The NBA’s biggest earners: top 10 highest-paid players of all time
As the 2025–26 season gets underway, a new generation of stars is rising — but the biggest financial winners are still mostly household names. From Jayson Tatum’s record-breaking extension to Kevin Durant’s staggering total, here are the ten highest-paid NBA players of all time, ranked from 10 to 1.
10. Jayson Tatum – $469.4 million
Jayson Tatum made history in 2024 with a five-year, $314 million extension — the largest contract in NBA history. Despite an Achilles injury expected to sideline him for most of this season, the Celtics forward remains the centerpiece of a championship-caliber team.
9. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – $469.5 million
Reigning MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander secured a four-year, $285 million supermax extension with Oklahoma City in 2025. It kicks in for the 2027–28 season and features the highest average annual salary in league history.
8. Damian Lillard – $482.9 million
Damian Lillard’s consistent excellence has earned him nearly $483 million, bolstered by a four-year, $196 million supermax signed in 2019. Recently re-signing with Portland on a three-year deal, the veteran guard continues to build his legacy in the West.
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7. Joel Embiid – $509.3 million
Joel Embiid’s efforts in Philadelphia have made him one of the league’s highest-paid players. Although his health has been a concern, the 2023 MVP is still on a fully guaranteed deal worth $188 million, keeping him under contract through 2029.
6. Anthony Davis – $511.2 million
Anthony Davis may have avoided a supermax, but his total career earnings have still surpassed $500 million. Now with Dallas after a major trade, he’s on a three-year deal with a $62 million player option looming in 2027–28.
5. Paul George – $516.9 million
Paul George has quietly built a half-billion-dollar career across multiple franchises. Now 35 and with the Sixers, his recent four-year, $211 million contract hasn’t yielded immediate results — but the team is hoping for a late-career resurgence.
4. Devin Booker – $520.2 million
Devin Booker’s loyalty to the Phoenix Suns has brought both All-Star recognition and financial rewards. His four-year, $220 million deal from 2022 was extended this year with a two-year, $145 million supermax, keeping him locked in through 2030.
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3. Stephen Curry – $532.7 million
Stephen Curry remains one of the game’s most iconic and influential players, now in his 17th season. He just signed a one-year, $62 million extension to cap off an already massive career haul and keep the Warriors competitive a little longer.
2. LeBron James – $581.3 million
LeBron James, a billionaire and global icon, continues to pad his résumé in year 23. He’s currently on a two-year, $101 million deal that ends in 2026 — and questions are swirling about whether this season might be his last.
1. Kevin Durant – $598.2 million
Kevin Durant leads all active NBA players in career earnings, closing in on $600 million. Now playing for the Houston Rockets, Durant signed a fresh two-year, $90 million extension and continues to chase titles at age 37.
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