The National Basketball Association is home to arguably the most talented athletes in the world. With the league's popularity skyrocketing over the years, so has the salaries of its players. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the highest-paid players in the NBA, who have earned their way to the top through their impressive skills and dedication to the game. Specifically, we will focus on the player salaries for the 2023-24 NBA season.
It's fascinating to note that these players' salaries don't only come from their lucrative contracts with their respective teams but also from their brand endorsements, merchandise sales, and social media following. Why do players earn so much outside of marketing, one might ask? Mainly because of their outstanding game performances, leadership skills, and overall brand appeal. Of course, there are also challenges that come with earning such hefty paychecks, including media scrutiny, public pressure, and the need to continuously deliver big-time performances both on and off the court. Remember, being box office also means having pristine behavior off the floor.
Whether you're a basketball enthusiast or simply curious about the world of top-tier sports, looking at the players who are making over $35 million per season is always a fascinating read. Without further ado, here are the highest-paid NBA players for the upcoming 2023-24 season, and it will yield some interesting results.
20T. Ben Simmons - $37,893,408
Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 6.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Ben Simmons was once one of the most impressive young players in the NBA. He had been a key contributor for the Philadelphia 76ers when he was drafted No. 1 overall in 2016, earning a reputation as one of the best defenders in the league. However, since his stint with Philadelphia ended, Simmons has been an afterthought and is instead one of the most overrated and overpaid players in the world.
Assuming Simmons gets his mental blockage in check, there are areas for him to still work on to not be an overrated and overpaid player. While he is a fantastic playmaker and defender, Simmons' lack of a reliable jump shot limits his offensive potential. If he can improve in that area, he will become even more valuable to potential suitors. Ben Simmons has the skills to be one of the highest-paid players in the NBA in 2024, but his inability to be an All-Star again has meant he does not belong on this list.
20T. Pascal Siakam - $37,893,408
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 24.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 5.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Pascal Siakam is an All-Star in the NBA with incredible talents at his position. As a forward for the Toronto Raptors, Siakam’s athleticism and versatility on the court make him a valuable asset to his team. He has been improving each season, earning the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 2019 and being named an All-Star in 2020 and this year in 2023. Looking ahead to Siakam's NBA salary in 2024, it is important to consider his current contract. In 2019, he signed a four-year contract extension worth $130 million with the Raptors. This puts his annual salary at around $32.5 million, making him one of the higher-paid players in the league. By 2024, Siakam will have two years remaining on his contract with the Raptors.
His salary will likely continue to increase with each passing year, especially if he maintains his current level of performance. Based on his trajectory and potential, it is possible that he could earn a contract worth over $200 million in his next deal. However, there are some factors that could potentially impact Siakam's market value in the coming years. If the Raptors struggle as a team or if Siakam's individual performance declines, his value could diminish. Not to mention, the forward might end up getting traded if the right package comes along this summer.
19. Tobias Harris - $39,270,150
Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 14.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
The current starting power forward for the Philadelphia 76ers, Tobias Harris, is known for his efficient scoring, solid outside shooting, and versatility on the court. He was drafted 19th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in 2011, and over the course of his career, he has established himself as one of the league's most consistent players. Harris recently signed a five-year, $180 million contract with the 76ers in 2019, which will keep him with the team until 2024. This places Harris among the top-paid players in the NBA. However, his performance in the years leading up to his contract raises questions about whether or not he will continue to be worth such a high salary moving forward.
Harris is a skilled player with an impressive career so far, but the true value of his current contract remains to be seen because he probably shouldn’t be among the top-20 highest-paid players because he isn’t a top-20 player in the world. The 76ers will be looking to him to continue to perform at a high level in the upcoming years in order to justify his high salary and make their investment worth it. No doubt, moving on from Harris could actually be the right move this summer if the team doesn’t win a championship.
16T. Trae Young - $40,064,220
Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 26.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 10.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Trae Young is one of the most exciting young players in the NBA to watch when the ball is in his hands. Known for his incredible shooting range, fast-paced play style, and ability to make plays for his teammates, Trae Young has quickly become one of the most exciting players to watch on the court. In terms of his salary, Trae Young is currently on a deal that pays him over $40 million per season. However, given his incredible offensive ability and the way he has developed his game in his first few years in the league, it is likely that he will demand a huge salary going forward. After all, how many players are there that can put up 26 PPG and 10 APG?
There is no doubt that Trae Young is one of the most exciting players in the NBA, and his future salary reflects that. Even if there are a ton of critics who are making their noise about Young’s inefficient game and even his attitude, the point guard is an elite offensive player and deserves to be making over $40 million per season in the modern NBA, where there are worse players getting paid more than him.
16T. Zach LaVine - $40,064,220
Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 24.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Zach LaVine is one of the most exciting players in the NBA, known for his incredible athleticism and scoring ability. At just 28 years old, he still has plenty of potential to improve, making him a highly sought-after asset for any team that wants to boost their offense. LaVine was No. 13 overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2014, but he really made a name for himself after being traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2017. LaVine has since made two All-Star Teams and averaged 24 PPG this season.
Assuming that LaVine continues to perform at a high level, his salary worth at least $40 million per season could be suitable. While this may seem like a staggering amount of money, it is important to remember that NBA salaries are determined by a number of factors, including a player's performance, the potential for improvement, and market demand for their skills. The Chicago Bulls might end up trading LaVine, and if they do, they could avoid the high salary being paid to the shooting guard.
16T. Luka Doncic - $40,064,220
Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 32.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Luka Doncic is one of the best talents in the NBA, known for his incredible ball-handling skills, court vision, and scoring ability. At just 24 years old, he has already made a significant impact on the Dallas Mavericks, leading them to the Western Conference Finals last year. As a frequent triple-double threat, Luka Doncic is widely considered one of the best players in the game today and is a legitimate MVP candidate every year. Surprisingly, Doncic is only the 16th highest-paid player in the world.
His quick decision-making, accuracy, and playmaking skills have made him a fan favorite and earned him comparisons to some of the all-time greats in the sport. Given his impressive performance so far and his potential for even greater success in the future, it's likely that Doncic's salary will continue to increase over the next few years as he potentially has some more reinforcements on the way. However, in 2024, the Slovenian will make over $40 million, and he obviously deserves every penny of it.
15. Khris Middleton - $40,396,552
Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 15.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Khris Middleton is not a top-15 player in the world despite the fact that he is the 15th highest-paid player in the world. The sharpshooter is getting paid this much because the Milwaukee Bucks wanted consistency in the team, with Middleton being Giannis Antetokounmpo’s sidekick. It worked in the 2020-21 season as the Bucks went on to win the championship with Middleton acting as the scorer and go-to perimeter defender.
Next season, Middleton has a player option of over $40 million, and unless he is in the mix for a long-term deal worth much more overall, he will accept this option. Remember, the Bucks have just fired coach Mike Budenholzer, and that means there could be changes, including Giannis potentially joining a new team. If that happens, Middleton could be finding a new home this summer.
14. Anthony Davis - $40,600,080
Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 25.9 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.0 BPG
Anthony Davis is widely recognized as one of the most talented basketball players in the world, which is why he is one of the highest-paid players in the NBA. He is an eight-time All-Star and has been named to the All-NBA Team four times. As a dominant force on both ends of the court, Davis is also renowned for his excellent defensive ability. He has been named to the NBA All-Defensive Team four times, and his combination of speed, agility, and strength make him one of the most versatile players in the game today.
Even if many are frustrated with the big man’s inability to stay healthy, Davis has been a crucial part of the Los Angeles Lakers as he was the go-to scorer in the 2020 season. His consistency, leadership, and work ethic are just some of the qualities that have contributed to his success as an athlete and made him one of the top-paid players in the world. When Anthony Davis is healthy, he is a top-10 player in the world, and that is why he is getting paid over $40 million per year.
13. Rudy Gobert - $41,000,000
Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 13.4 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.4 BPG
Rudy Gobert is one of the most criticized players in the world because many feel the six-time All-Defensive Team member is overrated. The Frenchman is an elite shot-blocker and rim protector, but he isn’t as imposing as he is supposed to be despite being 7 feet tall with extremely long arms. In other words, many feel that Gobert is too much of a pushover to warrant over $40 million per season. Regardless, the Utah Jazz decided to pay the center max money, and he is now making that money with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Known as the "Stifle Tower," Gobert is still one of the best defensive players in the NBA and has been named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year three times, which is why he is one of the highest-paid players in the world. His unique defensive abilities make him an asset to any team, as he can alter the course of the game with his shot-blocking and defensive rebounds. In addition to his defensive prowess, Rudy Gobert is also an excellent rebounder. It is never easy to score on Gobert, and that means he should make big money, although making half his salary would take him out of the spotlight.
12. Klay Thompson - $43,219,440
Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 21.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Klay Thompson is one of the highest-paid players in the world due to his outstanding talent and abilities as a basketball player. One half of the “Splash Brothers,” he is known as one of the best shooters in NBA history, with an incredible ability to knock down shots from long range alongside Stephen Curry. Thompson is a five-time NBA All-Star, has been named to the All-NBA team two times, and is a four-time NBA champion. He is also known for his exceptional defense and versatility on both ends of the court.
Off the court, Thompson's marketability and popularity also play a role in his being one of the highest-paid players in the world. He has endorsement deals with notable brands such as Nike, Anta, and BodyArmor, among others. Fans appreciate his quiet and humble demeanor, which adds to his appeal and marketability. Overall, Klay Thompson's impressive on-court performance and off-court appeal have solidified his place as a top-15 player in the world in terms of salary.
11. Jimmy Butler - $45,183,960
Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 22.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Anytime a player becomes a top-5 player in the world in the postseason specifically, he deserves over $45 million per year. Nobody raises their game in the playoffs right now than “Playoff Jimmy,” and his leadership has made the Miami Heat a legitimate title contender year after year, no matter what happens in the regular season. Whether it is playing lockdown defense or carrying the scoring burden, Jimmy Butler is a max player.
Overall, Jimmy Butler's exceptional skills, leadership, and work ethic have made him one of the most valuable players in the league, deserving of his high salary that will eclipse $45 million in 2024. Interestingly, the All-Star swingman has a player option in the 2026 season, which means he could be making over $50 million by the time the 2026 season comes around.
7T. Paul George - $45,640,084
Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 23.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Paul George, known as PG13, is one of the highest-paid players in the world due to his outstanding talent and skills as a basketball player pertaining to both ends of the court. He is an eight-time NBA All-Star and has been named to the All-NBA team six times. In addition to his impressive individual achievements, George is a team player who brings leadership and defense to the court. George is widely regarded as one of the best two-way players in the NBA, meaning that he excels at both offense and defense. He is capable of scoring from anywhere on the court, whether it's driving to the basket or shooting from beyond the arc.
Defensively, he is known for his ability to shut down opposing players, and he regularly leads his team in steals and deflections. However, the fact that Paul George has been unable to keep healthy has prevented him from being respected as a top-10 player in the world, even if he is getting paid like it. When George is healthy, he deserves max money, but that has not been the case over the past few seasons.
7T. Kawhi Leonard - $45,640,084
Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 23.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Kawhi Leonard is widely regarded as one of the most complete and dominant players in the NBA, which is why he is one of the highest-paid players in the world. His skills on the court are unmatched, and his remarkable ability to score, defend and rebound has put him in a class of his own among his peers. Leonard is a two-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, and a five-time All-Star. He has also been named to the NBA All-Defensive Team seven times.
Leonard's all-around talent has made him a valuable asset to any team he has played for, including the Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto Raptors, and San Antonio Spurs, and his strong work ethic and focus on improving his game has set him apart from other players in the league. In addition to his on-court skills, Kawhi Leonard is also a marketable figure in the world of sports. He has signed numerous endorsement deals with brands such as New Balance, Nike, and Beats by Dre, which further solidify his status as one of the top athletes in the world, and he gets paid like it.
7T. Giannis Antetokounmpo - $45,640,084
Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 31.1 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 5.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as the "Greek Freak," is one of the most dominant basketball players in the world. He is a two-time Most Valuable Player and a four-time All-NBA selection, showcasing his exceptional talent and skill on the court. Giannis possesses a unique combination of size, speed, and athleticism, allowing him to excel in all areas of the game, including scoring, rebounding, defending, and playmaking. His abilities have made him one of the most valuable players in the NBA, and as a result, he is one of the highest-paid players in the world. In addition to his on-court success, Giannis is also known for his incredible work ethic and dedication to improving his game. He has a relentless drive to be the best and is always striving to get better. This kind of mentality has earned him the respect and admiration of fans, coaches, and fellow players alike.
Giannis's marketability has also contributed to his high earnings. He has endorsement deals with major brands like Nike, Hulu, and T-Mobile, among others, and his popularity has also led to increased merchandise sales and ticket sales for the Milwaukee Bucks, the team he plays for. Antetokounmpo's extraordinary talent, work ethic, and marketability have made him one of the most valuable basketball players in the world, and he rightfully earns his place as one of the highest-paid players in the NBA.
7T. Damian Lillard - $45,640,084
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 32.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 7.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Damian Lillard is one of the highest-paid players in the world because of his exceptional talent and skill on the basketball court. He is a seven-time All-Star and has been named to both All-NBA First Team and Second Team multiple times. He has also been named the NBA Rookie of the Year and has won numerous other awards throughout his career. Additionally, his leadership skills and ability to generate revenue for his team both on and off the court make him a highly valued player in the NBA.
The combination of these factors has contributed to his high salary and status within the league. However, Damian Lillard isn’t just any ordinary star player. Rather, he is one of the game’s greatest scorers, and he continues to do it at a high level, even at age 32. Whether Lillard leaves the Portland Trail Blazers or not remains to be seen, but no matter what, the point guard is making over $45 million per season, and nobody has a problem with that.
6. Nikola Jokic - $46,550,000
Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 24.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 9.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Nikola Jokic is a two-time reigning MVP and one of the best players in the world, especially when he finished runner-up for the MVP award again this year. In fact, the Serbian was the frontrunner all year before a late Joel Embiid surge made it impossible for the Nuggets star to be the first three-time consecutive MVP winner since Larry Bird. Even so, Nikola Jokic had an unbelievable season as he averaged a near-triple-double with 24.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, and 9.8 APG.
No other player in the world can put up these numbers right now, regardless of the fact Jokic is a center. We have never seen a point-center before, but Jokic is doing that at a high level right now and isn’t slowing down as he continues to gain experience. The Serbian is a one-of-a-kind player, and he is getting paid over $46 million as a result.
5. LeBron James - $46,698,737
Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 28.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 6.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
LeBron James is 38 years old but is still a top-ten player in the world and one of the best passers in the NBA right now. The King is one of the most popular players in the NBA, and the Crypto.com Arena sells out time and time again because he is headlining. James broke the all-time scoring record this season, and that alone brought in a sold-out show along with endless media attention.
Whatever LeBron James does, it makes news, whether it is for good or bad. The King hasn’t actually placed a foot wrong outside of the court throughout his entire career but has been a polarizing figure when it comes to being outspoken. Due to his incredible talent, leadership, experience, and box-office qualities, The King deserves to be the top-5 highest-paid player in the world, and that won’t change in the 2024 season.
4. Bradley Beal - $46,741,590
Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 23.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Bradley Beal is a very respected scorer and an elite shooter, but he is making far too much money, considering he has played under 65 games for four straight seasons. This year, Beal only played in 50 games and did not have his best season scoring the basketball. Rather, he only averaged 23.2 PPG on 36.5% shooting from deep.
The fact that the Washington Wizards aren’t a team to be fearful of at this moment means that Bradley Beal can be making supermax money. After all, who else is going to fill out seats in the stadium? The shooting guard is an elite scorer when healthy, but he probably shouldn’t be getting paid more than LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, or Giannis Antetokounmpo, among others.
3. Joel Embiid - $46,900,000
Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 33.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.7 BPG
The league’s MVP will command a salary that pays over $46 million next season. Guess who has a problem with that? Nobody. Joel Embiid is one of the two greatest centers in the world, and he dominates both ends of the court, unlike other players on this list who are getting paid big bucks. Embiid won the MVP award convincingly this season because he captured his second-straight scoring title and led the Philadelphia 76ers to a 54-28 record.
Embiid is looking for his first NBA title this year, and he might be getting a chance to make the Finals this year alongside James Harden. Joel is simply unstoppable offensively, and if he isn’t double-teamed, it is normally game over for the opposition. Any player who posts over 30 PPG and 10 RPG will always make supermax money, and Embiid is another example of that type of talent.
2. Kevin Durant - $47,649,433
Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 29.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.4 BPG
A four-time scoring champion and still a top-five player in the world, Kevin Durant will be paid like a bonafide superstar because he is one. Known for his elite jump-shooting and shot-creation abilities, Durant is literally unstoppable at times, and he will be starting a new era in Phoenix alongside Devin Booker with the Suns. No doubt, Phoenix will have zero problems paying the former Oklahoma City Thunder superstar.
Durant once again had a fantastic season numbers wise, even if he only appeared in 47 games with the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns. Durant will be an untouchable player going forward because his style of play will never be extinct, and even as he ages, he will be able to shoot close to 50-40-90 every single season. Making over $47 million in 2024, expect Kevin Durant to be a force with the Phoenix Suns next season as he gains more chemistry with his new teammates.
1. Stephen Curry - $51,915,615
Credit: David Butler II/USA Today Sports
2022-23 Stats: 29.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 6.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Stephen Curry is the greatest shooter of all time and also the face of the NBA when taking into account his popularity across the league. The point guard is still a top-five player in the world, and he might have even improved as an all-around player at age 35. Curry can literally dominate a game far better than ever before, even when he isn’t making threes.
Based on his production and massive fan value, Curry easily generates over the $51 million he was paid last year. The point guard is still posting superstar numbers and did it again this year by posting 29.4 PPG on 42.7% shooting from three. The Golden State Warriors franchise has a ton of fans across the world, and Curry is the star of the show, meaning he deserves every penny he will earn to start next year. We will never see another Stephen Curry, and that means the player will benefit financially as a result.
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