The NBA’s Highest-Paid Players in 2024.

October 22, 2024

The NBA’s Highest-Paid Players in 2024.

The NBA’s Highest-Paid Players in 2024
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As the 2024 NBA season kicks off, one name continues to stand out above the rest: LeBron James. For the 11th consecutive year, LeBron retains his title as the highest-paid player in the NBA, showcasing both his incredible talent on the court and his savvy business sense off of it. This year, he is leading a remarkable group of players whose earnings have reached a staggering total of $787 million.
LeBron James: The King of Earnings''

LeBron James, who will celebrate his 40th birthday this December, is not just a player; he’s a phenomenon. Interestingly, he is older than three active NBA head coaches: Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Will Hardy of the Utah Jazz, and Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics. Additionally, he shares his birth year with three others in coaching, including his new boss, JJ Redick, now in a front-office role with the Lakers.
Despite the passage of time, LeBron continues to excel. For the upcoming season, he will earn $48.7 million from his salary alone, complemented by an estimated $80 million from endorsements, licensing deals, and other business ventures. This brings his total earnings for the year to an impressive $128.7 million before taxes and agent fees. This figure is not only the highest for the 2024-25 season but also the largest ever recorded in the 15-year history of Forbes’ rankings, surpassing his previous record of $124.5 million from last year.
Rising Earnings in the NBA
LeBron’s journey to the top of the earnings list began in the 2014-15 season when he made $64.6 million. Back then, the NBA's top ten earners combined made around $368 million. Fast forward to today, and that number has more than doubled. The total earnings of the top ten players in 2024 reached a remarkable $787 million, exceeding last year’s record of $751 million.
A significant portion of this wealth comes from off-court earnings. The NBA’s collective bargaining agreement ensures that players receive about 50% of the league's basketball-related income. With the NBA generating around $13 billion in revenue last season, there is plenty of money for teams to spend on player salaries. This season, 82 players will earn more than LeBron’s first-year salary of $20.6 million as the highest-paid player.
Superstar Salaries''
Stephen Curry, a two-time NBA champion, has also made history by becoming the first player to earn a $50 million salary in the 2023-24 season. He is not alone in this elite category; other stars like Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, and Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns have joined him, thanks to a salary cap that has soared to $140.6 million. The luxury tax threshold has also risen to $170.8 million, reflecting an increase of over 122% from just ten years ago.
The upcoming years promise even more financial growth for players, especially following the NBA's new national media rights deals. Signed in July, these deals are worth a jaw-dropping $76 billion over the next 11 years, more than two and a half times the league's previous earnings. This new influx of revenue is expected to push the salary cap up by 10% annually, which is the largest increase allowed under the current collective bargaining agreement.
Future Earnings Potential
With the trajectory of player salaries continuing to rise, we can expect to see even more record-breaking paydays in the future. For instance, Curry is anticipated to break the $60 million annual salary barrier by the 2026-27 season, while Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics could reach an astonishing $70 million by the 2029-30 season.
Conclusion
As the 2024 NBA season unfolds, LeBron James remains a symbol of excellence both on and off the court. His unparalleled earnings reflect not only his skills as a basketball player but also his ability to leverage his brand in the business world. With the league’s financial growth and increasing player salaries, the NBA is entering an exciting era where players’ earnings are set to skyrocket even further. The future looks bright for both the league and its stars, promising even more remarkable achievements and earnings in the years to come.,,
Kevin Durant: A Basketball Superstar
Age: 36
Position: Forward
Team: Phoenix Suns,
Kevin Durant continues to shine both on and off the court. This season, he is set to earn $49.9 million in salary. But that’s just part of the story. Off the court, Durant brings in an impressive $50 million from endorsements and various business ventures.
With his exceptional skills and marketability, Durant remains one of the highest-paid players in the NBA, showcasing his talent and influence in the league. As he competes with the Phoenix Suns, fans can expect him to make a significant impact this season while also expanding his brand.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Greek Freak
Age: 29
Position: Forward
Team: Milwaukee Bucks,,
Giannis Antetokounmpo, known as the "Greek Freak," continues to make waves in the NBA and beyond. This season, he will earn $48.8 million on the court, while off the court, he adds another $45 million through endorsements and business ventures.
In January, Giannis launched his own production company, Improbable Media. His first project, a documentary titled Giannis: The Marvelous Journey, premiered on Amazon Prime Video the following month. Looking ahead, the company is working on several exciting projects, including a digital diary series with University of Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe and an Ocean’s Eleven-style heist movie set in Greece, expected to begin production this year.
Giannis also showcased his national pride as he served as the flag-bearer for Greece during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics in July. With his impressive achievements on the court and growing influence off it, Giannis continues to be a powerful force in both basketball and entertainment..
Damian Lillard: The Veteran Point Guard''
Age: 34
Position: Point Guard
Team: Milwaukee Bucks..
Damian Lillard, an eight-time All-Star, is making his mark with the Milwaukee Bucks after a challenging first season that ended in the playoffs' first round. This year, Lillard will earn $48.8 million on the court, while off the court, he adds $16 million from endorsements and business ventures.
Following the playoff disappointment, Lillard dedicated his summer to training with a well-known ultramarathoner, demonstrating his commitment to improving his game. Despite his move to Milwaukee, he remains closely connected to Portland, where he spent 11 successful seasons with the Trail Blazers. Lillard owns a Toyota dealership just outside the city and made history in January by becoming the first athlete to have a court named after him at Adidas’ North American headquarters.
In September, he was honored with the inaugural Bill Walton Community Impact Award by the Maurice Lucas Foundation, recognizing his philanthropic efforts in the Portland area. With his talent, dedication, and community involvement, Lillard continues to inspire both on and off the court..
Joel Embiid: The Dominant Center
Age: 30
Position: Center
Team: Philadelphia 76ers,,
Joel Embiid is poised for a big season with the Philadelphia 76ers. This year, he will earn $51.4 million on the court, alongside an additional $10 million from endorsements and business ventures.In September, Embiid signed a three-year, $192.9 million extension, securing his future with the 76ers through the 2028-29 season. After facing challenges with injuries and fatigue in recent playoffs, he’s determined to give his team their money’s worth. This offseason, he reported losing “25 to 30 pounds” and is open to following the Philadelphia training staff's advice to manage his workload during the regular season to stay fresh for the playoffs. He humorously mentioned, “They know that if they have to punch me, slap me, take my stuff away from me not to get on that court, they’re going to have to do it.”
Off the court, Embiid is expanding his brand with a new sneaker deal with Skechers, further enhancing his business portfolio. With his commitment to improving his game and maintaining his health, Embiid aims to lead the 76ers to success this season.
Jimmy Butler: The Coffee Entrepreneur
Age: 35
Position: Small Forward
Team: Miami Heat,,
Jimmy Butler continues to make his mark both on and off the court. This season, he will earn $48.8 million from his contract with the Miami Heat, along with an additional $10 million from endorsements and business ventures.
Butler is not just a basketball star; he’s also a savvy entrepreneur. He founded his coffee brand, BigFace, in 2021, inspired by his unique experience as a makeshift barista during the NBA bubble in 2020, where he sold $20 cups of coffee to fellow players. Now, BigFace is set to open its first permanent shop in Miami, marking an exciting new chapter for his brand.
After five seasons with the Heat, Butler's future in Miami is somewhat uncertain. He holds a player option for next season and could decide to enter free agency in 2025. With his talent and entrepreneurial spirit, Butler remains a key player to watch, both on the court and in the business world....
Devin Booker: The Rising Star
Age: 27
Position: Guard
Team: Phoenix Suns,,
Devin Booker is making waves in the NBA as he approaches his 28th birthday. This season, he will earn $49.2 million on the court, in addition to $9 million from endorsements and business ventures.
Booker has recently made headlines with the launch of his first signature shoe from Nike, which has received rave reviews even before its official release last season. In a generous gesture, he gifted a special edition of the shoe to every member of the Michigan State basketball team and coaching staff during the Suns' preseason visit for a game against the Detroit Pistons. Though he played college basketball at the University of Kentucky, Booker has strong ties to Michigan, having grown up there and maintaining a close relationship with Spartans coach Tom Izzo.
With his impressive skills and commitment to giving back, Booker continues to solidify his status as one of the NBA's brightest stars...
Luka Dončić: The Young Sensation
Age: 25
Position: Guard
Team: Dallas Mavericks,,
Luka Dončić is making a significant impact in the NBA, coming off an impressive appearance in the NBA Finals. As the youngest player on the basketball earnings ranking, Dončić continues to shine, earning $43 million this season from his contract with the Dallas Mavericks, along with an additional $15 million from endorsements and sponsorships.
In May, he was recognized as one of only five athletes aged 25 and under to make Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes. His growing list of sponsors includes notable brands like Gatorade, which he joined in April, as well as partnerships with Jordan Brand, Nerf, and the Slovenian Tourist Board.
With his remarkable talent and expanding brand, Luka Dončić is poised for continued success both on and off the court...
Bradley Beal: The Aggressive Playmaker
Age: 31
Position: Guard
Team: Phoenix Suns,,
Bradley Beal is making a strong impact as a key player for the Phoenix Suns. This season, he will earn $50.2 million on the court, along with $7.5 million from endorsements and business ventures. With Beal joining Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the Suns now boast three players in the NBA earnings top 10, a feat matched only by the Milwaukee Bucks with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
Entering his second season with the Suns, Beal has been encouraged by new head coach Mike Budenholzer to play more aggressively. Although it’s only preseason, early signs are promising, as Beal appears to be rediscovering the form that earned him three All-Star selections during his time with the Washington Wizards. After battling injuries last season, fans are excited to see him return to his peak performance.
With his talent and newfound confidence, Bradley Beal is set to play a pivotal role in the Suns’ quest for success this season...
Methodology Behind the Forbes NBA Earnings Ranking
The Forbes ranking of the NBA's highest-paid players focuses on on-court earnings for the 2024-25 season, which includes base salaries and bonuses. However, it does not factor in incentives tied to individual or team performance for this season.For the off-court earnings estimates, Forbes engages in discussions with industry insiders to compile accurate data. These figures reflect annual income from various sources, including endorsements, licensing deals, public appearances, memorabilia sales, and cash returns from businesses in which the player has a significant stake.
It's important to note that investment income, such as interest or dividends, is not included in these estimates. However, Forbes does account for payouts from any equity stakes that athletes have sold.
Lastly, Forbes does not deduct taxes or agents' fees from the reported earnings, presenting a clear view of each player's financial success...