Professional NBA players without a doubt earn a large amount of money, but who is raking in the most this 2021-22 season?
10. Klay Thompson - $37,980 720
Thompson is a Golden State Warriors in the NBA, he is 31 years old and considered to be one of the best NBA shooters in the current season. Even after missing the last two seasons to a leg injury, Thompson was able to make it into the top 10 highest paid players, which is impressive.
9. Paul George - $39,344,970
George plays for the LA Clippers and is a six-time member of the All-NBA team and awarded NBA player of the week ten times. He has recently signed a $190 million contract extension with a duration of 4 years.
8. Giannis Antetokunmpo - $39,344,970
Antetokunmpo and George both earn the same amount therefore, they technically are at a tie in 8th place. Antetokunmpo is a Greek professional basketball player that has won several awards and honours including 13 NBA Player of the Week and 4 All-Defensive team honours.
7. Kevin Durant - $40,918,900
Durant is in his 13th year as a professional basketball player and currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets. With many years of experience as an exceptional player comes many NBA awards including 25 Player of the Weeks and 9 All-NBA awards, 13 NBA Player of the month awards, the list goes on. Alongside his $40 million salary on the court he also makes a large amount off the court with his investments and partnerships that bring him to a total of $87.9 million annually.
6. Lebron James - $41,180,544
Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron James comes sixth in the list of highest paid NBA players of the 21/22 season. Not surprising at all that he made it onto this list, the surprising thing is that he earns more money off the court than on the court. He makes $41.2 million on the court and $70 million off the court, bringing him to a total of $111.2 million. Lebron James makes $32 million annually alone with his Nike deal. He has also had deals with Pepsi, Epic Games’ Fortnite, and most recently invested in the gym company Tonal. With a yearly income of $111.2 million, James is considered the fifth highest paid athlete in the world. Determined to reach billionaire status, James’ media and entertainment company SpringHill Company, sold a minority stake at a valuation of $725 million.
5. Damian Lillard - $43,750,000
After 9 years of experience in the NBA, Lillard is the fifth highest paid NBA player of the 21/22 season. He currently plays for the Portland Trail Blazers and has just three years and a player option for a fourth left on his contract with the only professional team that Lillard has played for.
4. James Harden - $43,848,000
The beard currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets scoring $43,848,000 on the court and $18 million off the court with his investments, including his partnership with luxury watch brand Vanguart.
3. Russell Westbrook - $44,211,146
Westbrook currently plays for the LA Lakers, a decision made by Lakers legend Lebron James. He has not only won NBA awards including 9 All-NBA awards, but he has also won an Olympic gold medal at the 2012 games.
2. John Wall - $44,310,840
Currently playing for the Houston Rockets as their point guard, Wall is the second highest paid player in the NBA. Despite earning this amount on the court, he may not play a single game this season. The Rockets have decided to bench Wall until they find a trade partner for the exceptionally well paid player.
1. Stephen Curry - $45,780,966
Curry could possibly be considered the number 1 player both in the highest paid rankings and professional basketball player rankings, both well deserved. He currently plays for the Golden State Warriors and has also won a large number of NBA awards and honours, including the NBA Sportsmanship award. Despite having the highest paying salary in the NBA, his overall income doesn't surpass Lebron James’ $100+ annual salary. Unfortunately, he is making just under that amount with $92.8 million thanks to clothing brand Curry Brand with Under Armour and his production company Unanimous Media.
