What is Danny Ainge's Net Worth and Salary?
Danny Ainge, renowned as an American basketball executive and previously a professional basketball and baseball player, boasts a net worth of $14 million. Ainge's multifaceted sports career took off in Major League Baseball (MLB) when he played three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays. Transitioning to the NBA, Ainge had a significant 14-season stint, representing the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, and Phoenix Suns. Post his playing career, Ainge took up coaching and executive roles, notably contributing 18 seasons to the management of the Celtics.
Salary
Throughout his NBA career, Danny Ainge accumulated $8.8 million in salary. His peak earnings came during the 1994-1995 season with the Phoenix Suns, netting $2.08 million. Adjusted for inflation, $2 million in 1994 translates to $4 million today. His largest contract was a three-year agreement worth $5.2 million, signed with the Suns in July 1992. Despite a preference to join the Portland Trail Blazers, the deal didn't materialize, leading him back to the Suns. In addition to his playing salary, Ainge earned substantial sums through coaching and executive roles in the NBA.
Early Life and High School
Born on March 17, 1959, in Eugene, Oregon, Danny Ainge was a multi-sport prodigy at North Eugene High School. He excelled in basketball, baseball, and football, leading his basketball team to consecutive AAA state titles in 1976 and 1977.
Collegiate Career
At Brigham Young University, Ainge played college basketball with the Cougars. His college accolades include being named an All-American, WAC Player of the Year, and a four-time All-WAC selection. In his senior year, Ainge earned prestigious awards like the Eastman Award and the John R. Wooden Award, underscoring his status as the nation's best collegiate player.
Toronto Blue Jays
Still a high school student, Ainge was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1977 draft. He debuted in MLB in 1979, predominantly playing as a second baseman, and occasionally taking on third base and outfield roles. Over three seasons, Ainge featured in 211 games, maintaining a batting average of .220 and hitting two home runs.
Boston Celtics, 1981-1989
Following his baseball career, Ainge shifted focus to basketball. This transition involved a legal dispute in the 1981 NBA draft, eventually resolved with the Boston Celtics purchasing Ainge's Blue Jays contract. After a challenging start, Ainge found his NBA rhythm, contributing to the Celtics' 1984 and 1986 championship victories. His tenure with the Celtics culminated in 1989 when he set the single-season NBA three-pointers record, surpassing Darrell Griffith's previous mark of 92 with an impressive 148 three-pointers.
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Sacramento Kings
In 1989, Ainge was traded to the Sacramento Kings. Emerging as a key player, he averaged 20.3 points and 6.7 assists per game during his half-season with the team, which lacked other star players.
Portland Trail Blazers
Ainge's next move was to the Portland Trail Blazers in 1990, where he quickly became a fan favorite due to his Oregon roots. One of his career highlights was in May 1992, where he scored 25 points in an epic 155-153 double-overtime game against the Phoenix Suns. Despite his efforts, the Blazers lost to the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals.
Phoenix Suns, 1992-1995
In the 1992 off-season, Ainge signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Suns. His veteran presence helped the team reach the 1993 NBA Finals, where they were again defeated by the Chicago Bulls. In the subsequent season, Ainge became only the second player in NBA history to make 900 three-pointers. He retired after the 1994-1995 season.
Coaching and Management
Post-retirement, Ainge transitioned into a coaching role with the Phoenix Suns from 1996 to 1999. In 2003, he took up the position of executive director of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics. His tenure had its challenges, such as the disappointing 24-58 record in the 2006-07 season. However, Ainge's strategic acquisitions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen transformed the team, resulting in an extraordinary 66-16 record in the 2007-08 season and a subsequent NBA championship victory. For these accomplishments, Ainge received the NBA Executive of the Year Award. After an 18-year tenure, Ainge retired in 2021 and later became an executive for the Utah Jazz.
Personal Life
Ainge is married to Michelle, and they have six children: Ashlee, Austin, Tanner, Taylor, Cooper, and Crew. The family lives in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Massachusetts Mansion
In 2003, as he embarked on his executive career with the Celtics, Danny and Michelle purchased an 8,300 square foot home in Wellesley, Massachusetts for $2.3 million. Following his 2021 retirement from the Celtics, they listed the property for $4.5 million and eventually sold it for $3.425 million.
