The NBA is one of the biggest sports leagues in the United States, with a huge financial landscape. Over the years, top basketball stars have played in the league, with many of them receiving a staggering amount in their annual salary.
NBA teams with elite stars under huge contracts are often one of the top teams that dominate the league due to a good number of talented players on their team. Sports fans who love to participate in online Tennessee sports betting check multiple resources to take advantage of their detailed expert analysis of NBA teams and how these big names impact their team’s results.
Let us see the top 10 highest-paid NBA players in world history based on their combined earnings.
10. Jayson Tatum – $469.9 million
Boston Celtics (2017 – present)
Jayson Tatum is sitting as the number ten highest-paid NBA player after he signed a contract extension worth $314 million with the Boston Celtics in the summer of 2024. The Missouri-born star, who came into the limelight in the NBA, started his professional career in 2017 when he joined the Boston Celtics.
Over the years, Tatum has been a key part of the Celtics success story, helping the team win its last NBA championship in the 2023-2024 season.
9. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – $481.6 million
Oklahoma City Thunder (2019 – present)
The Canadian-born star kicked off his Pro career in 2018 after being selected 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2018 NBA draft. Alexander’s earnings rose when he joined the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019.
His new 4-years contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, worth $284 million, saw him among the highest-paid NBA stars in history. Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder are the reigning NBA champions, thanks to his star performance all through the 2024-2025 season, during which he was named the league MVP and finals MVP.
8. Damian Lillard – $482.9 million
Portland Trail Blazers (2025 – present)
Damian Lillard became one of the top NBA earners when he signed a contract extension worth $196 million with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2019 before joining the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023. In 2025, the 9x NBA All-Stars rejoined the Blazers on a three-year, $41 million deal, which shot him to the top 10 list of highest-paid NBA players in history.
7. Joel Embiid – $509.3 million
Philadelphia 76ers ( 2025 – present)
Joel Embiid has been on a high-earning career contract ever since he made his mark on the NBA. The Yaounde, Cameroon-born star is currently on a three-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers worth a whopping $188 million contract, making him one of the top earners in NBA history.
6. Anthony Davis – $511.2 million
Dallas Mavericks ( 2025 – present)
Davis, who started his professional career in 2012, has enjoyed a good contract record. With his current $175 million three-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks, Anthony Davis has combined earnings worth $511.2 million throughout his NBA career.
5. Paul George – $516.9 million
Philadelphia 76ers (2010 – present)
Paul George made his NBA debut in 2010. Over the years, his career earnings have been scaling to the top. His current contract with the Philadelphia 76ers is worth $211 million, making the 35-year-old NBA star sit comfortably as the sixth top NBA earner.
4. Devin Booker – $520.2 million
Phoenix Suns ( 2015 – present)
With total career earnings of $520.20 million, Devin Booker stands as our number 4th highest paid NBA player in world history. His $220 million contract extension in 2022 and an added $145 million supermax contract extension that runs till 2029-2030 saw him among the top 4 most paid NBA players.
3. Stephen Curry – $532.7 million
Golden State Warriors ( 2009 – present)
Stephen Curry has enjoyed a long career with the Golden State Warriors. Being the best player in Golden State Warrior history, Stephen is on a huge contract worth $215 million and has added a $62 million deal on his latest one-year contract extension that will keep him in the club till 2027.
2. LeBron James – $581.3 million
Los Angeles Lakers ( 2018 – present)
The NBA superstar and 4x NBA Most Valuable Player is one of the most decorated NBA players of all time. Having won the NBA championship four times, LeBron James is currently entering his 23rd career season in the NBA and enjoying a $101 million contract with the L.A. Lakers.
1. Kevin Durant – $598.2 million
Houston Rockets ( 2025 – present)
The 37-year-old 2x NBA champion is at the number one spot on our list as the current Highest Paid NBA player in world History. Started his professional career in 2007, Kelvin has made approximately $600 million in all his contracts combined. The NBA legend is currently on $90 million two-year contract with the Rockets, making his combined career earnings worth more than any other player in NBA history.
