Ian Mahinmi signed his latest NBA contract on Thursday, a life-changing deal for a guaranteed $64 million over four years with the Washington Wizards.
Mahinmi officially signed a four-year deal with the Wizards on July 7.
It is a straight-up contract with no options. The 29-year-old Frenchman will earn almost $16 million in Year 1 — in what will likely be his last major contract of his career.
Mahinmi wanted to stay in Indianapolis; he loved it here. But with the salary cap leaping more than 24 million, his (and others’) value increased along with it. The Pacers were interested in re-signing him, but no way they could at this price. Not $16 million per year.
For example: That price tag on the Pacers would be two million less than Paul George ($18.3 million) and two million more than the next player — Thad Young ($13.9 million).
Inserted into the starting lineup last year, his fourth with the Pacers, Mahinmi had a career year. He averaged 9.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.5 rebounds per game — all career highs — playing over 25 minutes per contest.
On Friday, Mahinmi was sure to say thank you … to the city, organization, and fans.
Watch as he discusses his game and joining the Wizards:
Hear from center @ianmahinmi in his first interview as a member of the #Wizards!https://t.co/HBmIXVY8wu
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) July 8, 2016