The NBA’s paychecks are soaring with the salary cap at a record $154.6million in 2025-26, leaving the highest-paid NBA players to rake it in.
Meanwhile, deep-pocketed teams can lock in elite talent like never before, with the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signing a new supermax deal.
In addition, rising TV deals mean richer contracts for the game’s biggest stars, including LeBron James, who recently signed a $52.63 million extension to keep him among the association’s best earners.
Here are the top 15 highest-paid NBA players in 2025‑26, ranked by HoopsHype, showing how dollars and dominance still go hand in hand.
1. Stephen Curry – $59.6million
Stephen Curry tops the list of the highest-paid NBA players, with a salary of $59.6million. Now 37, the Warriors icon remains a premier performer and recently extended his contract, adding a $62.6million year to stay in Golden State.
Even now, Curry shows few signs of slowing down. He put up 24.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds over 70 games.
What’s more, the two-time MVP and four-time NBA champion has revolutionised the game with his three-point shooting and still draws defensive attention like no one else.
An 11-time All-Star and the league’s all-time leader in threes made, Curry’s motivation remains sky-high. “I just want to win. That’s always the goal,” he’s said.
That drive, combined with his global influence, ensures Curry still leads the league in more ways than one.
=2. Anthony Davis – $57.6million
Davis is set to make $57.6million as part of the record-breaking extension he inked with the Lakers. Now 32, the star big man continues to be the linchpin of Los Angeles’ future alongside LeBron James.
He averaged 24.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 51 games, once again showcasing his ability to put up All-NBA numbers when on the court.
However, injuries remained a storyline, as he missed a bunch of games. An eight-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA selection, AD also earned a championship ring in 2020 as the defensive anchor of that Lakers title team.
He is renowned for his versatility, capable of scoring in the post or from midrange while protecting the rim at an elite level. If Davis can stay healthy, his combination of scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking makes the Lakers a threat to most teams.
=2. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $57.6million
Giannis will earn $57.6million thanks to the three-year extension he signed in 2023 to remain with Milwaukee.
‘The Greek Freak’ continues to justify that massive deal with MVP-calibre production. He averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, anchoring the Bucks on both ends and finishing as an MVP finalist.
The two-time MVP and 2021 NBA champion is a seven-time All-Star known for his relentless work ethic and team-first mindset.
His combination of size, athleticism, and improved playmaking makes him virtually unstoppable in transition and around the rim. Having secured one title, Giannis remains hungry for another and has made it clear that one ring won’t satisfy him.
=4. Nikola Jokic – $55.2million
Jokic will earn about $55.2million as part of the supermax extension that solidified his future in Denver. The reigning Finals MVP from the Nuggets’ 2023 championship is in his prime and arguably redefining the centre position.
He put up a historic stat line, averaging a triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists during the regular season. He nearly captured a third MVP award, finishing as a finalist after another dominant campaign.
Not only is he a five-time All-Star and two-time league MVP, but the Joker also has an uncanny playmaking ability and court vision at 7 feet tall.
His blend of scoring, passing, and rebounding
prowess makes him the NBA’s most versatile big man, and he remains the focal point of Denver’s quest for sustained title contention.
=4. Joel Embiid – $55.2million
Embiid is due $55.2million, continuing the massive $248million extension that keeps him in Philadelphia through 2027.
The 31-year-old centre is coming off a frustrating season in which knee issues limited him to just 19 games. It was a sharp contrast after winning the MVP and back-to-back scoring titles.
When healthy, Embiid is a dominant two-way force. A seven-time All-Star and the league’s scoring champion for two straight years, a rare feat for a centre.
He averages over 30 points with elite rim protection at his peak, showcasing a skill set drawing comparisons to all-time great big men.
Known for his “Trust the Process” mantra and charismatic leadership, Embiid will be eager to return to form and lead the 76ers deep into the playoffs.
6. Kevin Durant – $54.7million
Durant is set to earn $54.7million in the final guaranteed year of the four-year deal he signed back in Brooklyn before joining Phoenix.
Even at age 36, the former MVP remains an elite offensive force.. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 62 games, earning his 15th All-Star nod even as Phoenix struggled with injuries around him.
A two-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP, Durant’s résumé includes 13 All-Star appearances and four scoring titles, underscoring his place among the greats.
Known for his silky jumping and efficient scoring from all over the floor, KD continues to chase another ring in Phoenix, providing veteran leadership and virtually unguardable offence.
=7. Jimmy Butler – $54.13million
Butler, 35, will make $54.13million after a midseason blockbuster trade sent him from Miami to Golden State, making him one of the highest-paid NBA players.
The Warriors acquired the six-time All-Star for his renowned “Playoff Jimmy” intangibles and two-way grit, pairing him with Stephen Curry for another title push.
Butler’s regular-season numbers dipped (around 17.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists per game) as he split the year between two teams and managed his body.
He has twice led Miami to the NBA Finals and is revered for elevating his game in clutch situations. A four-time All-NBA honoree and perennial All-Defensive standout, Butler’s leadership and will to win make him invaluable as Golden State reloads for contention.
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=7. Jayson Tatum – $54.13million
Jayson Tatum will earn $54.13million in the first year of the five-year, $314million supermax extension he signed after leading Boston to the title.
This deal keeps the 27-year-old forward with the reigning champions long-term, cementing him as a franchise cornerstone and one of the highest-paid NBA players.
Tatum followed up the championship run by averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists over 72 games, showcasing his all-around growth as a playmaker.
A six-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA selection, Tatum has firmly entered the league’s elite. Known for his smooth scoring and poise in big moments, he’ll carry the torch as Boston aims to defend its crown.
=9. Jaylen Brown – $53.14million
Brown will earn $53.14million as part of the record-setting supermax deal he signed with Boston in 2023. It’s the richest contract in franchise history and a clear vote of confidence in his role as a co-leader.
On the court, Brown continues to be Boston’s two-way engine. He averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and played high-level defence, helping Boston stay among the league’s elite.
He’s a four-time All-Star and earned NBA Finals MVP honours in 2024, a crowning moment in his rise from raw prospect to championship star.
Brown once said, “My goal is to impact lives.” That purpose shows up in his leadership, activism, and the way he competes.
=9. Karl‑Anthony Towns – $53.14million
Towns will earn $53.14million in the final year of his supermax extension. He was traded to the Knicks after nine seasons in Minnesota.
In his first season with New York, he averaged 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds while shooting over 40% from three. His ability to space the floor has reshaped the Knicks’ frontcourt.
To add to his résumé, Towns is a three-time All-Star, former Rookie of the Year, and one of the best shooting bigs in NBA history. He’s also a two-time All-NBA selection.
In 2022, he became the first centre to win the NBA Three-Point Contest, a symbol of his unique offensive game.
=9. Devin Booker – $53.14million
At 28, Devin Booker will earn $53.14million in the final year of his four-year max extension with the Suns.
A four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, Booker has been the face of the franchise since being drafted in 2015.
He averaged 25.6 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting over 46% from the field. He also became Phoenix’s all-time leading scorer.
Known for his scoring polish, composure, and midrange excellence, Booker remains a key leader if the Suns have any chance of capturing their first NBA title.
12. LeBron James – $52.63million
LeBron James opted into the final year of his Lakers contract, earning just over $52.6million and remaining one of the highest-paid NBA players at age 40.
Now entering his 22nd NBA season, he remains an elite performer, averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds while playing over 70 games.
The four-time MVP and four-time champion is still chasing one last title in Los Angeles. With his son Bronny now on the roster, this season carries added significance.
LeBron has said, “I just want to compete for championships.” That hunger, plus his consistent production, keeps him among the league’s top earners and icons.
13. Paul George – $51.66million
Paul George, now 35, inked a four-year, $212million max deal with the 76ers in 2024, earning him $51.66million this season.
After five seasons with the Clippers, he joined Philly to form a new “big three” alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
A nine-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA selection, George is known for two-way excellence, having made NBA All-Defensive teams multiple times.
Despite a down year due to injuries and a 24–58 team record, his veteran leadership and elite perimeter scoring will be key to the franchise’s success.
14. Kawhi Leonard – $50million
Kawhi Leonard will earn $50million in 2025–26. It’s the second season of his three-year max extension with the Clippers, worth nearly $150million.
Injuries limited him to 37 games last year. However, he still averaged 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 49.8% from the field.
He produced a vintage 39-point playoff outing against Denver. Even so, the Clippers ultimately exited in the first round after seven games.
A two-time Finals MVP and former Defensive Player of the Year, Leonard remains central to L.A.’s hopes—if he can stay on the court.
15. Donovan Mitchell – $48.79million
Donovan Mitchell will earn $48.79million in 2025–26 as part of the three-year max extension he signed with the Cavaliers in July 2024.
He helped Cleveland to a 64–18 record last season. As a result, he was named to the All-NBA First Team after averaging 24.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds over 71 games.
Mitchell also earned his sixth straight All-Star nod. In addition, he broke a Michael Jordan playoff record with eight consecutive 30-point games in series openers.
Already one of the league’s most explosive scorers, Mitchell now ranks among the NBA’s highest earners after cementing his place as Cleveland’s franchise star.
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