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LeBron James on court

10 Highest-Paid NBA Players for 2020


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.