Reports: NBA G League salaries hiked by a minor percentage

NBA G League salaries have been a topic of discussion for some time now. While NBA players who are sent down and those on two-way contracts generally make a decent sum, this is not the case for those on G League contracts.

Earlier, the maximum G League salary was $37,000, but it has now been raised to $40,500. While some fans have argued that pay shouldn't be an issue for those doing what they love most, it should be noted that similarly talented players make much more overseas.

NBA analyst Shams Charania noted that forming a union has paid off for G Leaguers. He tweeted:

Sources: For the first time, NBA G League salaries will now be over $40,000 per player ($40,500), up from $37,000. Since forming a union in 2020, G League salaries have increased by over $5,000.

Check out Shams Charania's tweet below:

The G League has provided an alternate route to the NBA draft

Since the re-implementation of the one-and-done rule prior to the 2006 NBA draft, college basketball has been the route most top prospects take to the NBA. However, the league recently introduced Select Contracts, which allow elite prospects to make $125,000 playing for G League Ignite.

Over the past two NBA drafts, six such players have been drafted, including three lottery selections. Several more G League Ignite players should be drafted in the 2023 NBA draft, including projected second-overall pick Scoot Henderson.

In the 2021 NBA draft, the Houston Rockets selected Jalen Green second overall, while the Golden State Warriors selected Jonathan Kuminga seventh overall. Additionally, Isaiah Todd was the first pick of the second round, drafted 31st overall by the Milwaukee Bucks.

In 2022, three more G League players were selected, with Dyson Daniels leading the way as the New Orleans Pelicans selected him eighth overall. MarJon Beauchamp was also drafted in the first round as the Milwaukee Bucks selected him 24th overall. Jaden Hardy joined the pair, as the Dallas Mavericks picked him up 37th overall.

Watch Scoot Henderson's highlights below:

This will continue to be a pathway for top prospects who want to bypass college to turn professional. Additionally, the G League Ignite pipeline remains strong as they have already landed several prospects in the 2024 draft class.