Many players will earn tens of millions of dollars, with Golden State Warriors veteran Stephen Curry on top of the standings for the eighth season running
The 79th NBA season is upon us after an eventful summer.
The Boston Celtics are still favourites to retain their title, and top players switched teams for different reasons.
Many players will earn tens of millions of dollars, with Golden State Warriors veteran Stephen Curry on top of the standings for the eighth season running.
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum currently has the richest contract in the NBA, having signed a supermax contract worth US$314 million over five years. He overtook his teammate Jaylen Brown, who signed a massive deal in the summer of 2023.
Still, neither will be the highest-paid player in the upcoming NBA season. Upcoming stars like Luka Doncic and Shai-Gilgeous Alexander will soon become the highest-paid players, with the salary cap rising every year. Here are the top five highest-paid players.
Top 5 highest-paid NBA players
5. Jaylen Brown and Devin Booker
Last season’s Finals MVP, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, once owned the richest contract in the NBA, but his teammate Jason Tatum overtook him. Brown and Suns guard Devin Booker will earn US$49,205,800.
New New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns, LA Clippers veteran Kawhi Leonard, and former teammate Paul George will also earn US$49,205,800.
4. Bradley Beal
The Suns’ guard struggled to reproduce his Washington Wizards in Phoenix. He averaged 18 points last season and is entering his 13th season. He will pocket US$50,203,930 in the 2024/25 season. Beal, Durant, and Devin Booker will be looking to win a title next season.
3. Kevin Durant – Phoenix Suns
The 36-year-old Suns veteran is one of the best players ever. Although he has struggled with injuries in the last few years, he is making big money. The two-time NBA champion will make US$51,179,021 next season and will attempt to win his third ring.
2. Joel Embiid & Nikola Jokic
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid overcame injuries earlier in his career and is now one of the best players in the NBA. Last month, the Cameroon centre signed a three-year US$192.9 million contract extension, which will take him through the 2028/29 season.
He will earn US$51,415,938 next season. Embiid and the Sixers will be looking to make another run for the NAB title after adding Paul George to the squad.
Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic won his third MVP trophy last season but failed to defend the NBA title. He will earn the same amount as his MVP rival.
1. Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors
Curry is entering his 16th NBA season and will be looking to make it better than last season, when he missed the playoffs. Last month, he signed a one-year extension worth $63 million, which means his current deal ends in the 2026/27 season, per AP.
The four-time NBA champion will be the highest-paid player next season with a staggering US$55,761,216. Curry became the NBA’s all-time leading 3-point scorer in 2021 and could crack 4,000 in the upcoming season, per ESPN.
Figures courtesy of Spotrac.
Steph Curry on Messi comparisons
TUKO.co.ke also reported that Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry weighed in on comparisons between him and Argentina legend Lionel Messi.
The NBA sharpshooter sees similarities with Messi with regard to influence and innovation in their respective games.