Rivers: My $35M Contract Wasn't a Bailout, Everyone's Money Rose

The Context Behind Austin Rivers' $35 Million Contract

Former NBA guard Austin Rivers has recently found himself in the spotlight, not for his on-court performance, but due to a controversial comment made by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green. Green labeled Rivers as the biggest bailout in U.S. history, referencing the $35 million contract he signed with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2016. This claim sparked a lot of discussion, especially since the contract was secured during a time when the NBA's TV deal significantly increased salaries across the league.

A Year of Massive Raises

The 2016 season was pivotal for the NBA, as it marked the beginning of a new nine-year $24 billion TV deal with ESPN/ABC and Turner Broadcasting. This contract tripled the previous one, leading to a 34 percent increase in the salary cap. As a result, teams had more money to spend, which led to a high-cost free agency period.

Rivers highlighted that this wasn't just about his own contract. He pointed out that several other players received massive deals, such as Tyler Johnson with $50 million, Bismack Biyombo with $70 million, and Chandler Parsons with $90 million. In fact, 19 contracts worth at least $70 million were handed out that summer.

The Role of the TV Deal

The new TV deal not only affected individual contracts but also changed the dynamics of the entire league. With the salary cap increasing from $70 million to $94.1 million, teams had more flexibility in their spending. This resulted in a bidding war for free agents, with players like Ryan Anderson, Kent Bazemore, Allen Crabbe, and Nicolas Batum receiving substantial deals.

Austin Rivers' Journey

Before signing the $35 million contract, Rivers had already established himself as a reliable bench player. He first signed a two-year, $6.4 million deal in 2015, proving his value on the court. During his first year with the Clippers, he contributed significantly to their 2015 playoff run, scoring 17 points in Game 1 against the Houston Rockets, 25 in Game 3, and 18 in Game 4.

Despite the team losing the series, Rivers emphasized the importance of making an impact in the playoffs. He mentioned that his performance during that time helped him secure a better contract the following year. "This is what gets you paid, having an impact in the playoffs," he said.

Proving His Worth

In his first year with the new deal, Rivers averaged career highs of 12.0 points and 2.8 assists per game. The next season, he improved even further, averaging 15.1 points and 4.0 assists while starting 59 of 61 games. Although he was eventually traded to the Washington Wizards in 2018, his performance during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons was arguably better than some of the other players who received similar or higher contracts.

The Bigger Picture

Rivers also clarified that his decision to sign with the Clippers wasn't solely based on financial incentives. He wanted to play freely and be with his father, Doc Rivers, who was the head coach and president of basketball operations at the time. Additionally, he had other offers, including a $40 million deal from Portland and an undisclosed amount from Phil Jackson and the Knicks.

Conclusion

While the $35 million contract has been a point of contention, it's clear that the NBA's financial landscape played a significant role in shaping such deals. Rivers' journey highlights the complexities of the league's salary structure and the factors that influence player contracts. His performance and contributions on the court serve as a testament to the value he brought to the Clippers during his tenure.