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The NBA’s most popular players Stephen Curry, LeBron James and Kevin Durant also happen to be its biggest earners. These superstars’ incredible basketball skills and appeal are the assets that make the league a global brand.
Sportico recently published a report of the top-earning NBA players. Most of the usual suspects were on the list.
Here’s the list of the highest annual earners for the 2022-23 NBA season:
#5 Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons since he signed with the LA Lakers. Despite all the backlash and criticism, the former MVP continues to be one of the best-paid NBA players.
“Russ” signed a five-year, $204 million contract when he was still with the OKC Thunder. Even as he has been traded several times over the last few years, the money has never stopped flowing.
Westbrook opted into the final year of his contract, which will pay him $47.1 million, the second-highest in the league after Stephen Curry. The massive salary is one of the biggest reasons why the LA Lakers have been unable to trade the nine-time All-Star.
LA will have a better chance of moving him if the team attaches two unprotected first-round picks.
Russell Westbrook’s massive salary and the $25 million he rakes in from endorsements and other deals bring his total to $72.1 million. He is the fifth-highest earner in the NBA next season.
#4 Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been voted by many sports bodies as the NBA’s best player at the moment. Many basketball experts would even contend that he has been the best since the Milwaukee Bucks won the championship in 2021.
After his incredible postseason performance against the Boston Celtics and staggering display at the EuroBasket, his popularity, value and impact will only grow.
But for next season, he will have to be content with the fourth spot on this list as he will earn a total of $86.5 million. $42.5 million comes from his salary. He is tied for seventh with Damian Lillard and Kawhi Leonard for the highest salary in the league.
“The Greek Freak” adds $44 million from endorsements, particularly with his line of sneakers from Nike. Another championship or MVP trophy could vault him into the top three of these rankings.
#3 Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant was the main talking point of the offseason. The former MVP sensationally demanded a trade out of Brooklyn after struggling to make an impact. He then asked for the removal of Nets GM Sean Marks and head coach Steve Nash when it looked like no trade was happening.
The Brooklyn Nets and Kevin Durant eventually agreed to continue with their partnership. He is due to earn $42.9 million next season, making him the fifth highest-paid player in the league.
Despite all the hoopla and off-court drama, KD continues to hold a massive appeal to basketball fans. His endorsements, royalties and other basketball-related income add $48 million, which is second only to LeBron James, to his pocket.
KD’s total of $91 million places him in the top three on this list.
#2 Stephen Curry
The reigning NBA Finals MVP sits second with $93.1 million in annual earnings. A big chunk of said amount comes from his league-high $48.1 million salary. Stephen Curry has been the highest-paid player over the past six seasons.
Curry brings more dough via multiple endorsements, the most prominent of which is Under Armour. The two-time MVP is reportedly getting paid $20 million per year by UA, a figure that’s nearly 50% of his $45 million endorsement earnings.
Stephen Curry’s UA contract expires in 2024 and he is expected to sign an even more lucrative deal. His future shoe endorsement alone and his mind-boggling $51.9 million salary after next season ensure he stays near the top of the list.
The Golden State Warriors are also primed for even more success over the next few years. If he leads the Bay Area team to another title and wins another NBA Finals MVP award, his annual earnings will only grow.
#1 LeBron James
When Stephen Curry landed in second place, there was no doubt who would be at the top of this list. LeBron James is a billionaire and it’s because of his salary.
His $119.5 million in annual earnings puts him in a different zip code compared to everyone else on this list. He will earn $44.4 in salary next season, which is the third-highest in the NBA.
It’s his off-court income, particularly with his shoe line, that allows him to dominate this list. He gets $32 million annually out of his Nike lifetime contract, roughly 40% of his earnings outside of his LA Lakers salary. $75 million of his total income comes from endorsements and royalties.
The LA Lakers, despite significant salary cap issues, weren’t hesitant to give LeBron James a max extension. James’ brand value is so powerful that it allow the Lakers to stay relevant even if they have another poor season.
