Most of the deals seem a bit longer in term, even for pedestrian players.
I think a lot of this is due to Escrow. Over the next few seasons Escrow should be:
2021-22: ~18%
2022-23: 10%
2023-24: 6%
2024-25: 6%
Every contract signed this summer is pushing money out of those first two years into later years.
Even the below average players signing 2-3 year deals are doing the same to a lesser degree.
Hypothetical example:
A) Player signs three consecutive $1m one year contracts. The gross pay after escrow will be $820k, $900k, $940k. Total of $2.66m.
B) Player signs a three year $1m AAV contract with salaries of $800k, $1m, $1.2m. Gross pay after escrow is $656k, $900k, $1.128m. Total of $2.684m.
A small raise to the tune of $18k, but still more. Then apply the same principle to players signing deals larger then $1m AAV and the gross benefit increases.