Explore The Earnings Of The 10 Highest Paid NBA Players Of All Time

The ability and dedication of NBA players never cease to wow us. But did you know that the average annual salary for NBA players in the 2022/23 season was over 10 million U.S. dollars? Besides being great sportsmen, these individuals are also incredibly affluent! This article will discuss some of the highest-paid NBA players of all time, known for hitting game-winning shots and drawing the highest salaries. We will talk about some notable athletes like LeBron James and Stephen Curry and some up-and-coming players you might not have expected to be on this list. 

So, get ready for some incredible revelations, huge salary ranges, and maybe even a few surprises! Keep reading to learn about the players succeeding on the court and in their bank accounts.

Also Read: 10 Best NBA Players Of All Time Who Reigned Supreme In Basketball

10 NBA Richest Players Of All Time

Given the collective bargaining agreement, the NBA players end up making 49%-51% of the cumulative basketball-related earnings every season. These earnings usually come from television, merchandising, sponsorships, and tickets. Below is a list of players making the most millions from the game:

1. LeBron James

A living icon in the basketball world, LeBron James is the NBA’s richest player. LeBron, who was born in Akron, Ohio, in 1984, has a tale of overcoming adversity to become successful. Despite coming from an underprivileged upbringing, he had a natural flair for basketball. His abilities were so great even as a young child that, while still in high school, he was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine! It was certainly an incredible accomplishment for someone his age! 

After receiving this early praise, LeBron was even more motivated to join the NBA, the top league in professional basketball. Thanks to his extraordinary talent and determination, he has been dominating the basketball field for more than 20 years now. His accomplishments make him one of the most well-liked and well-paid players in the history of the NBA.

Details:

• Age: 37
• Team: Los Angeles Lakers
• Awards: 4x MVP, 4x Finals MVP, 18x All-Star, 18x All-NBA
• Career stats: 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists
• Guaranteed earnings: $532,119,451
• Career earnings so far: $390,511,090 in 19 seasons
• Highest salary so far: $44,474,988 in 2022-23 (4th in the NBA)

2. Stephen Curry

One of the highest-paid NBA players of all time, Stephen Curry, is renowned for his amazing shooting abilities. Stephen Curry can make three-pointers from apparently unattainable distances. Steph’s enthusiasm for basketball came easily to him as he was raised in Akron, Ohio (the same place as LeBron James) in 1988. 

Steph Curry grew up surrounded by basketball because his father, Dell Curry, was a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Steph’s skill was obvious even if he wasn’t nearly LeBron-level fame as a youngster. On June 25, 2009, the Golden State Warriors selected Curry as the seventh overall selection in the 2009 NBA draft. Years of perseverance and hard work have made him a legend, renowned for his game-changing shooting skills.

• Age: 34
• Team: Golden State Warriors
• Awards: 2X MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 8x All-Star, 8x All-NBA
• Career stats: 24.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists
• Guaranteed earnings: $473,212,714
• Career earnings so far: $257,859,052 in 13 seasons
• Highest salary so far: $48,070,014 in 2022-22 (1st in the NBA)

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3. Damian Lillard

Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard Sr. was born in Oakland, California, in 1991, and he developed a passion for basketball early on. Although he wasn’t a youthful sports hero who made magazine covers, his abilities were obvious. He excelled in high school and college, leading to the Portland Trail Blazers, the first professional team that selected him in the draft. 

Thanks to his exceptional shooting abilities and clutch performances, Damian Lillard is today among the highest-paid NBA players ever. He has become a legendary player through his hard work, devotion, and talent! Today, he plays for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association.

• Age: 33 years
• Team: Milwaukee Bucks (Point guard), United States
• Award: NBA Rookie of the Year Award 2013, All-NBA Team 2021, 2019, 2018, …NBA, All-Rookie Team 2013, Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award 2021
• Career stats: 25.1 points, 6.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds
• Guaranteed earnings: $451,772,802
• Career earnings so far: $193,078,511 in 10 seasons
• Highest salary so far: $42,492,492 in 2022-23 (8th in the NBA)

4. Kevin Durant

Another highest-paid NBA player of all time who lights up highlight reels and bank accounts is Kevin Durant. Kevin was born in 1988 and loved basketball growing up in Washington, D.C. Even though he didn’t have the same cover image as LeBron James when he was a high school athlete, everyone who watched him play recognized his unique talent. 

Kevin Durant, also known by his initials KD, was selected as the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics. He continued to work hard and showcase his abilities; finally, in the 2009–10 season, Durant was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game. 

Details:

• Age: 33
• Team: Brooklyn Nets
• Awards: 1x MVP, 12x All-Star, 10x All-NBA
• Career stats: 27.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists
• Guaranteed earnings: $511,827,650
• Career earnings so far: $314,170,742 in 14 seasons
• Highest salary so far: $44,119,845 in 2022-23 (5th in the NBA)

5. Bradley Beal

In the NBA, Bradley Beal is a sensational player! A 1993 native of St. Louis, Missouri, basketball was essentially in his blood. Bradley continued the athletic streak that both of his parents possessed. He was not simply competent but exceptionally so! His talents earned him a berth in the professional NBA club after he made an impression on everyone in high school and college. 

He was selected by the Washington Wizards as the third overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft. Throughout his 11 seasons playing for Washington, he earned recognition, including being selected for the All-Rookie First Team in 2013, making the All-NBA Third Team in 2021, and achieving All-Star status three times. Bradley Beal, who just moved clubs to play for the Phoenix Suns, is still a rising star in the NBA because of his incredible shooting ability and unwavering commitment to the cause. In the annals of basketball history, Beal’s name is etched as one of the highest-paid NBA players of all time.

• Age: 30 years
• Team: Phoenix Suns
• Award: 3× NBA All-Star (2018, 2019, 2021), All-NBA Third Team (2021), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2013), First-team All-SEC (2012), Gatorade National Player of the Year (2011)
• Career stats: 17.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists 
• Guaranteed earnings: $430,567,673
• Career earnings so far: $179,548,023 in 10 seasons
• Highest salary so far: $43,279,250 in 2022-23 (6th in the NBA)

Also Read: NBA Players With Most MVP Awards In NBA History

6. Karl-Anthony Towns

A formidable player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Karl-Anthony Towns Karl-Anthony, who was born in 1995 in Piscataway, New Jersey, has always had a passion for basketball. He was a tremendously gifted player in both high school and college, and the Minnesota Timberwolves selected him as the first choice in the 2015 NBA draft because of his extraordinary abilities. 

He was also named the NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2015–16 season. He received four All-Star selections and won the 2021–22 NBA Three-Point Contest. Karl-Anthony Towns is a superstar recognized for his incredible shooting range and inside play. Today, he is among the NBA richest players, but he is still waiting for his team to win a title!

• Age: 28 years
• Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
• Award: 4× NBA All-Star (2018, 2019, 2022, 2024), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2018, 2022), NBA Rookie of the Year (2016), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2016), NBA Three-Point Contest Champion (2022)
• Career stats: 13,121 points, 6 rebounds, 
• Guaranteed earnings: $408,197,035
• Career earnings so far: $114,123,435 in seven seasons
• Highest salary so far: $33,833,400 in 2022-23 (24th in the NBA)

7. Devin Booker

For the Phoenix Suns, Devin Booker is a rising star in the NBA who lights up the court! Devin, who was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996, started playing basketball at a very young age. Even though he wasn’t well-known in his teens, his skill was obvious. 

His abilities in high school and college won him over to the Phoenix Suns, who selected him as the 13th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. Devin Booker has developed into a top player with perseverance, hard effort, and impressive shooting ability. He is renowned for his clutch plays and deft playmaking.

• Age: 27
• Team: Phoenix Suns
• Award: 1 All-Rookie Team, 3 NBA Player of the Month, 9 NBA Player of the Week, 1 All-NBA.
• Career stats: 24.3 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.0 rebounds
• Guaranteed earnings: $392,390,165
• Career earnings so far: $98,316,565 in seven seasons
• Highest salary so far: $33,833,400 in 2022-23 (24th in the NBA)

8. Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid is a formidable player for the Philadelphia 76ers when it comes to basketball! Joel, who was born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in 1994, had a distinct path to the NBA. He used to play soccer and volleyball and even had dreams of playing volleyball professionally in Europe! But when he first played basketball at 15, he fell in love with the sport. He was a late bloomer, but there was no denying his talent and commitment. 

He relocated to the US to concentrate on his basketball career with the assistance of a mentor. He had a great collegiate career and was selected by the 76ers in the draft. Today, Joel Embiid is among the highest-paid NBA players of all time, renowned for his strong movements, excellent shooting, and defensive abilities. He has developed into a contender for the NBA MVP award through his hard work and determination!

• Age: 30 years
• Team: Philadelphia 76ers
• Awards: NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2023.
• Current stats: 34.7 points, 11.0 rebound
• Guaranteed earnings: $375,980,446
• Career earnings so far: $133,819,676 in six seasons
• Highest salary so far: $33,616,770 in 2022-23 (28th in the NBA)

Also Read: 30 Interesting Basketball Facts Which Will Leave Your Jaw Dropped

9. Nikola Jokic

Another NBA standout with a surprising backstory is Nikola Jokic! Born in 1995 in Sombor, Serbia, he developed a passion for basketball at a young age. Although he didn’t stand out as a youngster, his coaches saw a unique combination of abilities and work ethic. 

Nikola persevered in honing his craft and finally became a professional player in Europe. Eventually, the Denver Nuggets, an NBA franchise, saw his skill. Nikola is said to be the greatest draft steal in NBA history. Jokić, a six-time NBA All-Star, has been selected for the All-NBA Team five times, including three first-team nods. He clinched the NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons. Additionally, he competed for the Serbian national team and secured a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

• Age: 29 years
• Team: Denver Nuggets
• Award: 5 All-NBA, 1 All-Rookie Team, 2 NBA Most Valuable Player, 7 NBA Player of the Month, and 12 NBA Player of the Week awards are given out.
• Career stats: 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists
• Guaranteed earnings: $420,726,481
• Career earnings so far: $117,688,678 in seven seasons
• Highest salary so far: $33,047,803 in 2022-23 (31st in the NBA)

10. Chris Paul

In the NBA, Christopher Emmanuel Paul, nicknamed “CP3” and “the Point God”, is revered as a legendary point guard who directs play for his team! Chris, who was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1985, has always had a passion for basketball. He wasn’t very tall, but there was no denying his abilities. 

After excelling in high school and college, he was selected by the New Orleans Hornets (now the Pelicans), a professional club. Chris Paul has played for several different teams over his career and is now among the highest-paid NBA players ever. He has achieved numerous accolades, including the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, an NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award, and two Olympic gold medals. He’s led the NBA in assists five times and steals a record six times. Additionally, he’s been named to twelve NBA All-Star teams, eleven All-NBA teams, and nine NBA All-Defensive teams. Furthermore, he was honored with selection to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

• Age: 38 years
• Team: Golden State Warriors 
• Awards: All-NBA Team 2021, 2016, 2014, NBA All-Defensive Team 2017, 2016, 2015,  NBA Rookie of the Year Award 2006. NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP Award 2013
• Current stats: 17.5 points, 9.4 assists, 4.5 rebounds
• Guaranteed earnings: $375,177,385
• Career earnings so far: $330,977,385 in 17 seasons
• Highest salary so far: $41,358,814 in 2020-21 (2nd in the NBA)

Also Read: Top 10 Basketball Leagues Worldwide Beyond the NBA

Conclusion

With this, we conclude the list of the 10 NBA richest players. Did your favorite player secure a spot on this prestigious list? While these players may be highly paid, there are many other amazing basketball players in the NBA whose talents never cease to astonish us. From undisputed legends like LeBron James and Stephen Curry to some young players like Devin Booker, each is known for their incredible talent, unwavering work ethic and commitment to the sport. These qualities have elevated them not only to the status of NBA legends but also to the realm of multimillionaire athletes!

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