Ron Harper Jr.’s NBA Salary vs. Keegan Murray’s $140M Kings Extension: A Stark Contract Comparison

The Sacramento Kings’ massive $140 million investment in Keegan Murray through a rookie extension has sparked conversations about NBA contract disparities. Meanwhile, Ron Harper Jr., an undrafted guard fighting for roster stability, represents the other end of the spectrum with far more modest earnings.

This stark contrast highlights how draft position and early opportunity dramatically shape NBA careers and financial outcomes. While Murray secures generational wealth as a franchise cornerstone, Harper Jr.’s journey through multiple teams and G League stints shows the challenging path for undrafted players.

The $140M Divide: Ron Harper Jr. and Keegan Murray’s Salary Showdown

The NBA’s financial landscape often separates first-round stars from undrafted grinders, and nowhere is this more evident than in the staggering $139.7M gap between Keegan Murray’s rookie extension and Ron Harper Jr.’s earnings. Murray’s five-year, $140M deal with the Sacramento Kings guarantees generational wealth for the 2022 lottery pick, while Harper—who went undrafted that same year—has cobbled together $2.55M across four short-term contracts. This disparity stems from draft position, role certainty, and a team’s willingness to bet on upside.

Murray averaged 15.2 PPG and shot 45% from three during his extension-eligible third season, justifying Sacramento’s investment in his two-way potential. Harper, meanwhile, has played just 47 NBA games across three seasons, averaging 2.1 PPG. Their career trajectories illustrate how NBA teams allocate resources to high-floor prospects while offering minimal security to developmental players.

The Kings aren’t paying $140M for Murray’s current production—they’re betting he’ll grow into a 20 PPG scorer who guards the opponent’s best forward. Harper’s story proves undrafted players need 2-3 breakout seasons just to earn minimum contracts.

Contract Value Comparison (2022 Draft Class)

How Rookie Scale Extensions Reward Draft Success

The NBA’s rookie wage structure creates predetermined earning paths based on draft position. First-round picks like Murray become eligible for extensions after their third season, with maximum deals reaching $224M for All-NBA talents. Undrafted players like Harper operate outside this system, relying on:

• 10-day contracts ($116,000 minimum)
• Two-way deals ($559,782 max in 2024-25)
• Non-guaranteed training camp invites

Murray’s extension includes 8% annual raises and a player option in Year 5—standard features for top picks. Harper’s Pistons contract contains no guarantees, allowing teams to waive him without penalty. This systemic disparity explains why only 17% of undrafted players from 2018-22 remain in the league compared to 89% of lottery picks.

Teams treat first-rounders like long-term stocks and undrafted players like disposable options. Harper needs a Marcus Smart-like defensive breakout to shift that perception.

The G League Grind: Harper’s Uphill Battle

While Murray prepared for his 2024-25 Kings season with Team USA, Harper spent August working out with the Motor City Cruise—Detroit’s G League affiliate. His career earnings breakdown reveals the instability faced by undrafted players:

• 2022-23: $508,891 (Raptors two-way)
• 2023-24: $147,988 (Celtics 10-day)
• 2024-25: $325,865 (Pistons exhibit 10)

Harper’s salary wouldn’t cover Murray’s $1.17M monthly earnings during the extension’s first year. Though both entered the league at the same time, Murray has already secured 55x Harper’s career earnings. This gap widens considering Sacramento’s $180M practice facility and private jets—luxuries Harper won’t access without a standard NBA contract.

G League salaries top out at $40,500—less than Murray makes per quarter. Harper’s shooting 38% from three there proves he’s NBA-caliber, but teams prioritize investing in known commodities.

Market Forces Driving Murray’s $140M Payday

Sacramento’s massive commitment reflects broader NBA economics. With the salary cap projected to hit $171M in 2025-26:

• Murray’s $28M AAV will consume just 16% of cap space
• Comparable forwards (Michael Porter Jr., OG Anunoby) earn $30M+
• The Kings retain Murray’s Bird Rights for future flexibility

Meanwhile, Harper’s next contract will likely be another prove-it deal. Since 2020, only three undrafted wings (Dorian Finney-Smith, Jose Alvarado, Lu Dort) have secured contracts exceeding $10M annually. Harper must demonstrate elite defense or three-point shooting to escape the minimum-salary cycle—a challenge given his 12.7 MPG career average.

$140M seems outrageous until you realize the cap’s doubled since 2016. Murray’s deal could look like Jaylen Brown’s $28M bargain in 3 years.

Pathways for Harper to Close the Financial Gap

While catching Murray’s earnings is improbable, Harper can leverage his upcoming free agency by:

1. Shooting 40%+ from three with Motor City
2. Earning a mid-season roster upgrade
3. Landing a multi-year minimum deal (~$2.8M total)

Historical precedents like Miami’s Duncan Robinson—who went from undrafted to a $90M contract—show scoring specialists can overcome draft stigma. However, Robinson averaged 13.5 PPG on 44% three-point shooting in his breakout season. Harper’s career-high remains 15 points in a single game—a reminder of how steep the climb remains.

Harper needs a “Alex Caruso moment”—showcasing defensive tenacity that makes contending teams overpay. His 6’6” frame gives him a chance if he improves lateral quickness.