• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, June 25, 2025

The Highest-Paid NBA Players in 2024-25

  • The Suns are the only team with three players among the highest-paid NBA players.
  • Boston’s duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown take the top two spots.
Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA continues to soar to new heights with a new $140 million salary cap and billion-dollar media rights deal looming. 

Despite the disappointment in viewership from this year’s NBA Finals, the NBA is riding the momentum of soaring sports property values. Team values may hit new highs with the NBA champion Boston Celtics now for sale. 

Jayson Tatum takes the top spot as the highest-paid NBA player, set to earn $62.8 million in AAV.

Tatum’s new deal is worth $314 million over five years. The contract includes performance incentives, such as being voted to the All-NBA team.

His Boston teammate Jaylen Brown is second, earning $57 million in AAV. Brown signed a five-year extension last summer worth $303.7 million. He’s helped reward the Celtics immediately by winning his first NBA title and earning NBA Finals MVP.

Third is the 2023 NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic. He’s earning $55.2 million annually after signing a five-year deal in 2022. Jokic is set to earn $62.8 million in the last year of his contract in 2028 to total $276.1 million.

Devin Booker of the Suns and Karl-Anthony Towns of the Knicks both earn $55.1 million in AAV to tie for fourth. 

Booker signed his $220.44 million deal in 2022, a year after taking Phoenix to the franchise’s third NBA Finals. He’s earned $166.5 million over his nine-year career.

Towns became Minnesota’s most expensive player after signing a four-year deal that will net him a total of $220.44 million before being traded to New York. He’s set to earn over $20 million more each year than he did on his rookie extension. 

Stephen Curry sits in fifth, earning $53.8 million annually. He signed a max contract extension in 2021 that will see him earn $215.35 million over four years.

The Celtics, Suns, and Sixers all feature two players among the top 10 highest-paid NBA players.

The Suns are the only team with three players among the highest-paid in the league. Collectively, their stars are set to earn $445.81 million this year.

Ranking The NBA’s Highest-Paid Players in 2024

Here is the entire list of the highest-paid NBA players. The list was compiled with data from Spotrac.

  • Updated: March 18th, 2025
RankPlayerTeamAverage Annual Value2024-25 Cap Hit
1Jayson TatumBoston Celtics$62.8 million$34.8 million
2Jaylen BrownBoston Celtics$57.07 million$49.2 million
3Nikola JokicDenver Nuggets$55.2 million$51.4 million
T-4Devin BookerPhoenix Suns$55.1 million$49.2 million
T-4Karl-Anthony TownsNew York Knicks$55.1 million$49.2 million
6Stephen CurryGolden State Warriors$53.8 million$55.76 million
7Joel EmbiidPhiladelphia 76ers$53.3 million$51.4 million
8Paul GeorgePhiladelphia 76ers$52.89 million$49.2 million
9LeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers$50.67 million$49.9 million
10Bradley BealPhoenix Suns$50.2 million$50.2 million
11Donovan MitchellCleveland Cavaliers$50.1 million$35.4 million
12Kawhi LeonardLos Angeles Clippers$49.8 million$49.2 million
T-13Anthony EdwardsMinnesota Timberwolves$48.9 million$42.2 million
T-13Tyrese HaliburtonIndiana Pacers$48.9 million$42.2 million
15Jimmy ButlerGolden State Warriors$48.79 million$48.79 million
16Kevin DurantPhoenix Suns$48.55 million$51.2 million
17Pascal SiakamIndiana Pacers$47.24 million$42.3 million
18Domantas SabonisSacramento Kings$46.5 million$40.5 million
19Giannis AntetokounmpoMilwaukee Bucks$45.64 million$48.79 million
20Damian LillardMilwaukee Bucks$44.06 million$48.79 million
T-21Luka DoncicLos Angeles Lakers$43.03 million$43 million
T-21Trae YoungAtlanta Hawks$43.03 million$43 million
T-21Zach LaVineSacramento Kings$43.03 million$43 million
24Fred VanVleetHouston Rockets$42.8 million$42.8 million
25OG AnunobyNew York Knicks$42.5 million$36.6 million

Related lists:

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

How the Celtics Cut $500M Roster Bill Nearly By Half in 1..

Boston is now under the second tax apron for next season.
exclusive

Fever and Bonner Heading for a Breakup? Here’s What We Know

The Fever are exploring options as DeWanna Bonner seeks a fresh start.

Timberwolves’ 4-Year Ownership Saga Ends As A-Rod, Lore Take Over

The unanimous approval brought a clean end to a long-disputed transaction.
Mar 11, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) reacts after a three-point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Smoothie King Center.

Wizards Acquire CJ McCollum to Set Up $100M in 2026 Cap Space

About $110 million will come off the Wizards’ books next year.

Featured Today

Mar 15, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3) dribbles the ball upcourt against the North Texas Mean Green during the first half at Dickies Arena

NIL Is Shrinking the Pool of NBA Draft Entrants

Agents are now advising many players to stay in school.
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter on the red carpet before the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field
June 21, 2025

‘More Is More’: The Elite Luxury Jewelers Decking Out Athletes

Meet the elite group of luxury designers crafting the biggest statement pieces.
Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the Club Word Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.
June 15, 2025

Revamped Club World Cup Is FIFA’s Billion-Dollar Gamble

The revamped soccer event debuts amid controversy.
Jun 10, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino stands during the anthem against the Switzerland during the first at Geodis Park
June 14, 2025

Gold Cup Is Complicated for USMNT—but U.S. Soccer Has Its Eyes on..

Uncertain tournament success isn’t fazing forward-looking U.S. soccer.

NBA’s French Revolution Set to Continue With 2025 Draft

Four French players are expected to be drafted Wednesday.
May 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) dribbles in front of New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
June 24, 2025

Celtics Trade Jrue Holiday Back to Portland As Salary Slashing Begins

Holiday helped the Celtics win the 2024 NBA Finals against the Mavericks.
June 24, 2025

Tight End U Has Sponsors, Golf, and Taylor Swift. Travel Could Be..

The annual summit is hosted by Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Greg Olsen.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
June 23, 2025

Ryder Cup Gets Wilder As Bradley Could Play Dual Role

The biggest Ryder Cup ever might have another first.
Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
June 23, 2025

Multiple NBA Title Contenders Will Reckon With Achilles Injuries Next Season

The NBA has seen its highest number of Achilles tears since 2014–15.
Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) shoots the ball against Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley (13) during the first half of game six of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
June 20, 2025

Pacers’ Tony Bradley Has Made Just $330K This Year Despite Finals Run

Bradley was signed by the Pacers on March 2 to a 10-day contract.
Mar 12, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) shoots the ball while USC Trojans guard Kevin Patton Jr. (8) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
June 20, 2025

Ace Bailey Cancels Sixers Workout a Week Before NBA Draft

The former Rutgers star is a projected top-three pick in Wednesday’s draft.