All glory and praise to The Most High. A dream of mine since I was a little kid has been realized. I’m an NBA Champion.”
Zeke Nnaji shared these words after lifting the 2023 NBA title with the Denver Nuggets. A dream he had chased since childhood. But his journey didn’t stop at a championship. With a fresh contract extension in hand, Nnaji has secured his place in Denver’s future. Let’s take a closer look at his new deal, earnings, and the impact he’s making beyond the game
What is Zeke Nnaji’s contract with the Nuggets? What is his net worth?
Within just one season with the University of Arizona, Zeke Nnaji’s journey made a major turn. He was declared for the 2020 NBA Draft and the Denver Nuggets recognized his potential, selecting him 22nd overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. Talking about his rookie-scale contract, which was worth $11,802,681 for four years, was a recognition of his potential. That first contract was only the beginning, though, and Nnaji quickly proved he was ready for more.
The 2023 season was truly special for him. After contributing to the Nuggets’ first NBA championship, Zeke’s value was highly recognized. And in return, he received a contract extension for four years worth $32 million on October 22, 2023. This deal included $32,000,000 in guaranteed money, securing his future with the team. It was a clear signal that the franchise believed in his growth and contribution. That trust was reflected in the financial backing, with an average salary of $8 million per year.
The structure of his new contract reflects both stability and the Nuggets’ long-term confidence in him.. This deal took effect in the 2024-2025 season, with Nnaji set to earn $8,888,889. However, his salary won’t increase, rather it will decrease slightly to $8,177,778 in the following season and $7,466,667 for the next two seasons. By 2028, as Nnaji turns 28, he will be an unrestricted free agent. However, as the contract keeps him with the Nuggets till 2027, it secures his career, even though his salary decreases.
Now coming to the second question, which is about his net worth, it remains unclear in the public domain. But what is known is that Zeke has earned a significant amount already. His combined earnings from his rookie contract and extension, totaling $11,802,681, speak volumes about his early financial success. But Nnaji is not someone who flaunts his wealth. Unlike many athletes, he doesn’t rely on brand endorsements or flashy promotions on social media. In fact, his Instagram offers a glimpse into his personal life but lacks the typical paid promotions seen with other NBA players.
Apart from focusing on endorsements, the young center is someone who created his own organization that channelizes his energy into giving back. He’s known for his charity work, using his platform and resources to make a positive impact. This speaks to his character—he’s more about substance than style. Nnaji’s focus on basketball and community work is evident in his decision to avoid heavy brand endorsements.
What is Zeke Nnaji’s organization all about?
Zeke Nnaji’s journey is not just one of basketball but of purpose. The 24-year-old established the Nnaji Family Foundation. Zeke and his parents co-founded this foundation with a simple yet powerful mission: to impact the lives of young people in both Africa and the United States through education and sports. But, before we get into the NGO, let’s cover a little back story.
As a young boy, he always recognized his roots, and today, he remains committed to them. His father, Apham, hails from Enugu, Nigeria, while his mother, Janel, is from Minnesota, USA. He grew up in the U.S., but he always kept a strong connection to Nigeria’s culture and traditions. However, it was the impact of his upbringing that made him realize the potential to make a difference.
His connection to Nigeria goes beyond the borders. He’s sure that there is a huge amount of potential lying within the youth of his father’s homeland. This is why he commits to creating opportunities for them. Through his foundation, Zeke plans to build basketball courts and vocational schools in Nigeria, offering a place for young minds to thrive. But Zeke doesn’t stop at just basketball.
His vision extends to fields like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and coding, aiming to equip the next generation with the tools to innovate and succeed.
“Anything is possible if they put their mind to it.” These are his words that come from his own journey. His goal is to inspire Nigerian youth, showing them that they too can achieve their dreams, whether in sports, tech, or any field they choose.
For the Nnaji family, this is a personal mission. Zeke’s entire family actively participates in the Nnaji Family Foundation. His father, Apham, serves as a co-founder. His mother, Janel, is the Executive Director, ensuring the foundation’s operations stay true to its vision. Even his siblings, Maya and Josie, are trustees, working alongside the family to make the foundation’s mission a reality.
The center’s connection to Nigeria runs deeper. Although he was born and raised in the U.S., he has always dreamed of representing Nigeria on the international stage. He was always open about his desire to play for the Nigerian national team. “One hundred percent, it has totally been a dream of mine,” he says. This speaks to the pride he carries for his father’s country.
Nnaji’s journey from a rookie fighting for minutes to a champion with a multi-million dollar extension is proof of his steady rise in the league. But beyond securing his future in Denver, Nnaji is leaving a legacy far greater than basketball. One that builds opportunities for young athletes in Nigeria and the U.S. As he continues his development on the court, it’s clear his impact will stretch far beyond the hardwood
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