For the 2023-24 NBA season, the salary cap has now risen to a record $136.021 million. Still, teams are spending more than ever to attract top talent to their cities. Here are the top ten highest-paid NBA players.
10. LeBron James: $48.7 million
Many consider Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James the greatest basketball player of all time. Besides his salary, he has endorsements with some of the biggest brands on the planet. Through 2023, James’ average salary was $50.6 million. In 2024-25, his extension kicks in for a $48.7 million salary and jumps to $52.6 million for the 2025-26 season.
9. Kawhi Leonard: $49.2 million
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is a six-time NBA All-Star, and regarded as one of the greatest two-way players in NBA history. Leonard signed a 3-year, $149.5 million contract with the Clippers that will pay him $49.2 million for the 2024-25 season. He is one of only three players to win NBA finals MVP with multiple teams.
8. Paul George: $49.2 million
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George is a nine-time NBA All-Star. He played with the Los Angeles Clippers through June 2024. On July 6, 2024, George signed a 4-year, $211.5 million contract with the 76ers that will earn him $49.2 million for the 2024-2025 season. The next year, his salary will jump to $51.6 million.
7. Bradley Beal: $50.2 million
Phoenix Suns shooting guard Bradley Beal signed a 5-year contract worth $251 million with the Washington Wizards. With the Suns, his 2023-24 salary with the cap hit was at $46.7 million. For the 2024-25 season, his salary jumps up to $50.2 million. The three-time NBA All-Star is second on the Wizards all-time leading scorer list.
6. Kevin Durant: $51.1 million
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant signed a 4-year, $194.2 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets. The Suns picked up his contract. Kevin Durant earned 47.6 million for the 2023-24 season. In the 2024-25 season, Durant will earn $51.1 million. Durant is considered one of the greatest players in NBA history.
5. Nikola Jokic: $51.4 million
Serbian Nikola Jokic plays center for the Denver Nuggets. His supermax extension kicks in for the 2024-25 season, earning him an average of $51.4 million. Previously, Jokic signed a 5-year deal through 2023 that guaranteed an average annual salary of $47.6 million.
4. Joel Embiid: $51.4 million
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid signed a 4-year, $213.2 million contract. That works out to an average annual salary of $53.3 million for the 7-time NBA All-Star. The cap hit for the 2023 season put him at $47.6 million. However, for the 2024-25 season, Embiid will earn a salary of $51.4 million.
3. Damian Lillard: $54.1 million
Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard won NBA Rookie of the Year (2013) and is an eight-time NBA All-Star. He signed a two-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers for $112.5 million and earned an average of $56.2 million. Lillard was traded to the Bucks in September 2023. His estimated earnings for the 2025-26 season are $54.1 million.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo: $54.1 million
Greek-Nigerian power forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo is considered one of the greatest power forwards and players of all time. He is a two-time NBA MVP and an eight-time All-Star. Antetokounmpo signed a three-year, $175.3 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s estimated salary for the 2025-26 season is $54.1 million.
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1. Stephen Curry: $55.7 million
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry signed a four-year, $215 million extension in 2021. For the 2023-24 season, his salary was $51.9 million. His salary for the 2024-25 season jumps up to $55.7 million. The ten-time NBA All-Star and two-time scoring champion is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters of all time.
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