Forget MJ, Here’s the 13 Highest-Paid NBA Players of All Time
— October 2, 2026
As the new NBA season tips off, player contracts are hitting record levels. Modern media deals and exploding salary caps have made today’s NBA stars richer than ever. In fact, despite his GOAT status, Michael Jordan’s salary earnings don’t even rank him among the league’s top earners. To bring you up to speed on the league’s biggest ballers, here are the 13 highest-paid players in NBA history.
Stephen Curry, $652 million
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors poses for a portrait during media day at Chase Center on September 28, 2026, in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
In 2017, Curry signed the NBA’s first-ever $201 million supermax contract extension over 5 years. He followed that up in 2021 by signing a 4-year, $215 million extension, becoming the first player in league history to sign two separate deals valued above $200 million. In September, Curry signed a 2-year, $116 million extension, making him the second to exceed the $600 million mark.
Kevin Durant, $601 million
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant poses for a photo during Rockets Media Day in Houston, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (Photo by Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
Commanding top-tier salary status across multiple franchises—including Oklahoma City, Golden State, Brooklyn, and Phoenix—Durant’s elite offensive production has made him a max-contract mainstay for nearly two decades. Durant has the distinction of being the first NBA player to sign for $600 million in career earnings.
LeBron James, $581 million
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 28: LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex on September 28, 2026 in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
First player in NBA history to surpass $500 million in career NBA salary alone, LeBron James has maintained max-level compensation across 20+ seasons with Cleveland, Miami, and L.A. To sign with the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason, James signed a two-year, approximately $7.95 million veteran minimum contract.
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant poses for a photo during Rockets Media Day in Houston, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (Photo by Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
Even with extensive time missed for injury and load management, and a salary cap circumvention investigation, Leonard has consistently landed max extensions with the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Clippers. In September, Leonard signed a two-year, $115 million contract extension for a second run with the Raptors.
Paul George, $518 million
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 28: Paul George #13 of the Boston Celtics poses for photos during Boston Celtics Media Day at Auerbach Center on September 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
A smooth swingman, Paul George expanded earnings through max deals with Indiana, OKC, and the Clippers, capped off by a 4-year, $212M Philadelphia deal in 2024. By the end of his current 76ers contract, George’s career NBA salary earnings will top $518 million.
Joel Embiid, $ 514.8 million
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex on September 28, 2026 in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Joel Embiid’s financial profile is anchored by a series of mega- contract extensions with the Philadelphia 76ers. With his current deal structure running through the 2028–29 season, his total career NBA earnings are projected to surpass $514.8 million by the end of his active contracts.
James Harden, $511 million
CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 28: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses for a portrait during NBA media day on September 28, 2026 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images)
James “The Beard” Harden parlayed his MVP prime in Houston and lucrative contracts with Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and the Clippers into one of the most profitable guard careers in history. Harden is set to make $511 million at the end of his current deal.
Anthony Davis, $486 million
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 28: Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards poses for a portrait during Media Day at CareFirst Arena on September 28, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images).
Anthony Davis stands among the highest-earning power forwards/centers in NBA history, having secured over $486 million in career NBA salary to date. With a player option after the 2026-27 season, Davis stands to cross the half-a-billion-dollar threshold.
Damian Lillard, $484 million
PORTLAND, OREGON – SEPTEMBER 28: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers poses for a portrait during NBA media day at Moda Center on September 28, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Damian Lillard’s nickname is “Dame Dollar,” and it is so fitting with his NBA career earnings in 13 seasons. In July 2022, he committed to a two-year extension that pushed his total career contract value past the $486 million mark.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, $459 million
MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 28: Giannis Antetokounmpo #7 of the Miami Heat poses for a head shot during NBA Media Day on September 28, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trajectory from the 15th overall pick in 2013 to one of the highest-paid players in NBA history stands as one of the league’s most lucrative career paths. At the end of his current contract with the Miami Heat, the “Greek Freak” will have made approximately $459 million.
Devin Booker, $450 million
PHOENIX, AZ – SEPTEMBER 28: Devin Booker #15 of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during NBA Media Day on September 28, 2026 at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
Devin Booker has established himself as one of the highest-earning players in NBA history, thanks to a sequence of max extensions signed entirely with the Phoenix Suns. At 29 years old, Booker is sure to climb closer to the top of the list.
Kyrie Irving, $429 million
DALLAS, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 25: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks poses for portraits at Mavericks Media Day at American Airlines Center on September 25, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Across five career contracts, Kyrie Irving has secured over $500 million in total NBA contract commitments. Whether it’s the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, or the Dallas Mavericks, Irving’s supermax skills have garnered supermax contracts.
Chris Paul, $400 million
CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 23: Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers talks to a teammate during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on November 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Clippers 120-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Before his retirement last season, Chris Paul helped create the “supermax” contract rules as longtime president of the NBA Players Association. In his 21 seasons in the league, Paul secured massive long-term deals with the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, and Phoenix Suns.
Russell Westbrook, $350 million
SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 17: Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 17, 2026, at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
Over his 18-year NBA career, Russell Westbrook accumulated approximately $350 million in total salary earnings, placing him among the highest-earning guards in league history. As his career wound down, Westbrook signed team-friendly deals with the LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Sacramento Kings.
