Highest-paid NBA power forwards in 2025-26: $52.6m LeBron bested

Two of the top 10 highest-paid players in the NBA at the moment are power forwards, with their impact on their respective sides clear to see.

While other positions might get more credit, there are some very highly-paid power forwards.

Here, we have looked at the top 10 highest-paid players in the position in the NBA in 2025-26.

=1. Giannis Antetokounmpo ($54.1million)

The aforementioned Tatum is tied for top spot in terms of power forwards, with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis.

The Greek star won the MVP award in 2018-19 and 2019-20, and has been voted in the top four in every season since.

One of the very best players in the NBA, Giannis is earning $54.1million for this season.

=1. Jayson Tatum ($54.1million)

Voted within the top six for the MVP award in each of the last four seasons, and an NBA champion with the Boston Celtics in 2024, Tatum is clearly worthy of being one of the top earners in the league.

His five-year designated veteran extension will see him earn $54.1million this season.

By 2029-30, Tatum will be making $71.4million, which is more than any player in the league makes at the moment.

3. LeBron James ($52.6million)

While no power forwards are significantly out-earning LeBron, it’s a bit of a surprise that there are players who make more money than the face of the league for the last decade.

The LA Lakers star is on a maximum contract, as he has been for much of his career.

He took his player option on the contract this year, so this season, LeBron is making $52.6million, just shy of the top-earning power forwards in the league.

=4. Evan Mobley ($46.4million)

Mobley is in the first year of his designated rookie extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

For his first season, he’ll earn $46.4million. He’s earning more than he might have on his extension after he won defensive player of the year last season.

=4. Lauri Markkanen ($46.4million)

With the Chicago Bulls in 2021, Markkanen was due to become a free agent. Instead, the Bulls signed him to a new deal and traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Then in 2022, he was traded to the Utah Jazz, where he has just signed a veteran extension.

On the first year of that deal, Markkanen will make $46.4million, putting him equal with Mobley on the list.

6. Pascal Siakam ($45.5million)

Siakam was on a rookie maximum extension with the Toronto Raptors, where he won the NBA championship in 2019.

In 2024, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers, who then signed him to a four-year, $188.9million contract.

This season, he will earn $45.5million on that deal.

7. Domantas Sabonis ($42.3million)

Sabonis is on the second year of his veteran extension contract with the Sacramento Kings.

His average salary on his rookie extension contract was $18.7million, and he’ll earn $42.3million for this season.

8. Zion Williamson ($39.4million)

The No.1 pick in the 2019 draft, Williamson spent four years on his rookie deal, and is now on a five-year, $197.2million rookie extension with the New Orleans Pelicans.

This season, that will see him make $39.4million for the season, but the Pelicans can withhold percentages of his contract for certain reasons.

Some of Williamson’s salary only becomes guaranteed if he works his way up a scale of appearances, as well as if he continues to weigh below his target weight. He will also earn more if he makes an All-NBA team than if he doesn’t.

9. Scottie Barnes ($38.7million)

Toronto Raptors forward Barnes is on the first year of his rookie extension contract.

On that new deal, he’ll earn $38.7million for the season, a huge rise from his rookie deal.

10. Jaren Jackson Jr (35million)

Jackson has been a Memphis Grizzlies player for his entire NBA career. Drafted there fourth overall in 2018, the forward is about to enter his eighth year in the league.

He has just renegotiated his contract with the Grizzlies, agreeing to a five-year, $205million veteran extension contract.

But that does not kick in until 2026-27, so in the final year of his rookie extension contract, Jackson will earn $35million.