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Monday, May 5, 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

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