• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is open through Nov. 6 Learn More

The 25 Highest-Paid NBA Players for 2023-24

  • The salary cap is a record $135.021 million for the 2023-24 NBA season.
  • Topping the list of the season’s highest salary for a third year in a row is Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry.
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry smiles between plays against the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Chase Center.
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

For 2024-25, visit this updated list with contracts from 2024 NBA Free Agency.

With the salary cap rising to a record $136.021 million for the 2023-24 NBA season, teams are spending more than ever to attract top talent to their cities.

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry, who signed a four-year, $215 million extension in 2021, tops the list of the season’s highest salary for a third year in a row.

Reigning NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic, four-time MVP LeBron James, and reigning MVP Joel Embiid are all tied in the second slot with all of their new supermax extensions kicking in this season. Embiid will add to his coffers off the court through his new endorsement deal with Skechers.

Bradley Beal rounds out the top five via the five-year, $251 million max deal he signed with the Washington Wizards — though the balance will be paid out by the Phoenix Suns, who traded for the three-time All-Star in June.

Phoenix has not been afraid to shell out the big bucks under new owner Mat Ishbia: The Suns feature three players in the top 25 highest paid — the most of any team — and have been on a veritable spending spree that includes a new business headquarters, as well as a practice facility and new well-paid head coach for the WNBA’s Mercury.

Beal isn’t the only player making big money in a new locale. Damian Lillard ties new Milwaukee Bucks teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo for seventh on the list. At the same time, Fred VanVleet debuted in the top 25 after signing a three-year, $130 million contract with the Houston Rockets.

One notable omission from the list is the Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown, who inked a five-year, $304 million supermax extension in July — the largest contract in NBA history. However, the deal does not kick in until the 2024-25 season, meaning he’ll have a prominent place next year.

Here is the list of the top 25 highest-paid players in the NBA by total compensation for the 2023-24 season. The list was compiled using data from Spotrac.

RankPlayerTeamCompensation
1Stephen CurryGolden State Warriors$51.9 million
2 (tie)Nikola JokicDenver Nuggets$47.6 million
LeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers$47.6 million
Joel EmbiidPhiladelphia 76ers$47.6 million
5Bradley BealPhoenix Suns$46.7 million
6Kevin DurantPhoenix Suns$46.4 million
7 (tie)Paul GeorgeLos Angeles Clippers$45.6 million
Kawhi LeonardLos Angeles Clippers$45.6 million
Giannis AntetokounmpoMilwaukee Bucks$45.6 million
Damian LillardMilwaukee Bucks$45.6 million
11Jimmy ButlerMiami Heat$45.2 million
12Klay ThompsonGolden State Warriors$43.2 million
13Rudy GobertMinnesota Timberwolves$41 million
14Fred VanVleetHouston Rockets$40.8 million
15Anthony DavisLos Angeles Lakers$40.6 million
16 (tie)Trae YoungAtlanta Hawks$40.1 million
Zach LaVineChicago Bulls$40.1 million
Luka DoncicDallas Mavericks$40.1 million
19Tobias HarrisPhiladelphia 76ers$39.3 million
20 (tie)Ben SimmonsBrooklyn Nets$37.9 million
Pascal SiakamToronto Raptors$37.9 million
22Kyrie IrvingDallas Mavericks$37 million
23 (tie)Kristaps PorzingisBoston Celtics$36 million
Karl-Anthony TownsMinnesota Timberwolves$36 million
Devin BookerPhoenix Suns$36 million

Related lists:

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 4, 2024; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) is introduced to the fans during Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

All Eyes on Cooper Flagg As College Basketball Tips Off

He makes his NCAA debut with Duke on Monday.
Apr 1, 2024; Portland, OR, USA; USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) drives to the basket during the second half against UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) in the finals of the Portland Regional of the NCAA Tournament at the Moda Center.

Women’s College Basketball Begins Its Star-Studded Post–Caitlin Clark Era

Women outdrew the men in the championship with 18.9 million viewers.

Embiid’s Clash With Reporter Sparks NBA Probe, Concerns for Sixers

The former NBA Most Valuable Player angrily confronts and shoves a local columnist.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Surprising Start to MLB’s Offseason

0:00

Featured Today

Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 1, 2024

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.
Donald Trump holding a basketball in the White House
October 30, 2024

Mavericks Owner’s $100 Million Trump Donation Dwarfs All Other Sports Owner Political Giving

Dr. Miriam Adelson is one of the most powerful donors in U.S. politics.
Dwyane Wade statue unveiling, Oct. 27, 2024
October 28, 2024

The Dwyane Wade Sculptor Explains Himself

Wade was closely involved with the artists in the creation of the statue.
Caitlin Clark (left) and Kate Martin
October 28, 2024

Unrivaled Lands Caitlin Clark’s Pal With Three Spots Remaining

The upstart league announced its deal with Kate Martin on Monday.
Sponsored

World Series Delivers High-Demand Marquee Matchup

The hype around the World Series matchup drove ticket prices to record levels—but the Dodgers’ dominance quickly quieted the fervor.
Jul 20, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (8) during qualifying for the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
October 28, 2024

Kyle Busch Left Out of NASCAR’s Netflix Series Again

“They didn’t ask me,” Busch said in an interview with Front Office Sports.
October 27, 2024

Tua Tagovailoa ‘Felt Normal’ in Return From Third Concussion

Some independent analysts had recommended the 26-year-old Tagovailoa retire.
October 27, 2024

Dave Roberts Says Ohtani ‘in a Great Spot,’ Will Play in Game 3

The Dodgers say they are “encouraged” by Ohtani’s condition ahead of further testing.
October 26, 2024

MLBPA Chief on Rays, A’s, Pitcher Usage

The Rays’ facility issues add to existing uncertainty surrounding the shift of the A’s to Sacramento.