The NBA is a league known for its high-flying dunks, intense rivalries, and, of course, its exorbitant salaries. With the 2024-25 season just around the corner, fans are eager to see which players will be raking in the most dough. The list of the highest-paid NBA players is always a hot topic of discussion, and this year is no exception. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these athletes are commanding astronomical salaries thanks to their exceptional talent and marketability. So, without further ado, let’s countdown the top 10 highest-paid NBA players for the 2024-25 season.
NBA’s Richest Hoops: Top 10 Highest Paid NBA Players 2024-25
The NBA is known for its elite athletes, thrilling games, and jaw-dropping salaries. In the 2024-25 season, the top players are cashing in big. Let’s dive into the details of the top 10 highest-paid NBA players, their earnings, and what sets them apart.
1. Stephen Curry ($51,915,615)
Stephen Curry is the highest-paid NBA player for the 2024-25 season, earning $51,915,615 from the Golden State Warriors. He is entering the second year of his four-year, $215 million max extension, which he signed in 2021.
Curry is one of the most popular and successful players in NBA history. He has led the Warriors to four NBA championships, and he was named MVP of the Finals twice. He is also a two-time MVP of the regular season, and he is widely considered to be one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.
Curry’s salary is a reflection of his value to the Warriors. He is their franchise player, and he is one of the most marketable athletes in the world. He also plays a key role in the Warriors’ success on the court.
2. Kevin Durant ($47,649,433)
Kevin Durant is the second-highest-paid NBA player for the 2024-25 season, earning $47,649,433 from the Phoenix Suns. He is entering the second year of his four-year, $194 million max extension, which he signed in 2021.
Durant is one of the most talented and versatile scorers in NBA history. He has a career scoring average of 27.2 points per game, and he has won four NBA scoring titles. He is also a two-time NBA champion, and he was named MVP of the Finals in 2017.
Durant’s salary is a reflection of his value to the Suns. He is their franchise player, and he is one of the most skilled scorers in the NBA. He is also a proven winner, and he has the potential to lead the Suns to an NBA championship.
3. LeBron James ($47,607,350)
LeBron James is the third-highest-paid NBA player for the 2024-25 season, earning $47,607,350 from the Los Angeles Lakers. He is entering the final year of his two-year, $85 million contract, which he signed in 2021.
James is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He has won four NBA championships, four NBA MVP awards, and four NBA Finals MVP awards. He is also a 19-time NBA All-Star, and he has been named to the NBA All-NBA First Team 18 times.
James’ salary is a reflection of his value to the Lakers. He is their franchise player, and he is one of the most popular and marketable athletes in the world. He is also a key part of the Lakers’ success on the court.
4. Joel Embiid ($47,607,350)
Joel Embiid is the fourth-highest-paid NBA player for the 2024-25 season, earning $47,607,350 from the Philadelphia 76ers. He is entering the second year of his four-year, $196 million max extension, which he signed in 2021.
Embiid is one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. He is a two-time scoring champion, and he was named to the NBA All-NBA First Team three times. He is also a two-time All-Defensive First-Team selection.
Embiid’s salary is a reflection of his value to the 76ers. He is their franchise player, and he is one of the most skilled and versatile centers in the NBA. He is also a proven winner, and he has the potential to lead the 76ers to an NBA championship.
5. Nikola Jokic ($47,607,350)
Nikola Jokic is the fifth-highest-paid NBA player for the 2024-25 season, earning $47,607,350 from the Denver Nuggets. He is entering the second year of his five-year, $261 million supermax extension, which he signed in 2022.
Jokic is one of the most skilled and versatile big men in NBA history. He is a two-time NBA MVP, and he has been named to the All-NBA First Team three times. He is also a two-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team selection.
Jokic’s salary is a reflection of his value to the Nuggets. He is their franchise player, and he is one of the most skilled and versatile big men in the NBA. He is also a proven winner, and he has the potential to lead the Nuggets to an NBA championship.
6. Bradley Beal ($46,741,590)
Bradley Beal is the sixth-highest-paid NBA player for the 2024-25 season, earning $46,741,590 from the Phoenix Suns. He is entering the final year of his five-year, $251 million max contract, which he signed with the Washington Wizards in 2019.
Beal is a three-time All-Star, and he was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2021. He is a career scorer, averaging 23.2 points per game. He is also a solid passer and rebounder, averaging 4.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game.
Beal’s salary is a reflection of his value to the Suns. He is their starting shooting guard, and he is one of the most skilled scorers in the NBA. He is also a proven winner, and he has the potential to lead the Suns to an NBA championship.
7. Paul George ($45,640,084)
Paul George is the seventh-highest-paid NBA player for the 2024-25 season, earning $45,640,084 from the Los Angeles Clippers. He is entering the second year of his four-year, $190 million max extension, which he signed in 2021.
George is one of the most versatile players in the NBA. He can score at all three levels, and he is also a solid defender. He is a six-time All-Star, and he was named to the All-NBA First Team in 2016 and 2019.
George’s salary is a reflection of his value to the Clippers. He is their starting small forward, and he is one of the most skilled and versatile players in the NBA. He is also a proven winner, and he has the potential to lead the Clippers to an NBA championship.
8. Kawhi Leonard ($45,640,084)
Kawhi Leonard is the eighth-highest-paid NBA player for the 2024-25 season, earning $45,640,084 from the Los Angeles Clippers. He is entering the third year of his four-year, $176 million max extension, which he signed in 2021.
Leonard is one of the best two-way players in the NBA. He is a two-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, and two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He is also a six-time All-Star, and he was named to the All-NBA First Team three times and the All-NBA Second Team twice.
Leonard’s salary is a reflection of his value to the Clippers. He is their franchise player, and he is one of the best two-way players in the NBA. He is also a proven winner, and he has the potential to lead the Clippers to an NBA championship.
9. Giannis Antetokounmpo ($45,640,084)
Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as the “Greek Freak,” is the ninth-highest-paid NBA player for the 2024-25 season, earning $45,640,084 from the Milwaukee Bucks. He is entering the third year of his five-year, $228 million supermax extension, which he signed in 2021.
Antetokounmpo is one of the most dominant players in the NBA. He is a two-time NBA MVP, two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and NBA Finals MVP. He is also a six-time All-Star, and he was named to the All-NBA First Team four times and the All-NBA Second Team once.
Antetokounmpo’s salary is a reflection of his value to the Bucks. He is their franchise player, and he is one of the most dominant players in the NBA. He is also a proven winner, and he has the potential to lead the Bucks to multiple NBA championships.
10. Damian Lillard ($45,640,084)
Damian Lillard is the tenth-highest-paid NBA player for the 2024-25 season, earning $45,640,084 from the Portland Trail Blazers. He is entering the fourth year of his five-year, $258 million supermax extension, which he signed in 2021.
Lillard is one of the best scorers in the NBA. He is a six-time All-Star, and he was named to the All-NBA First Team twice and the All-NBA Second Team three times. He is also a one-time NBA scoring champion, and he has led the Trail Blazers to the playoffs in each of the past eight seasons.
Lillard’s salary is a reflection of his value to the Trail Blazers. He is their franchise player, and he is one of the best scorers in the NBA. He is also a proven winner, and he has the potential to lead the Trail Blazers to an NBA championship.
FAQs on Highest Paid NBA Players 2024-25
Q: Who is the highest-paid NBA player in the 2024-25 season?
Stephen Curry
Q: How much does Stephen Curry make in the 2024-25 season?
$51,915,615
Q: Who is the second-highest-paid NBA player in the 2024-25 season?
Kevin Durant
Q: How much does Kevin Durant make in the 2024-25 season?
$47,649,433
Q: Who is the third-highest-paid NBA player in the 2024-25 season?
LeBron James
Q: How much does LeBron James make in the 2024-25 season?
$47,607,350
Q: Who is the tenth-highest-paid NBA player in the 2024-25 season?
Damian Lillard
Q: How much does Damian Lillard make in the 2024-25 season?
$45,640,084
Q: Why do these players make so much money?
There are a number of reasons why these players make so much money. First, the NBA is a very popular league, and there is a lot of demand for tickets and merchandise. Second, these players are incredibly talented and entertaining athletes. Third, they generate a lot of revenue for their teams through endorsements and other business ventures.
Q: Is it fair that these players make so much money?
Whether or not it is fair that these players make so much money is a matter of opinion. Some people believe that they deserve to be paid handsomely for their skills and entertainment value. Others believe that the money should be more evenly distributed among the players or that it should be used to fund other social programs.
Conclusion: The Final Words
The list of the highest paid NBA players continues to be dominated by superstars who have established themselves as the best in the game. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant remain at the top of the list, earning astronomical salaries thanks to their exceptional talent and contributions to their respective teams. However, the list also features some rising stars who are quickly making a name for themselves and securing lucrative contracts. As the NBA continues to grow in popularity and revenue, we can expect the salaries of the highest paid players to continue to increase in the coming years. It is also worth noting that the list of the highest paid players is not always static, as player performance, team success, and market demand can all influence a player’s earning potential. Ultimately, the highest paid NBA players are those who have proven themselves to be the most valuable assets to their teams and the most marketable stars in the league.