Dylan Harper’s Rookie Contract TRUMPS Career Earnings of Father who Won with Michael Jordan

Dylan Harper, son of 5-time NBA champion Ron Harper, was selected No. 2 overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Dylan Harper’s Rookie Contract TRUMPS Career Earnings of Father who Won with Michael Jordan

Dylan Harper and his father Ron Harper alongside Michael Jordan (Image via FirstSportz)

Ron Harper was the 8th overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft. Nearly 40 years later, his son, Dylan Harper, bettered him and went No. 2 overall. The Rutgers star was easily the best player behind Cooper Flagg, and the San Antonio Spurs did not look to try and trade their pick away.

They did get some offers, particularly when the Phoenix Suns were looking to trade Kevin Durant. However, the price was too steep for the Spurs, and they stuck to their pick after coming 2nd in the Draft lottery.

The Suns traded Durant to the Rockets, and the Spurs were left to decide which player was best to pair with leading superstar Victor Wembanyama. Last season, they selected Stephon Castle 4th overall. But the UConn star is not a true point guard.

They had Chris Paul to handle playmaking duties, but knew they had to find a long-term solution. In comes the younger Harper, who joins his father and older brother, Ron Harper Jr., in the NBA. Going 2nd overall means he will sign a monster rookie deal.

As per Spotrac, the 19-year-old should be signing a 4-year, $56.1 million contract. If that ends up being the amount on his deal, he would earn almost $20 million more than his father. Ron Harper earned $34.9 million over 15 years in the league.

All that while winning three NBA titles with Michael Jordan, and 2 more alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant before retiring. Dylan Harper might be hoping to join his father as a champion down the line.

Dylan Harper believes he is better than his father

When Ron Harper came into the NBA, he was known for scoring, defense, and being a great athlete. Before being selected by the San Antonio Spurs, NBA TV’s Taylor Rooks caught up with Dylan Harper and asked him if he was in any way better than his father.

Everything.

Dylan Harper replied

The Rutgers star made it clear that he was better than his father when it comes to shooting the ball, playmaking, or defense. The only area he gives way to his 5-time champion father is in athleticism. He agreed that his father could jump higher.

However, Dylan Harper believes he has what it takes to be one of the better players in the league. Now that he is going to the San Antonio Spurs, he will be joining a young team that is intent on winning some NBA titles.

Dylan Harper and Victor Wembanyama could be an elite 1-2 punch

Dylan Harper joins the San Antonio Spurs, who finished 8th worst in the league last season. They were expected to be fighting for playoff positions. But first, Gregg Popovich‘s health scare put a dampener on their season.

Dylan Harper and Victor Wembanyama could be an elite 1-2 punch
Dylan Harper and Victor Wembanyama could be an elite 1-2 punch (Image via Open Source/X)

Then injuries to Victor Wembanyama and February trade acquisition De’Aaron Fox stopped the Spurs within 5 games of a play-in spot. Considering how the team is constructed, they want to fight deeper in the playoffs, and Harper will be expected to take a major role.

If the franchise chooses to move past Chris Paul, Harper could be the starting point guard. Along with Fox, Castle, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, and Jeremy Sochan, they have a good mix of young and veteran players.

Harper will be tasked to become the primary pick-and-roll partner for the French phenom. If he can live up to the task, the Spurs will be looking at competing for titles soon. That way, the 19-year-old can add his name as a fellow champion in his family.

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