Sixers’ rookie Michael Carter-Williams is putting up the best rookie numbers in Philadelphia since Allen Iverson. Which is a good comparison. A very good one. But there is one area where Carter-Williams is not following the pattern of Iverson (a notorious spender):
MCW has yet to touch a dime of his salary this season. That’s $2.2 million guaranteed this season (and $2.3 million next season) that he is just putting in the bank.
All of his money right now is going into a trust set up by his family, as reported at the Philadelphia Inquirer (via The 700 Level at CSNPhilly.com).
Nowadays, (his mother) Carter-Zegarowski and her best friend, Tracie Tracy, are running his management team. They are taking a proactive approach to make sure he doesn’t spend all his money in a couple of years.
His rookie contract guarantees him $4.5 million over his first two seasons. He could make a total of $10 million if the Sixers pick up the final two seasons of his contract.
But his salary is deposited into a trust he can’t touch for three years. Carter-Williams is living off endorsement deals with Nike and Panini trading cards.
He’s likely to have a few more endorsement deals rolling in soon the way he has played as a rookie averaging 17 points and 7.1 assists per game. He is fast becoming the face of the Sixers.
The perception of the casual fan follows what Patrick Ewing said back in the day — NBA players make a lot of money and spend a lot of money.
The reality is some do live beyond their means even though they make millions, some are smarter about their money. It’s the same with every pro sport. And before you get all preachy on that soapbox answer me this: What would you have done if you had millions at age 21? Bought treasury bonds?
Like everyone else, NBA players need some support around them to help them make good decisions. Carter-Williams has that and it shows in his play on the court, and that he will now be set up for life (and maybe generations).