Chima Moneke reveals how much money he made in 6 years of playing / News - Basketnews.com

EuroLeague star Chima Moneke recalls living off a mere $300 to $400 a month in his early career, primarily spent on groceries.

Credit: IMAGO/Ricardo Larreina Amador - Scanpix Credit IMAGO/Ricardo Larreina Amador - Scanpix

Chima Moneke is not only one of the most exciting EuroLeague players to watch on the court, but he is also creating engaging content off of it. Recently, on his personal YouTube channel, the Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz forward took viewers through a detailed breakdown of his career contracts.

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Following his undrafted status in the 2018 NBA Draft, Moneke began his professional journey in the 2018-19 season, starting in the French second division with Rouen. His initial contract there amounted to a monthly salary of $3,500, after taxes and deductions.

However, Moneke's stint with Rouen was short-lived, lasting only three games before he was let go. He then transitioned to another team in the same league, Denain, where his salary dropped to $2,200 per month.

"At this time, I was paying back my old agent because I fired her, and I just wanted to get her money back for putting me up in the summer, so I was living off of 300-400 dollars a month," he said. "And this is not a lie. ... All I spent money on was groceries, genuinely."

Expectations were high for Moneke's second year, with promises of an $8,000 monthly salary from his agent. However, he continued in the French second division, playing for Beliers de Kemper, where he earned $3,700 monthly.

In the 2020-21 season, Moneke finally moved to the top French league, Orleans, where his monthly salary was $7,200.

Year four proved to be a breakthrough for Moneke as he surpassed the six-figure mark, signing with BAXI Manresa for the 2021-22 season and earning €15,000 monthly. His outstanding performance earned him recognition as the BCL MVP and drew interest from the NBA.

Moneke received an opportunity with the Sacramento Kings, initially signing a $250,000 deal, with an additional $250,000 for making the opening-day roster.

Free throws this season

76%13,8Points made:13,8Accuracy:75,7%Place in standings:8Record max:22Record min:6Most made FTs:Chima MonekeTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"I would have had the chance to get the rest of my million fully guaranteed if I was on the team, I think past the deadline of January 8th, and I was cut on January 7th," Moneke recalled the unfortunate moment.

In the same season, Moneke returned to Europe and agreed to a deal with AS Monaco, where he enjoyed a salary triple that of his time in Sacramento, though the exact figure remains undisclosed.

Ahead of the current season, Moneke made the move to Baskonia. While his salary in Spain remains unrevealed, he benefits from settlement money following the termination of his guaranteed contract in Monaco for the 2023-24 season.

"Life is good. ... But it wasn't always like this," Moneke said. "It took me four years to get over 100,000, and the amount of money I spent in Monaco was more than I made in my first four years. Everyone has different trajectories, everyone has different paths. My path was a longer period, but I got to where I've been dreaming and working hard for."

Moneke is eyeing an upgrade considering his performance this season. He ranks fifth in efficiency among EuroLeague players, with averages of 14.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 19.0 PIR over 31 games, including 4 starts.

Chima Moneke's net salary:

Year 1 -- $3,500/2,200 monthly Year 2 -- $3,700 monthly Year 3 -- $7,200 monthly Year 4 -- $15,000 monthly Year 5 -- $500,000 (before taxes) + unknown amount in Monaco Year 6 -- settlement money + unknown amount in Baskonia

Chima Moneke's vlog about his income:

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