• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, July 1, 2025

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

Nuggets, Rockets Make Aggressive Moves to Challenge Thunder

Denver took the Thunder to seven games in the conference semifinals.

What Would a LeBron James L.A. Exit Look Like?

ESPN’s Bobby Marks said “there isn’t” a trade market for James.

As NBA Salary Cap Rises, Role Players Are Getting $100M+ Deals

The salary cap has increased by 10% in three of four seasons.
Mar 15, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates in the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Little Caesars Arena.

Malik Beasley Is Latest Betting-Related Headache for NBA

It’s the third NBA betting scandal in the last year-and-a-half.

Featured Today

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
June 26, 2025

Stanley Cup’s International Summer Tour: Rules, Repairs, and Raucousness

No pro trophy tour compares to the NHL’s three-month global victory lap.
Nov 23, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium.

Rape Suit Against QB Retzlaff Dismissed, but He’s Still Leaving BYU

Retzlaff admitted to “consensual” sex, violating BYU’s strict honor code.
Joopiter, Michael Jordan card
June 27, 2025

Michael Jordan Rookie Card Sells for Record $2.5M in Eyebrow-Raising Auction

The auction, which received only one bid, sets a new record.
June 29, 2025

Malik Beasley Being Investigated in NBA Gambling Probe

If proven, the claims could lead to Beasley’s lifetime expulsion from the NBA.
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 27, 2025

As Wimbledon Approaches, Sinner and Alcaraz Solidify New Era

Sinner and Alcaraz have won the last six Grand Slams.
Jun 24, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) controls the ball as Atlanta Dream guard Maya Caldwell (33) defends during the first half at College Park Center.
June 27, 2025

Paige Bueckers Eyes Expanded Season, ‘Rightful Pay’ in New CBA

“The respect, attention, the accessibility—you see everything growing.”
Faith Kipyegon
June 26, 2025

Nike’s Sub-4:00 Stunt Falls Short With Fastest Women’s Mile Ever

Male pacers and cutting-edge tech helped Kipyegon shave off one second.