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#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.
