Anything that we do in this world comes down to earning money. The reality is sad, but it is accurate, and the same goes for playing sports, especially if you are playing a billion-dollar sports industry like the NBA.
The NBA is the most-watched male basketball league in the whole world. It not only has players from significant countries in the world but has thousands of sponsorships that provide millions of dollars. So it is not a surprise when players of the NBA have an annual salary in the millions.
Many players have created a legacy in the NBA where generations play the same game. These players are not only super rich and earn a lot, but their income is still increasing. Other stand-off players have also made their name on their own. Be it a product of lineage or the outcome of hard work, money is good in the NBA, and it wouldn’t be shocking to read about their staggering income figures.
So let us look at the highest-paid NBA player of 2023. These figures will motivate you to become the next NBA star.
7) Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers
Let us start with something small. The Los Angeles Clippers basketball star Paul George is getting real dough. Even though George is nicknamed “PG-13” by his fans, the amount he earns crosses any age limit. In addition to being an eight-time winner of the NBA All-Star, Paul is also a six-time member of the All-NBA Team. Finally, he is a four-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team.
Regarding his current contract, Paul George has signed a four-year contract with the Los Angeles Clipper. The agreement itself amounts to USD 176,265,466, which is guaranteed. In addition to the insured amount, George earns an annual salary of USD 44,066,367. However, that is not all. During the 2022-23 NBA season, Paul will earn a base salary of USD 42,492,568. Finally, his dead cap and hit value stand at USD 42,492,568.
6) Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns
With the full name of Kevin Wayne Durant, who goes by KD, Kevin, belongs to the Phoenix Suns. In addition to playing with the NBA, fans worldwide consider Durant the best player and scorer ever. Also, Durant has always been a star player since high school and won many awards during his college era.
Off-court, too, Durant is one of the highest-paid NBA players in 2023. In addition, his yearly income is USD 48,554,830. He has signed a USD 194,219,320 four-year contract with Phoenix Suns. Further, adding to his income coming from basketball, Durant also endorses brands such as Foot Locker and Nike. Finally, Kevin is a world-renowned philanthropist who regularly donates to many causes.
5) Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards
While Bradley Beal played college basketball for the Florida Gators in the past, he now plays for the Washington Wizards. In addition to being a fantastic basketball player, Beal is also a three-time NBA All-Star.
Beal has signed a USD 251,019,650 four-year contract with the Washington Wizards. In addition, his annual salary averages USD 50,203,930. However, his base earnings per year are USD 43,279,250. Finally, his dead cap value and cap reached USD 43,279,250.
4) Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers
Born on March 16, 1994, Joel Hans Embiid is a basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers. He has American and French citizenship. His fans call him “the Process.” Before being drafted to the Philadelphia 76ers, Embiid played for the Kansas Jayhawks in college. Also, he is a four-time member of the All-NBA Team, a three-time member of the All-Defensive Team, and a six-time winner of the NBA All-Star.
Regarding his earnings, Joel Embiid signed a USD 147,710,050 five-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. While his contract money is guaranteed, he earns an annual salary of USD 29,542,010. In addition, his base yearly salary is USD 33,616,770. Further, his incentive bonus is USD 850,000. Finally, his dead cap value and cap hit value range at USD 33,616,770.
3) Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets
A Serbian basketball player Nikola Jokic is a center for the Denver Nuggets. The NBA has named Jokic to the All-NBA Team four times and NBA All-Star five times. In addition, he won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons. Nikola Jokic also represents the Serbian national team. His fans call him “The Joker.”
Further, Jokic ranks on the top ten list with the most triple-doubles worldwide. He is the fastest triple-double record holder. Finally, at the 2016 Summer Olympics, he won a silver medal.
When he joined the Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic agreed to a five-year, USD 147,710,050 salary. Although the amount of his contract is guaranteed, he receives a compensation of USD 29,542,010. Additionally, he gets a base income of USD 32,478,838 per year. His incentive bonus totals USD 568,966 as well. Last but not least, his cap hit and dead cap values total USD 33,047,804.
2) LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers
Fans call LeBron Raymone James Sr. “King James” and consider him the greatest basketball player ever. Some even compare him to Michael Jordan and say that LeBron may even be a better player than Jordan. Also, he is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. In an overall ranking of career assists, he ranks fourth worldwide.
In addition to completing his ten NBA finals, he has won four NBA championships—he also has two gold Olympic medals, four Finals MVP awards, and four MVP awards.
LeBron James agreed to a two-year contract worth USD 85,655,532 with the Los Angeles Lakers. He receives a guaranteed annual salary of USD 42,827,766 and his contract money. Additionally, he gets a base income of USD 44,474,988 annually. Last but not least, his cap hit and dead cap values total USD 44,474,988.
1) Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors
Wardell Stephen Curry II, known professionally as Stephen Curry, is a professional basketball player from the United States of America. In addition, his fans consider him the greatest basketball player who regularly encourages more three-point shots. NBA has named Curry NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) two times and also received the NBA Finals MVP Award and an NBA All-Star Game MVP Award.
Regarding his earnings, Stephen Curry signed a USD 215,353,664 four-year contract with the Golden State Warriors. While his contract money is guaranteed, he earns an annual salary of USD 53,838,416. In addition, his base yearly salary is USD 48,070,014. Finally, his dead cap value and cap hit value range at USD 48,070,014.
