[ez-toc]The NBA continues to be a financial juggernaut, with player salaries reflecting the league’s soaring revenues and global popularity. The 2024-25 season has showcased some of the most lucrative contracts in NBA history, driven by a salary cap of $140.6 million and a luxury tax threshold of $170.8 million. These figures represent significant increases over the past decade, enabling teams to reward their star players with massive paychecks. In this article, we explore the 12 highest-paid NBA players for the 2024-25 season, focusing on their on-court contributions, off-court earnings, and the factors driving their hefty salaries.
1. Stephen Curry – $55.8 million
Stephen Curry remains the highest-paid player in the NBA for the eighth consecutive season, earning $55.8 million in the 2024-25 season. Known as the “Baby-Faced Assassin,” Curry has revolutionized basketball with his unparalleled three-point shooting, leading the Warriors to four NBA championships and earning two MVP awards. His current contract, a four-year, $215.4 million extension signed in 2021, reflects his status as a max-salary player whose annual raises have outpaced the league’s salary cap increases. In August 2024, Curry signed a one-year extension worth $62.6 million for the 2026-27 season, ensuring he remains with Golden State through his age-38 season.
Off the court, Curry’s marketability is unmatched, with endorsement deals from Under Armour, Chase, and others contributing an estimated $100 million annually. His $75 million in restricted stock units from Under Armour, vesting in 2029 and 2034, further solidify his financial legacy. Curry’s combination of on-court excellence and off-court earnings makes him the highest-paid player in the league when factoring in total income, projected at $155.8 million for 2024-25.
2. Joel Embiid – $51.4 million
Joel Embiid ties for the second-highest salary in the NBA at $51.4 million for the 2024-25 season. The 2023 NBA MVP signed a three-year, $192.9 million extension in September 2024, securing his future with the 76ers through 2029. Embiid’s dominance as a modern big man, blending traditional post play with perimeter skills, has made him one of the league’s most valuable players. Despite injury concerns, his focus on conditioning—including a reported 25-30 pound weight loss—demonstrates his commitment to longevity.
Embiid’s off-court earnings, estimated at $10 million annually, are bolstered by a new sneaker deal with Skechers and other endorsements. His charismatic personality and social media presence enhance his marketability, making him a key figure in Philadelphia’s championship aspirations.
3. Nikola Jokić – $51.4 million
Nikola Jokić, a two-time MVP and the 2023 NBA Finals MVP, also earns $51.4 million in the 2024-25 season, tying with Embiid for second place. Jokić’s five-year, $276 million supermax extension, signed in 2022, was the richest contract in NBA history at the time. His unique skill set as a playmaking center has redefined the position, leading the Nuggets to their first championship in 2023. Jokić’s ability to dominate games with his passing, scoring, and rebounding makes him indispensable to Denver.
Off the court, Jokić maintains a lower profile, with estimated earnings of $5-10 million from endorsements, including deals with Nike. His unassuming persona contrasts with his on-court brilliance, but his value to the Nuggets is undeniable.
4. Kevin Durant – $51.2 million
Kevin Durant earns $51.2 million in the 2024-25 season, placing him fourth among the league’s highest-paid players. Originally signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2021, Durant’s four-year, $194.2 million contract transferred to the Phoenix Suns following his 2023 trade. A perennial All-Star and two-time NBA champion, Durant remains one of the league’s premier scorers, averaging over 25 points per game in his 17th season.
Durant’s off-court earnings, estimated at $46.7 million annually, come from a robust portfolio of endorsements with Nike, Beats, and others, as well as investments through his company, Thirty-Five Ventures. His total income of $97.9 million for 2024-25 ranks him among the top off-court earners, trailing only Curry and LeBron James.
5. Bradley Beal – $50.2 million
Bradley Beal rounds out the top five with a $50.2 million salary for the 2024-25 season. Signed with the Washington Wizards in 2022, Beal’s five-year, $251 million max contract transferred to the Phoenix Suns after a 2023 trade. Once an elite scorer, Beal has faced injury challenges in recent years, but his scoring ability and veteran presence remain valuable to Phoenix’s championship pursuit alongside Durant and Devin Booker.
Beal’s off-court earnings, estimated at $7.5 million annually, include deals with Nike and other brands. His $57.7 million total income reflects his status as one of the league’s highest-paid players, though his on-court production has sparked debate about his contract’s value.
6. Devin Booker – $49.2 million
Devin Booker earns $49.2 million in the 2024-25 season, tying for sixth place. His four-year, $220.4 million extension, signed in 2022, reflects his status as a cornerstone of the Phoenix Suns. Booker led the Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021 and has established himself as an elite scorer and leader. His first signature shoe with Nike, launched in 2024, has further elevated his profile.
Booker’s off-court earnings, estimated at $9 million annually, include his Nike deal and other endorsements. His total income of $58.2 million places him among the league’s top earners, highlighting his growing influence both on and off the court.
7. Jaylen Brown – $49.2 million
Jaylen Brown also earns $49.2 million in the 2024-25 season, tying for sixth. His five-year, $304 million supermax extension, signed in 2023, is the richest contract in NBA history by total value. Brown’s pivotal role in the Celtics’ 2024 championship, where he earned Finals MVP honors, justifies his massive deal. His two-way play and leadership have made him a cornerstone alongside Jayson Tatum.
Brown’s off-court earnings, estimated at $5-10 million annually, include deals with Adidas and other brands. While his endorsement portfolio is smaller than some peers, his on-court success ensures his financial prominence.
8. Karl-Anthony Towns – $49.2 million
Karl-Anthony Towns earns $49.2 million in the 2024-25 season, tying for sixth. Signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2022, his four-year, $220.4 million extension transferred to the New York Knicks following a blockbuster trade in 2024. Towns’ versatility as a big man who can shoot from deep and score inside makes him a valuable asset, though his postseason performance has been inconsistent.
Towns’ off-court earnings, estimated at $5-10 million annually, include deals with Nike and other brands. His move to New York could boost his marketability, given the city’s large media market.
9. Kawhi Leonard – $49.2 million
Kawhi Leonard also earns $49.2 million in the 2024-25 season, tying for sixth. His three-year, $152.3 million extension, signed in 2024, reflects his status as a two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP. Despite injury setbacks, Leonard remains one of the league’s premier two-way players when healthy, anchoring the Clippers’ defense and offense.
Leonard’s off-court earnings, estimated at $5-10 million annually, include a long-standing deal with New Balance. His reserved persona limits his endorsement portfolio, but his on-court excellence ensures his high salary.
10. Paul George – $49.2 million
Paul George rounds out the top ten with a $49.2 million salary for the 2024-25 season. After leaving the Los Angeles Clippers, George signed a four-year, $211.6 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2024. A six-time All-Star, George’s two-way play and veteran leadership make him a key addition to a 76ers team aiming for a championship alongside Embiid.
George’s off-court earnings, estimated at $5-10 million annually, include deals with Nike and other brands. His move to Philadelphia could enhance his marketability in a new market.
11. Jimmy Butler – $48.8 million
Jimmy Butler earns $48.8 million in the 2024-25 season, tying for 11th place. His three-year, $146.4 million extension, signed in 2021, reflects his value as a clutch performer and leader for the Miami Heat. Butler has led the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances, earning a reputation as one of the league’s toughest competitors.
Butler’s off-court earnings, estimated at $10 million annually, include his coffee brand, BigFace, and endorsements with Li-Ning. With a player option for 2025-26, Butler’s future with Miami remains uncertain, but his current earnings underscore his impact.
12. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $48.8 million
Giannis Antetokounmpo also earns $48.8 million in the 2024-25 season, tying for 11th. His three-year, $175.3 million extension, signed in 2023, follows a five-year, $228.2 million supermax deal from 2020. A two-time MVP and 2021 NBA champion, Giannis remains one of the league’s most dominant players, known for his relentless work ethic and versatility.
Giannis’ off-court earnings, estimated at $55 million annually, include a lucrative Nike deal and other endorsements. His total income of $103.8 million ranks him third among NBA players for 2024-25, trailing only Curry and LeBron James.
Note: All salary figures are sourced from reliable databases such as Spotrac, ESPN, and HoopsHype.