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Monday, July 7, 2025

The 25 Highest-Paid NBA Small Forwards

  • Jaylen Brown is the highest-paid NBA small forward, earning $57.07 million per season.
  • Four players make over $48 million annually.
Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) reacts after a play against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter in game five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Finals MVP of Celtics Jaylen Brown holds the title of the highest-paid NBA small forward, earning an average of $57.07 million per year. During the 2023 offseason, he signed a five-year deal to remain in Boston through the 2028-29 season.

Coming in second is Kawhi Leonard, who earns $49.83 million with the Clippers. His salary increased thanks to the terms of his three-year, $149.65 million extension with Los Angeles signed in 2024.

New Warriors superstar Jimmy Butler ranks third on the list. In 2021, Butler signed a three-year, $146.4 million contract extension with the Heat, allowing him to make more than $48.7 million annually.

Following just behind Butler is former MVP Kevin Durant at $48.55 million. Durant signed a four-year, $194.22 million deal with the Nets in 2021 before being traded to the Suns in February 2023.

Finishing off the top five is the Knicks’ OG Anunoby at $42.5 million. This past offseason, the former 23rd overall pick inked a five-year extension to stay in New York.

The Highest-Paid Small Forwards

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

  • Updated: March 18th, 2025
RankPlayerTeamCompensation
1Jaylen BrownBoston Celtics$57.07 million
2Kawhi LeonardLos Angeles Clippers$49.83 million
3Jimmy ButlerGolden State Warriors$48.79 million
4Kevin DurantPhoenix Suns$48.55 million
5OG AnunobyNew York Knicks$42.5 million
6Michael Porter Jr.Denver Nuggets$35.85 million
7Brandon IngramToronto Raptors$31.65 million
8Khris MiddletonMilwaukee Bucks$31 million
9Andrew WigginsMiami Heat$27.25 million
10Miles BridgesCharlotte Hornets$25 million
11DeMar DeRozanSacramento Kings$24.63 million
12Cameron JohnsonBrooklyn Nets$23.62 million
13Mikal BridgesNew York Knicks$22.72 million
14De’Andre HunterAtlanta Hawks$22.5 million
15Dillon BrooksHouston Rockets$21.5 million
16Keldon JohnsonSan Antonio Spurs$18.5 million
17Duncan RobinsonMiami Heat$18 million
18Zaccharie RisacherAtlanta Hawks$14.25 million
19Deni AvdijaPortland Trailblazers$13.75 million
20Herb JonesNew Orleans Pelicans$13.45 million
21Brandon MillerCharlotte Hornets$12.34 million
22Aaron NesmithIndiana Pacers$11 million
23Royce O’NealePhoenix Suns$10.5 million
24Derrick Jones Jr.Los Angeles Clippers$10 million
25Ron Holland IIDetroit Pistons$9.37 million

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