LeBron James on court

10 Highest-Paid NBA Players for 2020

Michael Vane
By Michael Vane - News

Published: Last Updated: 

Readtime: 3 min

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Forbes recently reported on the highest-earning NBA players for the 2019-20 season and unsurprisingly, the heavy hitters earn a lot of money, with alot through endorsements. What may come as a surprise is that many of these players are also keen businessmen and donate quite a bit to charities.

LeBron James is the highest earner for the sixth straight year. At $92 million combined from his salary and endorsements, the LA Lakers Forward is making record high bank. This could be even higher in the next season if Space Jam 2 is a success, as James’ production company SpringHill Entertainment is behind the film.

The NBA salary cap soars thanks to a $24 billion TV deal with ESPN and TNT signed in 2014. NBA players are entitled to 51% of the league’s basketball-related income that’s guaranteed upon signing, even if they don’t take to the court.

Here’s a list of the highest-paid NBA players in the game:

lebron James Lakers player

1. LeBron James – $92.4 million

Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Accolades: 3x NBA Championships, 4 x NBA MVP, 2 x Olympic Gold medals
Salary: $37.4 million
Endorsements: $55 million

Stephen Curry Golden State Warriors

2. Stephen Curry – $85.2 million

Team: Golden State Warriors
Accolades: 3 x NBA Championships, 2 x NBA MVP, 2 x World Cup Gold medals
Salary: $40.2 million
Endorsements: $45 million

Kevin Durant Brooklyn Nets player

3. Kevin Durant – $73.2 million

Team: Brooklyn Nets
Accolades: 2 x NBA Championships, 2 x NBA Finals MVP, 2 x Olympic Gold medals
Salary: $38.2 million
Endorsements: $35 million

Russell Westbrook Houston Rockets player

4. Russell Westbrook – $56.5 million

Team: Houston Rockets
Accolades: 2017 NBA MVP, 8 X NBA All-Star, 2012 Olympic Gold medal
Salary: $38.5 million
Endorsements: $18 million

James Harden Houston Rockets player

5. James Harden – $55.2 million

Team: Houston Rockets
Accolades: 2018 NBA MVP, 2012 Olympic Gold medal, 2014 World Cup Gold medal
Salary: $38.2 million
Endorsements: $17 million

Kyrie Irving Brooklyn Nets player

6. Kyrie Erving – $51.7 million

Team: Brooklyn Nets
Accolades: 2016 NBA Championship, 2016 Olympic Gold medal, 2014 World Cup Gold medal
Salary: $31.7 million
Endorsements: $20 million

Klay Thompson Golden State Warriors player

7. Klay Thompson – $47.7 million

Team: Golden State Warriors
Accolades: 3 x NBA Championships, 2016 Olympic Gold medal, 2014 World Cup Gold medal
Salary: $32.7 million
Endorsements: $15 million

Chris Paul Oklahoma City Thunder

8. Chris Paul – $46.5 million

Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Accolades: 9 x NBA All-Star, 2008 Olympic Gold medal, 2012 Olympic Gold medal
Salary: $38.5 million
Endorsements: $8 million

Giannis Antetokounmpo bucks player

9. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $45.8 million

Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Accolades: 2019 NBA MVP, 4 x NBA All-Star, 2019 NBA First Ream
Salary: $25.8 million
Endorsements: $20 million

Damian Lillard Trail Blazers player

10. Damian Lillard – $43.8 million

Team: Portland Trail Blazers
Accolades: 4 x NBA All-Star, 2018 NBA First Team, 2 x NBA Second Team
Salary: $29.8 million
Endorsements: $14 million

FAQ

Who is the highest paid NBA player?

LeBron James for the sixth-straight year. Through salary and endorsements, James earns $92.4 million.

How much is LeBron James worth?

Forbes estimates James is worth a staggering $450 million.

How much is the NBA worth?

Across the 2018-2019 season, the NBA generated approximately $8 billion in revenue.

Michael Vane

Freelancer

Michael Vane

Michael Vane is an experienced journalist, copywriter and content creator who has produced fun and informative content for Man of Many since 2016. Specialising in gaming, technology and entertainment reporting, Michael is extremely adept at navigating new technologies and providing ...