Greg Oden Contracts: A Look at the NBA`s Short-Lived Phenom`s Financial History

Greg Oden was once considered one of the most promising basketball players to enter the NBA. However, his career was cut short by a series of injuries that prevented him from reaching his full potential. Despite the setbacks, Oden was able to secure several contracts during his short time in the league. In this article, we`ll take a closer look at Oden`s financial history, including his contracts and the impact of his injuries on his career.

Oden`s first professional contract was signed in 2007, when he was selected as the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. The contract was worth $23.2 million over four years, with a team option for a fifth year. At the time, Oden was seen as a dominant force in college basketball and was expected to have a long and successful career in the NBA.

However, Oden`s career was plagued by injuries from the start. In his rookie season, he had microfracture surgery on his right knee, which forced him to miss the entire season. He returned to the court the following year but only played in 61 games due to a foot injury. In 2009, Oden underwent surgery on his left knee and missed the entire season.

Despite the injuries, Oden was still highly regarded by NBA teams, and in 2010, he signed a two-year contract worth $8.9 million with the Miami Heat. The contract included a player option for a third year, but Oden was unable to capitalize on the opportunity due to continued knee problems. He played in only 23 games during his two years with the Heat, and his contract was not renewed.

In 2013, Oden signed a one-year deal with the Memphis Grizzlies worth $1.1 million. However, he was waived by the team before the start of the season and did not play in the NBA that year.

Oden`s final NBA contract was signed with the Jiangsu Dragons of the Chinese Basketball Association in 2015. The contract was worth $1.2 million for one year, but Oden played in only 15 games for the team before leaving due to ongoing knee problems.

Oden`s career earnings totaled $24.6 million, which is substantial but far below what he could have earned if his career had not been interrupted by injuries. His NBA contracts were all relatively short, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding his health and his ability to play at a high level.

In conclusion, Greg Oden`s financial history was shaped by his injuries and his inability to reach his full potential as an NBA player. While he was able to secure several contracts during his time in the league, his career was ultimately derailed by his physical limitations. Despite the setbacks, Oden remains a cautionary tale for young athletes about the importance of taking care of their bodies and avoiding injuries that can derail even the most promising careers.