NBA’s 6 Highest-Paid Players
America’s third most popular sport is picking up more fans than ever before – and with increased interest comes bigger salaries for players. Since Michael Jordan made history with his $30 million contract, mega-salaries have become the norm among the world’s top basketball players. On top of this, many players make deals with leading sportswear and merchandise brands – boosting their earnings to astronomically proportions.
Even among the world of eight-figure salaries, there are some players who make a huge amount more than their teammates. Who stands above the crowd when it comes to earnings, and what kind of salaries are the top NBA players picking up? Find out with our guide to the most financially successful players of all time.
Most Earnings Over An Entire NBA Career: Kevin Garnett
Over 19 seasons, power forward Kevin Garnett racked up a staggering $315,372,398 in professional earnings. At the peak of his Minnesota Timberwolves career, Garnett was picking up a cool $28 million per season. He also spent time with the Celtics and the Nets, but has returned to former home Timberwolves where he still plays today. Garnett has also boosted his earnings with a gold-winning Olympic performance and remains one of basketball’s most successful players to date – increasing that overall total each year.
First Player With A $30 Million Contract: Michael Jordan
Back in 1997, Michael Jordan was stunning courts across the country with a staggering comeback, earning five MVP awards and catapulting to global fame through successful branding and sponsorship deals. Jordan was big business – and the Chicago Bulls knew this when they renewed the superstar athlete’s contract. The player collected $33 million in his penultimate season. Since the historic deal was signed, only Kobe Bryant has reached the same milestone. Bryant’s Lakers salary exceeded $30 million between 2012-2014.
Number Of Players In Forbes’ Highest-Paid Athletes List: 3
Forbes released its 2016 Rich List for sports earlier this year, with pro soccer players Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo topping the chart. In third place was LeBron James, Cleveland’s former MVP who pushed the team to victory in the All-Stars finals. James collected a $23.2 million salary during his last season with the Cavaliers, and this salary got a serious boost with $54 million in deals and endorsements. Nike has been instrumental in driving James’ fortunes, with record-breaking sponsorships. James recently ended his contract with league-winning Cleveland, reportedly to benefit from a rising salary cap in the coming season.
Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant also featured in this year’s list, above golf’s Tiger Woods and racing star Lewis Hamilton. Durant is another player aiming to maximize his earnings by playing the salary cap rules. His two year contract could be worth as much as $100 million as a result. Currently the Warriors’ small forward is netting $20.16 million per season.
Basketball’s Current MVP: Stephen Curry
Golden State Warriors have their own superstar player who has achieved a unique place in sports history. Stephen Curry became one of a select few players to pick up two consecutive MVP awards – and he was also the first ever to get 100% of the votes. Despite his recent prowess, the young Warriors’ point guard collects a surprisingly low $11.37 million per season – although his contract will surely be renegotiated and his cap lifted in light of his contribution to the sport lately!
First Super-Salary For A Basketball Player: George Mikan ($12,500)
Back in 1946, just before the start of the NBA as we know it today, there was a superstar player making headlines and attracting attention. George Mikan was a very desirable player who made a name for himself at the Chicago American Gears, before a random selection handed his contract to the Minneapolis Lakers. At the time, the professional leagues were facing a split and national interest in the sport was limited. The Lakers had as much chance as any of landing the promising young player, but they knew they had to act to keep him playing for them. His starting salary of $12,500 was the highest ever paid to a basketball player, and he is credited with changing the game’s fortunes permanently.
Highest Future Earnings: Kobe Bryant
Though LeBron James will surely push to break the same record as his professional career continues, Kobe Bryant is looking set to smash Kevin Garnett’s $315 million career earnings later this year – by over twice as much. Bryant has announced his retirement this year, and estimates suggest he could do so with a record-breaking $680 million salary history behind him. The Lakers’ superstar has made a fortune in brand endorsements as well as his player wages, so retirement looks set to be very comfortable for Bryant!