• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 9, 2025

The 25 Highest-Paid NBA Power Forwards

  • Jayson Tatum is the highest-paid power forward after signing a record extension in 2024.
  • Three other power forwards earn at least $50 million per season.
Dec 25, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Taurean Prince (12) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Jayson Tatum takes the top spot as the highest-paid NBA power forward and the league’s top-paid overall player, set to earn $62.8 million in 2025-26.

Tatum’s record deal, signed in 2024 after he led the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship, is worth $314 million over five years. It includes performance incentives, such as being voted to the All-NBA team.

Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo comes in second. After signing a five-year, $228.2 million max contract with the Bucks in 2020, Antetokounmpo re-upped with a three-year, $175.88 million extension set to begin in the 2025-26 season.

The third-highest-paid NBA power forward is another Eastern Conference star: the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley. Mobley inked a 5-year, $224 million contract in July 2024. But after winning the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award, a clause in his contract bumped its value to $269 million.

NBA legend and four-time MVP LeBron James takes the fourth spot. King James, who will turn 41 during the 2025-26 season, is in the second year of a two-year, $101.35 million maximum veteran contract extension with the Lakers.

Sliding into fifth is Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen, who’s entering the first year of a 4-year deal worth nearly $196 million.

The Highest-Paid Power Forwards

Here is the full list of the 25 highest-paid NBA power forwards by average salary. The list was compiled using data from Spotrac.

  • Updated: August 21, 2025
RankPlayerTeamCompensation
1Jayson TatumBoston Celtics$62.79 million
2Giannis AntetokounmpoMilwaukee Bucks$58.46 million
3Evan MobleyCleveland Cavaliers$53.82 million
4Lebron JamesLos Angeles Lakers$50.68 million
5Lauri MarkkanenUtah Jazz$48.97 million
6Pascal SiakamIndiana Pacers$47.24 million
7Domantas SabonisSacramento Kings$46.5 million
8Scottie BarnesToronto Raptors$44.85 million
9Zion WilliamsonNew Orleans Pelicans$39.45 million
10Julius RandleMinnesota Timberwolves$33.33 million
11Jerami GrantPortland Trail Blazers$32 million
12Kristaps PorzingisAtlanta Hawks$30 million
13Jaden McDanielsMinnesota Timberwolves$26.2 million
14Jaren Jackson Jr.Memphis Grizzlies$26.18 million
15Tobias HarrisDetroit Pistons$26 million
T-16Draymond GreenGolden State Warriors$25 million
T-16John CollinsLos Angeles Clippers$25 million
18Kyle KuzmaMilwaukee Bucks$22.5 million
19Aaron GordonDenver Nuggets$21.66 million
T-20Harrison BarnesSan Antonio Spurs$18 million
T-20Patrick WilliamsChicago Bulls$18 million
22Rui HachimuraLos Angeles Lakers$17 million
23PJ WashingtonDallas Mavericks$15.5 million
24Jonathan IsaacOrlando Magic$14.75 million
25Bobby PortisMilwaukee Bucks$14.52 million

Related lists:

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Maverick Carter, LeBron James
exclusive

New International Basketball League Plans Launch, Without Maverick Carter

The venture plans to launch men’s and women’s leagues next fall.
Bucks

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.

Amazon Adds Golf to Its Packed Black Friday Sports Lineup With NFL,..

On Nov. 28, The Skins Game will return for the first time since 2008.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Napheesa Collier

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.
Caitlin Clark
exclusive
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Will Not Join Second Season of Unrivaled

The Fever star struggled with several injuries in her second WNBA season.
Caitlin Clark
October 3, 2025

Cathy Engelbert Denies Saying Caitlin Clark Should Be ‘Grateful’ For WNBA

“Obviously I did not make those comments.”
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Caitlin Clark
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Backs Napheesa Collier in Fight With WNBA

Clark had her exit interview on Thursday after an injury-riddled season. 
Kuminga
October 1, 2025

With Kuminga Deal, Steve Kerr Now Warriors’ Biggest Looming Free Agent

Kuminga finally agreed to a new deal with the Warriors on Tuesday. 
LeBron James
September 30, 2025

LeBron, Giannis, Jokić All Weigh In on Contract Situations

James is on an expiring contract with the Lakers. 
Sep 29, 2025; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) poses during media day at Intuit Dome.
September 29, 2025

Kawhi Leonard: ‘Not Accurate’ That I Had a No-Show Job With Aspiration

Leonard called the allegations of a no-show job “clickbait.”