The son of 5-time NBA champion Ron Harper, Dylan Harper is seen as a player with all of the potential in the world. Selected second overall in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, Harper was a standout point guard at Rutgers in his native New Jersey. Not only is he bigger than a traditional PG at 6’6″, but he’s incredibly well-rounded and showed off elite ability at playmaking, finishing, and could be counted on in the clutch (though he has struggled with his long-range shooting). Just to describe how highly regarded this kid is, had it not been for Cooper Flagg existing, it’s very possible Harper would’ve been the top prospect going into this year’s draft. He was that good in college and has the potential to be among the upper echelon of players in the NBA. Which is why he’s projected to be given a $56 million bag as part of his rookie contract.
Once upon a time, a rookie getting this kind of contract would’ve been a preposterous scenario. But these days, following extensive changes to the NBA collective bargaining agreement and the implementation of the “rookie max,” teams have been willing to pay this much for sheer potential, despite these young players being unproven commodities. In fact, without having set foot on an NBA court yet, Dylan Harper will have made more than his father — a multiple-time champion — ever did over the course of his entire career.
Dylan Harper’s Rookie Contract Eclipses His Father’s Career Earnings
To reiterate, Dylan Harper — as outlined by the NBA’s CBA and having the distinction of being drafted second overall — is expected to get a 4-year, $56 million contract right out of the gate. As noticed by X user HoopMixOnly, this rookie deal eclipses his father Ron’s career earnings, which are listed at around $35 million when not adjusted for inflation.
Dylan Harper’s rookie contract compared to his dad’s career earnings
— Hoops (@HoopMixOnly) June 26, 2025pic.twitter.com/D7vAmRj3On
Of course, it’s important to note that Dylan and Ron are from two completely different eras of basketball and are walking into two completely different situations. Despite being drafted 8th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers back in 1986 (before highly touted rookies received exorbitant contracts), Harper never emerged as an elite talent in the league. In fact, despite a long 15-year career, Harper was never once selected for an NBA All-Star team. Instead, he became somewhat of a lockdown defender, eventually becoming a key role player for the Chicago Bulls, anchored by the legendary Michael Jordan, where he won 3 of his 5 NBA championship rings. He’d then go on to Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal’s Los Angeles Lakers, where he won an additional two.
Because of his status as a supporting character to the Jordans, Kobes, and Shaqs of the world, Harper never got paid like a leading man would. But, to his credit, Ron doesn’t seem torn up about that.
“I’m not mad at him or the NBA, I played for the love of the game,” Harper said of his son Dylan’s rookie contract (via Athlon Sports).
