Readholmes Editorial Team
March 4, 2026
The financial landscape of professional basketball has shifted dramatically over the last decade. Gone are the days when a $20 million annual salary was the ceiling for the league's elite. Today, thanks to massive television rights deals and the NBA's intricate revenue-sharing models, the league's top-tier talent is entering the era of the $50 million and $60 million annual paycheck.
For fans and analysts alike, these figures represent more than just wealth; they signify a player's value to a franchise's brand and their championship aspirations. In this guide, we break down the top 10 highest-paid basketballers for the 2024-2025 season, the teams they play for, and the context behind their massive contracts.
Before diving into the list, it is important to understand that these figures represent base salaries for the 2024-2025 season. They do not include off-court endorsements, which for players like LeBron James or Stephen Curry, can often double their total annual income. Most of the players on this list have qualified for "Supermax" extensions (Designated Veteran Player Extensions), which allow teams to pay their own homegrown stars up to 35% of the total salary cap.
| Rank | Player | Team | 2024-25 Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors | $55,761,216 |
| 2 | Nikola Jokić | Denver Nuggets | $51,415,938 |
| 3 | Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers | $51,415,938 |
| 4 | Kevin Durant | Phoenix Suns | $51,179,021 |
| 5 | Bradley Beal | Phoenix Suns | $50,203,930 |
| 6 | Devin Booker | Phoenix Suns | $49,205,800 |
| 7 | Jaylen Brown | Boston Celtics | $49,205,800 |
| 8 | Karl-Anthony Towns | New York Knicks | $49,205,800 |
| 9 | Kawhi Leonard | LA Clippers | $49,205,800 |
| 10 | Paul George | Philadelphia 76ers | $49,205,800 |
Salary: $55,761,216
Stephen Curry continues to hold the throne as the highest-paid player in the league. As the face of the Golden State Warriors and the man who revolutionized the three-point shot, Curry’s value to the franchise transcends his on-court production. He is currently in the midst of a four-year, $215 million extension.
Curry’s contract is a testament to loyalty and sustained excellence. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, his ability to draw gravity on the court remains unmatched, making him worth every penny to a Warriors team still looking to squeeze out one more championship run.
Salary: $51,415,938
The "Joker" is widely considered the best player in the world today. As a three-time MVP and a Finals MVP, Nikola Jokić secured a massive supermax extension that kicked in recently. The Denver Nuggets center is the hub of their entire offensive system, proving that a pass-first big man can indeed be the highest-paid asset on a championship-caliber team.
Salary: $51,415,938
Tied with Jokić is the 76ers' powerhouse, Joel Embiid. Following his MVP season in 2023, Embiid’s contract reflects his status as one of the most dominant two-way forces in basketball history. For Philadelphia, paying Embiid this premium is a necessity to stay in the title conversation, even as they navigate the complexities of building a roster around his unique physical demands.
Salary: $51,179,021
Kevin Durant remains one of the most efficient scorers the game has ever seen. Now with the Phoenix Suns, Durant’s contract is a carryover from his time in Brooklyn, but his value hasn't dipped. The Suns are currently paying a premium for a "Big Three" model, with Durant leading the financial charge.
Salary: $50,203,930
Perhaps the most debated contract on this list, Bradley Beal joined the Suns via trade from Washington. While Beal is an elite scorer, his contract is notable because it includes a rare "no-trade clause," giving him significant leverage over his professional future. His presence in the top five highlights how much teams are willing to spend to acquire established All-Star talent.
Salary: $49,205,800
The third Phoenix Sun in the top 10, Devin Booker’s supermax extension reflects his growth from a lottery pick to the foundational cornerstone of the franchise. At 27, he is one of the younger players on this high-earner list, ensuring he will likely be near the top of these rankings for years to come.
Salary: $49,205,800
In the summer of 2023, Jaylen Brown signed what was then the richest contract in NBA history a five-year deal worth up to $304 million. While his 2024-25 salary sits at $49.2M, it will escalate significantly in the coming years. Following the Celtics' 2024 Championship win, this investment has already paid dividends for the Boston front office.
Salary: $49,205,800
Previously the cornerstone of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Karl-Anthony Towns was recently traded to the New York Knicks in a blockbuster move. His massive contract moves with him to Madison Square Garden. As a big man who can shoot like a guard, Towns represents the modern "unicorn" archetype that commands top-tier financial compensation. accents of orange and blue.
Salary: $49,205,800
Kawhi Leonard remains the focal point of the LA Clippers' championship hopes. Despite battles with injuries, his two-way dominance when healthy is undeniable. The Clippers signed him to a three-year extension in early 2024 to ensure he remains the face of the franchise as they move into their new arena, the Intuit Dome.
Salary: $49,205,800
Rounding out the top 10 is Paul George, who made headlines this past offseason by leaving the Clippers to join Joel Embiid in Philadelphia. George signed a four-year, $212 million max contract, proving that even in his mid-30s, elite wings who can play both ends of the floor are the most coveted assets in the league.
While these salaries are staggering, they come with significant challenges for the teams paying them. The NBA's new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) introduced the "Second Apron" a secondary luxury tax threshold.
Q: Who is the highest-paid basketball player of all time?
A: In terms of total career earnings from NBA salaries alone, LeBron James currently holds the record, having earned over $480 million across his career.
Q: Why are NBA salaries so much higher than NFL salaries?
A: NBA rosters are much smaller (15 players vs 53 in the NFL), and the NBA has a higher percentage of guaranteed money. Additionally, the NBA's global reach and 82-game season generate massive regional and national TV revenue.
Q: What is a "Supermax" contract?
A: Formally known as the Designated Veteran Player Extension, it allows a player with 7-9 years of experience who meets certain criteria (like making an All-NBA team) to sign a contract starting at 35% of the team's salary cap.
Disclaimer: The salary figures mentioned in this article are based on publicly available contract data and projections for the 2024-2025 NBA season. These figures represent gross base salary before taxes, agent fees, and escrow withholdings. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or professional sports management advice.
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Readholmes Editorial Team
Contributing writer at Readholmes. Our authors are passionate about delivering accurate, well-researched content to help readers make informed decisions.
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