Money in the NBA has always been linked to talent and market value. Today, players not only reach great heights through their on-court prowess but also multiply their career financial value by securing timely contracts and extensions. Staying consistently fit allows players to not only achieve great success on the court, but also increase their career financial value by signing contracts and extensions on time.
The career earnings of these five players demonstrate how the NBA’s rising salary cap paved the way for record earnings and made the sports industry bigger than ever.
These five NBA players have the highest career earnings.
1. LeBron James: Approximately $581 million
LeBron James has become the NBA’s highest-paid player ever. He spent 22 seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers, earning an estimated $581 million. His career began in 2003, with a four-year rookie contract worth $18.8 million.
A maximum contract in Miami, which began in 2010, increased his earnings significantly. When he returned to Cleveland in 2016, he was given a two-year, $209 million contract extension and led the team to a championship that season.
A four-year, $153.3 million contract with the Lakers in 2018, followed by a two-year, $85.6 million extension in 2020, propelled him to the top of this list.
2. Stephen Curry: Approximately $532 million
Stephen Curry is the Golden State Warriors’ second-highest earner. Injuries early in his career led to a team-friendly four-year, $44 million contract in 2012, which helped the Warriors build a dynasty. His value skyrocketed following his 2015 MVP season and 73 wins, earning him a five-year, $201 million extension in 2017.
A four-year, $215 million supermax deal in 2021 increased his total career earnings to nearly $532 million. His shooting ability and team success have elevated him to the ranks of today’s most valuable players.
3. Devin Booker: Approximately $520 million
Devin Booker is still in the early stages of his career, but he is among the top five in terms of earnings. During his ten-year tenure with the Phoenix Suns, he has set numerous records. In 2025, he signed a two-year, $145 million contract extension, bringing his annual average earnings to around $72.5 million.
His 2024 All-NBA selection and playoff performance earned him this opportunity, and the contract includes a player option for the 2030-31 season. If he stays fit and maintains his form, his future earnings may exceed $600 million.
4. Paul George: Approximately $516 million
Paul George has consistently earned large contracts with the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City. Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Clippers over his 15 seasons. A four-year, $137 million max contract in 2018 accelerated his earnings.
A four-year, $190 million extension with the Clippers in 2020 and a four-year, $211 million contract with the 76ers in 2023 kept him in third place. Injuries have certainly impacted his career, but his defensive performance and experience have always earned him significant earnings.
5. Anthony Davis: Approximately $511 million
Anthony Davis earns just over $511 million, placing him fifth on this list. A five-year, $190 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans shaped the course of his career. Subsequently, upon joining the Lakers in 2019, he received a five-year, $190 million max deal, which played a significant role in increasing his earnings.
After winning the 2020 championship, injuries slowed his progress slightly, but defensive awards and consistently large contracts have kept him among the highest-earning players. Trade discussions and new contract options in recent seasons have demonstrated his continued strong value.
These five players’ earnings are the result not only of contracts, but also of long careers, performance, fitness, and making sound decisions at the right time. The NBA’s rising salary cap has increased the likelihood of future earning records, and the current pace suggests that a young player may soon surpass these figures. It’s clear that the NBA is no longer just a sport, but a big business, with players using the right strategies to shape their financial futures.
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