Image Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

Top 5 highest-paid NBA players in 2024-25 season

NBA has been famous for paying out its athletes better than most leagues but who is earning the most?

Image Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

The 2024-25 NBA season isn’t just about slam dunks and buzzer-beaters; it’s also about jaw-dropping paychecks. When new contracts are signed, the top players of the basketball league are earning record-breaking amounts of money, not just becoming famous for the skills they are showing out on the basketball floor.

NBA has been famous for paying out its athletes better than most leagues, and the salary list of this year explains why the NBA is the gold standard. But who’s earning the most? Let’s find out.

NBA’s Highest-Paid Players for 2024-25

1. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors tops the NBA salary list, making $55.8 million this season. Curry’s steady performance and impact on transforming the game with his three-point shooting have solidified his position among the league’s highest earners. He has even outpaced the legendary LeBron James this time in terms of salary.

This summer, he signed a one-year extension with the Warriors, which will pay the two-time NBA MVP $62.6 million for the 2026-27 season, pushing his career earnings from playing salaries and endorsements past $1 billion.

2. LeBron James

Second on the list, our all-time favorite LeBron James, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, also makes $48.7 million. His ongoing brilliance and leadership at this stage of his career highlight his lasting worth to both the Lakers and the NBA. The total will elevate his career earnings above $1.5 billion since being drafted. It comprises an estimated $505 million in playing salary, with James being the NBA’s highest earner for the last 11 seasons.

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3. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, a past MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, continues to be a leading earner at $48.8 million. His leadership and tireless work ethic have been vital to Milwaukee’s achievements, including their 2021 NBA Championship.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is likely to make a comeback for the Milwaukee Bucks as they face the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. The former NBA Defensive Player of the Year has sat out four straight games due to an illness. Before the New Year’s Eve matchup, the Bucks have marked Giannis as questionable.

Also Read: Top 10 NBA moments of 2024

4. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant, playing for the Phoenix Suns, is among the top-earning NBA players with a salary of $49.9 million. Durant’s transition to the Suns has made him a pivotal figure in their championship pursuit, highlighting his significant worth both on and off the court.

5. Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard, who became a member of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023, also makes $48.8 million. Lillard is anticipated to greatly enhance the Bucks’ championship aspirations this season, offering them a dynamic scorer and a leader.

Recognized for his long-range shooting and timely plays, Lillard’s joining the Bucks seeks to enhance Giannis Antetokounmpo’s interior game, forming a powerful partnership.

Image Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

Damian Lillard

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Kevin Durant

LeBron James

NBA 2024-25

Stephen Curry

Anamika Shrivastava

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