Danny Ainge Net Worth and Salary
In this article, we will explore the net worth and salary of Danny Ainge, an American basketball executive and retired professional basketball and baseball player. Ainge has a net worth of $14 million, which he has accumulated throughout his successful career in sports.
Danny Ainge Salary
During his NBA career, Ainge earned a total of $8.8 million in salary alone. His highest salary was $2.08 million, which he earned from the Phoenix Suns in the 1994-1995 season. Adjusted for inflation, this salary would be equivalent to $4 million in today’s value. Ainge’s largest contract was a three-year, $5.2 million deal signed with the Suns in July 1992. He had intended to sign with the Portland Trail Blazers, but the team did not make a move.
After his playing career, Ainge went on to earn millions more as a coach and NBA executive.
Early Life and High School
Danny Ainge was born on March 17, 1959, in Eugene, Oregon. He attended North Eugene High School, where he excelled in basketball, baseball, and football. Ainge led his high school basketball team to consecutive AAA state titles in 1976 and 1977.
Collegiate Career
Ainge played college basketball for the Brigham Young University Cougars. During his four years there, he was an All-American, WAC Player of the Year, and a four-time All-WAC selection. Ainge’s outstanding performance culminated in winning the Eastman Award and the John R. Wooden Award, which are prestigious accolades for the best collegiate player in the country.
Toronto Blue Jays
Before entering the NBA, Ainge was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1977 amateur draft while still in high school. He made his MLB debut in 1979 as a college student. Ainge primarily played as a second baseman but also saw time at third base and outfield positions. In his three seasons with the Blue Jays, he played 211 games, hitting .220 and scoring two home runs.
Boston Celtics, 1981-1989
After his tenure with the Blue Jays, Ainge decided to pursue a career in basketball. The Boston Celtics ultimately acquired him after a legal battle following the 1981 NBA draft. Though he experienced a rough start in the NBA, Ainge eventually found success. In 1984, he helped the Celtics win the NBA championship over the Los Angeles Lakers. Ainge won another NBA championship with the Celtics in 1986 as a part of one of the greatest teams in NBA history. In his final season with the Celtics in 1989, he set a single-season NBA record for three-pointers, surpassing Darrell Griffith’s previous record.
Sacramento Kings
Ainge was traded to the Sacramento Kings in 1989, where he became a key player on a team without superstars. During his time with the Kings, he averaged 20.3 points and 6.7 assists per game.
Portland Trail Blazers
In 1990, Ainge was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, which was especially significant for him as he was born in Oregon. Ainge played a pivotal role in a historic NBA postseason game in May 1992, scoring 25 points in a double-overtime win against the Phoenix Suns. The Blazers advanced to the NBA Finals that year but ultimately fell to the Chicago Bulls in six games.
Phoenix Suns, 1992-1995
After becoming a free agent, Ainge signed with the Phoenix Suns in 1992. He played a significant role in leading the team to the 1993 NBA Finals, where they faced the Bulls again and lost in six games. Ainge reached a career milestone the following year by becoming only the second NBA player to make 900 three-pointers. He retired after the 1994-1995 season.
Coaching and Management
Following his retirement from playing, Ainge became the head coach of the Phoenix Suns from 1996 to 1999. He then transitioned into an executive position with the Boston Celtics in 2003, serving as the executive director of basketball operations. Ainge’s executive tenure with the Celtics had its ups and downs, with a low point of the team’s 24-58 record in the 2006-2007 season. However, he turned things around by acquiring Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, which led to the Celtics’ resurgence. In the 2007-2008 season, the team posted the best record of the season and won the NBA Finals against the Lakers. Ainge received the NBA Executive of the Year Award for his accomplishments. After 18 years with the Celtics, he retired in 2021 and joined the Utah Jazz as an executive.
Personal Life
Outside of his professional endeavors, Ainge is married to Michelle and has six children named Ashlee, Austin, Tanner, Taylor, Cooper, and Crew. The family resides in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Ainge and his family are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Massachusetts Mansion
In 2003, around the same time Ainge became an executive for the Celtics, he and his wife purchased an 8,300 square foot home in Wellesley, Massachusetts, for $2.3 million. In June 2021, they listed the home for sale for $4.5 million and eventually sold it for $3.425 million after retiring from the Celtics.
Conclusion
Danny Ainge has had a successful sports career as both a player and an executive. With a net worth of $14 million, he has built a substantial financial foundation. From his early achievements in high school and college to his memorable NBA moments with different teams, Ainge has left a lasting impact in the world of basketball. Furthermore, his contributions as an executive have helped shape the success of the Boston Celtics and other teams. Ainge’s legacy extends beyond the court, as he has also prioritized his personal life and family.
FAQs
Q: What is Danny Ainge’s net worth?
A: Danny Ainge’s net worth is $14 million.
Q: What was Danny Ainge’s highest salary?
A: Danny Ainge’s highest salary was $2.08 million, which he earned in the 1994-1995 NBA season.
Q: How many three-pointers did Danny Ainge make?
A: Danny Ainge made over 900 three-pointers during his NBA career.
Q: Where does Danny Ainge currently work?
A: Danny Ainge currently works as an executive for the Utah Jazz.
Final Thought
Danny Ainge’s journey from player to coach to executive has been filled with accomplishments and contributions to the world of basketball. With a net worth of $14 million, Ainge’s financial success reflects his dedication and talent in his various roles. As he continues his career in basketball, his legacy as a player, coach, and executive will undoubtedly endure.