The NBA is not only the world’s top basketball league but also the playground for the top money-making stars in the sports world. With their reputation, talent and commercial appeal, the best players not only receive huge salaries from their clubs but also earn a lot of money from advertising contracts, investments and personal businesses. Below, Bestsoccertips shares a list of the 10 NBA top salary players, including on-field salaries and outside sources of income.
Top 10 NBA top salary players
Top 10: Jimmy Butler – $49.7 million
Jimmy Butler is the irreplaceable leader of the Miami Heat, earning a salary of $37.7 million per season. He is known for his fierce fighting spirit, never giving up, and always shining in important moments. Since joining Miami in 2019, Butler has changed the team culture, helping the Heat become a resilient and unbeatable group. The pinnacle of his career was leading the Miami Heat to the 2020 NBA Finals, where he had explosive performances, including a 40-point game and triple-double against the Los Angeles Lakers. With his consistent scoring ability, solid defense, and leadership qualities, Butler is the ideal role model for any team with ambitions of winning a title.
Off the court, Butler not only earns $12 million from commercial deals with Li-Ning, Michelob Ultra, and many other big brands, but he is also a real businessman. He is the owner of the coffee brand “Big Face Coffee”, famously selling coffee for $20/cup during the NBA’s quarantine in 2020. This business project clearly shows Butler’s unique personality – creative, outspoken, and always doing things his own way. He also often shows confidence and a strong personality, from his fashion style to the way he communicates with the media. That is what makes Butler one of the most interesting and influential figures in the NBA, both on the court and in everyday life.
Top 9: Paul George – $51 million
Paul George is one of the most complete players in the NBA, currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers with a salary of $42.5 million per season. He stands out with his excellent ability to play on both ends of the court, not only as a formidable scorer but also as a top defender. George possesses a variety of finishing skills, from accurate 3-point shots to powerful breakthrough situations. Although the Clippers often face injuries to key players, George still maintains a stable performance and plays the role of the team’s leader. His extensive experience and flexible playing ability make him one of the most reliable players in the league, especially in tense matches in the playoffs.
Off the court, Paul George is also a star with significant commercial appeal, earning an additional $8.5 million per year from advertising contracts with Nike, Gatorade and New Era. Not only focusing on basketball, he also has a great passion for fishing and often shares these relaxing moments on social networks. His connection with life off the court helps fans see another side of this NBA star. In addition, George is also actively involved in charity activities, especially supporting the community and disadvantaged youth. He always tries to use his influence to spread positive values, help those in need and inspire the younger generation.
Top 8: James Harden – $53 million
James Harden is one of the most complete offensive players in the NBA, currently playing for the Philadelphia 76ers with a salary of $33 million per season. He is famous for his “step-back 3-point” technique that has become a trademark, helping him become one of the top scorers in the league. Although he is no longer in his prime as when he played for the Houston Rockets, Harden still maintains an impressive form and plays an important role in the 76ers’ lineup. His ability to coordinate the ball, read the game and score points is still excellent, helping the team have more chances to compete in the East. With a creative playing style, Harden is not only a good scorer but also one of the defenders with good tactical vision, helping his teammates benefit from his play.
Off the court, Harden is also one of the most influential commercial players, earning $20 million from sponsorship deals. He is the face of Adidas, State Farm and BodyArmor, helping to strengthen his personal brand in the sports world. Harden has also invested in many fields such as wine, restaurant chains and technology, expanding his income and reputation off the court. With a lavish lifestyle, Harden often appears at major events, showing the image of an NBA superstar both on and off the court.
Top 7: Damian Lillard – $60.5 million
Damian Lillard is not only a pillar of the Portland Trail Blazers but also one of the best scoring guards in the NBA. With a salary of $42.5 million per season, Lillard has always proven his worth through classy plays and impressive scoring ability. He possesses excellent long-range shooting ability, especially accurate long-range shots at important moments. The name “Dame Time” is not accidental, because Lillard constantly creates explosive moments at the end of the game, bringing victory to the home team. Throughout his career, he has helped the Blazers advance deep into the playoffs many times, despite the weak squad. With a fierce fighting spirit and stable performance, Lillard has always been Portland’s biggest hope in the journey to find glory in the NBA.
Not only shining on the court, Lillard is also a brand icon with an income outside of basketball of up to 18 million USD per year. He is the representative face of many big brands such as Adidas, Gatorade and Hulu, contributing to enhancing his personal reputation and expanding his influence. In addition, Lillard also has a special passion for music and works as a professional rapper under the stage name “Dame D.O.L.L.A.”. He has released many albums and collaborated with famous artists, affirming his talent in both sports and music.
Top 6: Klay Thompson – $60.6 million
Klay Thompson is one of the best 3-point shooters in NBA history, contributing greatly to the success of the Golden State Warriors. After two consecutive years of injury, he returned to the court with impressive form. With a salary of $40.6 million, Thompson is still one of the most important players for the Warriors. His solid defense and accurate long-range shooting ability help him maintain his value despite going through difficult times. The combination of Thompson and Stephen Curry creates the most dangerous 3-point shooting duo in the NBA, helping the Warriors maintain their position.
Off the court, Thompson earns an additional $20 million from advertising contracts with Anta, Kaiser Permanente and many other brands. He also invests in real estate and has a special interest in water sports, often sharing pictures of boating and fishing on social media. With his unique personality and simple lifestyle, Thompson remains one of the most beloved stars in the NBA.
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Top 5: Russell Westbrook – $82.1 million
Russell Westbrook has a whopping $47.1 million salary at the Los Angeles Lakers, although his form has declined recently. However, Westbrook is still a player with impressive scoring and assisting abilities, helping him maintain his position in the NBA. With his speed and strength, Westbrook is always a threat to opponents. Although he had difficulty adapting to the Lakers, he still had explosive matches that showed his worth.
Off the court, Westbrook earned an additional $35 million from advertising contracts with Nike, Pepsi and many other brands. He also has his own fashion brand and investments in the entertainment industry, bringing in a significant source of income. Westbrook is also actively involved in community activities, supporting youth and investing in educational projects. This shows that he is not only a player, but also an influential person in society.
Top 4: Giannis Antetokounmpo – $86.5 million
Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the NBA top paid players, with a salary of $42.5 million from the Milwaukee Bucks. As a key factor in helping the Bucks win the 2021 NBA championship, Giannis possesses outstanding physique and comprehensive offensive and defensive abilities, making him a top star in the league. From an unknown player to becoming a two-time MVP, Giannis’ journey is a testament to his relentless efforts. His defensive and scoring abilities help the Bucks maintain a competitive position in the NBA.
With $44 million from advertising contracts with Nike, JBL and WhatsApp, Giannis not only dominates the court but is also the face of many big brands. He also invests in real estate and other business projects to ensure a long-term source of income. In addition, Giannis also participates in many charity activities, helping the community and supporting disadvantaged children, proving that he is not only a talented player but also a person with a kind heart.
Top 3: Kevin Durant – $88 million
Kevin Durant is one of the top NBA players salary. With a salary of $43 million at the Brooklyn Nets, Durant continues to affirm his position as a top star. Despite many injuries in recent years, he has maintained excellent performance, helping the Nets become a competitive team. With his versatile scoring ability, Durant is always a nightmare for opposing defenses. He is also one of the rare players who can play well in many positions, helping the Nets have more tactical options.
Kevin Durant in the top 10 NBA players salary
Off the court, Durant earns an additional $45 million from contracts with Nike, Google, Coinbase and many other brands. He is also a strategic investor in many fields, including technology and media. Durant has shares in technology startups and has invested in the blockchain field. In addition, he runs the media company Thirty Five Ventures, which produces sports content and documentaries. This gives Durant a steady source of income even when he is not playing.
Top 2: Stephen Curry – $95.1 million
Stephen Curry, the superstar of the Golden State Warriors, is one of the most influential players in the NBA. With a salary of $48.1 million, he is the highest earner off the court. His superb 3-point shooting ability has helped Curry change the way modern basketball is played, bringing the Warriors to the top of the NBA many times. Despite being 34 years old, he still maintains his peak performance, an indispensable factor in the Warriors squad. Every season, Curry proves his worth with excellent performances, contributing to the overall success of the team.
Off the court, Curry earns $47 million from advertising contracts with Under Armour, Chase, Infiniti and Subway. Not only stopping at advertising, Curry also invests in the fields of technology, media and sports business. He owns the media company Unanimous Media, specializing in producing films and sports content. Curry is also interested in promoting basketball through youth programs and charity, showing that in addition to his role as a player, he is also an influential businessman and social activist.
Top 1: LeBron James – $124.5 million
LeBron James is not only a legend on the court but also a global icon with a huge income. At the age of 37, he still holds the top position in the list of the highest-paid players in the NBA. With a salary of $44.5 million from the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron continues to be an important factor in helping the team compete for the championship. His comprehensive talent, ability to lead the team and playing experience help him maintain great appeal on the court. LeBron plays the role of not only a player, but also a leader, helping the Lakers make important steps forward despite many changes in the team.
Off the court, LeBron earns an additional $80 million from advertising, investment and business contracts. He cooperates with many big brands such as Nike, AT&T, PepsiCo and Crypto.com. In addition, LeBron also has shares in media, real estate and sports companies. He owns a stake in Liverpool FC and has ventured into film production, expanding his business empire. From founding SpringHill to investing in education, LeBron continues to prove that he is more than just a basketball star, he is also a successful businessman.
Final Thoughts
This list of NBA top salary players shows that not only talent on the field but also business and investment ability also determine the income of NBA players. Stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry or Kevin Durant have built strong personal brands, helping them earn tens of millions of dollars each year from many different fields. The NBA is not only a sports playground but also a place where players rise to become successful businessmen, expanding their influence globally.
See more: Top 10 all time top NBA players
