Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers just had the best season of his young career, earning a huge end-of-year award and the major benefits that come with it.
NBA fans might not realize it, but Mobley’s winning of Defensive Player of the Year is going to put a lot more money in his bank account.
Writing for Bleacher Report, Andy Bailey summed up how how much richer Mobley will get for being named DPOY.
“Had he not won the award or made All-NBA, Mobley’s ’25 percent of the cap’ salary in 2025-26 would’ve been $38.7 million. After winning the award, he’s set to make 30 percent of the cap, or $46.4 million. His salary in each of the subsequent seasons between now and 2029-30 is higher than it would’ve been, too,” Bailey wrote. “In a real, economic sense, Mobley is undoubtedly one of this year’s biggest winners of award season. Over the next half decade, he will make $44.8 million more than he would’ve without his Defensive Player of the Year.”
$44.8 million is a lot of money, even for an NBA star who already makes so much.
But although fetching such a huge sum is certainly a nice bonus, it’s not the best part of being named Defensive Player of the Year.
Instead, Mobley will revel in the praise and the celebration that he is receiving from fans and the rest of the team.
The fans have wanted to see Mobley get this award for years.
They have all said he is one of the best big men in the league, and they felt he deserved the respect that comes with this award.
The race for Defensive Player of the Year was tight once Victor Wembanyama was disqualified.
Claiming the trophy is a huge moment and achievement for Mobley and his Cavaliers, and it’ll also make his paychecks much healthier.
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