issue which everyone seems to have, which is that Wall is not worth his contract.

Wall has suffered setbacks due to injuries but those can come at any time without notice. When Wall was given his contract extension, he was performing well around the league and was considered a top five point guard. The same could be said for Durant and his contract, why did the Nets give him a massive contract with plenty of guaranteed money knowing he could be out for the whole season?

#2 Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson: $84 Million

Warriors lost Durant but they still have Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in their ranks.

Two of the best shooters in the league top the list at number two for the highest combined contracts in the 2021 season. Shooting guard Klay Thompson decided to stay with the Golden State Warriors and signed a 5-year, $190 million contract this offseason. Point guard Stephen Curry, on the other hand, had signed his 5-year, $201 million contract with the team in 2017. Both players combined are lethal shooters and signing Thompson back was vital for the team.

While they were not able to retain Kevin Durant, the Warriors got point guard D'Angelo Russell who is yet another high-caliber shooter that will continue to keep their offense going. There are plenty of teams that are considered to be threats in the Western Conference, but no one should forget about the Warriors even if they are without the services of Durant.

#1 James Harden, Russell Westbrook: $89 Million

James Harden and Russell Westbrook are finally reunited by the Houston Rockets.

If the blockbuster trade between the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder did not happen, the Rockets duo would still be at the top with now Thunder point guard Chris Paul on the list instead of point guard Russell Westbrook. The trade between the two teams sent Paul to the Thunder and Westbrook to the Rockets, reuniting Westbrook and Harden after years.

James Harden signed a 4-year, $171 million contract extension in 2017, the same year Westbrook signed a 5-year, $205 million extension. Not a single person saw this trade coming, especially since it was considered that Westbrook was the face of OKC. However, after trading away shooting guard Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers, it only made sense for them to trade away their star point guard and arguably one of the best players currently in the league, to a team that wants to heavily compete in the West for the top spot. Will this duo work out or will we see a different future down the road? We can only wait and watch.