40. Draymond Green - $90 Million
American Pro baller Draymond Green is famous for playing for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association as a power forward and small forward. He's championed as being one of the best defensive NBA players in the league, so it's hardly surprising that he's made it on to the list as one of the highest earning players. As a multi-award winning NBA All-Star, NBA Champion, NBA Defensive Player of the Year and NBA All-Defensive Team Champion, he has amassed an impressive net worth of $90 million.
Green has earned approximately $4 million of his $90 million fortune from big company endorsements such as Nike, Converse, Hugo Boss, Mercedez Benz, Subway and Verizon.
39. Derrick Rose - $90 Million
Chicago-born player for the National Basketball Association's Memphis Grizzlies, Derrick Rose—known by his nicknames D-Rose, The Windy City Assassin, and Pooh—made history at just 22 years old when he became the youngest player ever to win the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. Currently, Rose earns a salary of just over $2 million annually, but during his time with the New York Knicks, he was raking in over $20 million per year. Throughout his remarkable 15-year-long professional basketball career, he has accumulated an impressive fortune of approximately $90 million.
Aside from his NBA earnings, his sponsorships, particularly from his lucrative Adidas endorsement which ran for more than 14 years, are said to have earned him over $180 million.
38. Steve Nash - $95 Million
Canadian former NBA player and current coach Steve Nash, who was born in South Africa, only began to develop his basketball skills after his family relocated. Having recently served as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets until 2022, his illustrious career spanned over 18 years, during which he garnered numerous accolades, titles, and significant earnings. It is reported that his total career earnings have reached nearly $150 million, with his peak years seeing him earn over $13 million annually. Today, his net worth stands at an impressive $95 million, much of which has also been amassed through brand partnerships.
Nash, who is deeply passionate about sustainability and ethical brand practices, is known for being particularly selective in choosing his partnerships, which makes his considerable net worth even more remarkable.
37. Kyle Lowry - $100 Million
All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry is widely regarded as one of the best players in Toronto Raptors history, but his talent has also taken him to the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and Memphis Grizzlies. Born in Philadelphia, the NBA star is still going strong at 38, pulling in $28 million this year alone. Back in 2014, he signed a $48 million deal with the Raptors, and in 2021, he negotiated a massive $85 million contract with Miami Heat. Over the course of his NBA career, Lowry has raked in nearly $250 million, but his current net worth stands at around $100 million.
In 2023, six-time All-Star is believed to have earned a total of $1.5 million from sponsorships with brands such as Adidas, Citizen Watch, Sony, Spalding, Invisalign, Nestle and AXE, among others.
36. Kevin Love - $100 Million
The American professional basketball player Kevin Lovehas had a stellar career, including taking home gold medals at both the 2010 FIBA World Championship with the United States national team and the 2012 Summer Olympics. His standout moment came during the 2010-2011 NBA season when he scored a career-high 43 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in a single game. He's a five-time All-Star with an NBA salary of $30 million who has built up a net worth of around $100 million.
On top of that, he brings home in an extra $10 million each year from brand endorsements, adding even more to his already sizeable annual income.
35. Jamal Mashburn - $100 Million
Former American professional basketball player Jamal Mashburn has enjoyed a highly successful career in the NBA and making a significant impact on the court. Celebrated for his impressive scoring ability, Mashburn played for teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, and New Orleans Hornets over his 12-year career span. He peaked during the 1994-1995 season, where he was averaging over 24 points per game. But off the court he has also developed his business portfolio and built a substantial net worth, currently estimated at around $100 million.
From his business investments to brand sponsorships, Mashburn has amassed a considerable fortune, having made a total of $75 million from his professional basketball career.
34. Isiah Thomas - $100 Million
One of the most celebrated players in NBA history, retired player Isiah Thomas earned himself the nickname "The Little Big Man" for his incredible court skills in spite of his shorter stature. He was instrumental in leading the Pistons to back-to-back NBA Championships in both 1989 and 1990, which pretty much solidified his status as a basketball icon. Through a combination of his NBA salary and brand sponsorship deals over the years, Thomas acrued a net worth of $100 million, make him one of the highest earning players.
Thomas also dabbled in other financial endevours, having served on the Board of the Governors of the Chicago Stock Exchange, founded a real estate company and invested in recycling and waste removal.
33. Damian Lillard - $100 Million
Nicknamed "Dame Time," Damian Lillard is a standout point guard known for being one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers. Drafted in 2012, he made headlines in 2022 by signing a record-breaking four-year contract with the Trail Blazers worth an impressive $122 million. He then secured a two-year extension, which means he’s set to earn a whopping $450 million from the NBA by the end of his contract. Currently, his total net worth is around $100 million.
Lillard’s endorsements are also proving to be highly lucrative, having supposedly signed a 10-year partnership with Adidas for $100 million, among other well paid sponsorships with other brands.
32. Bradley Beal - $100 Million
Missouri-born NBA star Bradley Beal has been a standout player since he was drafted in 2012 by the Washington Wizards. He's best known for his adaptability and consistency in scoring, having earned several All-Star selections during his career. Currently he plays for the NBA's Phoenix Suns, but he's previously played on the United States men's national basketball team. After signing a two-year contract back in 2019 for a $72 million extension, he signed with the Washington Wizards in 2022 for a five-year $251 million deal.
Today Beal's worth $100 million, with an annual salary of $43 million, and he's ranked as one of the best in the Wizards' all-time leading scorer list, second only to Elvin Hayes.
31. Al Horford - $100 Million
NBA center and power forward Al Horford hails from the Dominican Republic and is most famous for his formidable defensive skills. A five-time NBA All-Star and winner of the 2024 NBA Finals, Horford currently plays for the Boston Celtics, having previously been drafted by the Atlanta Hawks. He led the Celtics to the NBA Finals in 2022 and, through his basketball career and sponsorships, has accumulated significant earnings. Currently, he's earning $26.5 million annually and has a net worth of $100 million.
Horford’s most significant annual income was nearly $30 million in 2019, and over the span of 17 seasons, he has earned a total of $285 million from the NBA alone.
30. Vince Carter - $110 Million
Retired NBA star Vince Carter was known for his uncompromising athleticism and unforgettable dunks and enjoyed an impressive 22-season career over several decades. He was given several nicknames by his fans, such as "Half-Man, Half-Amazing," "Vinsanity," and "Air Canada," but it was his consistently astounding performances and eight All-Star appearances that made him a real household name. His success wasn't limited to the court, as he dabbled in other business ventures that helped him amass his fortune. These days, his net worth is estimated to be around $110 million, much of which comes from his NBA earnings, as well as from business-savvy investments and brand sponsorship deals.
Now, at 47 years of age, the retired NBA star left behind his pro-basketball career and moved into sports broadcasting, where he has been experiencing immense success.
29. John Wall - $110 Million
33-year-old NBA player John Wall spent nine years with the Washington Wizards before moving on to the Houston Rockets in 2020. His contract with the Wizards made him one of the highest-earning players, and if he had continued with the Wizards until 2023 as initially intended, he would have earned a total of $260 million from his National Basketball Association career. In 2023, he became the second-highest-paid player, taking home an annual salary of over $44 million. These days, his net worth sits at around $110 million.
From brand endorsements with Reebok worth $25 million to successful real estate investments, Wall is sure to amass a bigger fortune in the coming years.
28. Chris Bosh - $110 Million
Texas-born Chris Bosh first signed with the Toronto Raptors in 2003, where he quickly proved his talents as the team's starting center, despite being up against formidable opponents with more experience. He soon became the face of the franchise and one of the captains for the 2005-2006 season, eventually leaving the team in 2010. When he joined the Miami Heat, he became part of the "Big Three" trio alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Unfortunately, health issues forced him into early retirement, and he left the Miami Heat in 2019. Despite this, he earned a peak salary of $26 million and currently has a net worth of $240 million.
Aside from his NBA career, Bosh has also carved out a career in the entertainment industry, appearing on TV shows, movies, and documentaries, as well as producing music.
27. Blake Griffin - $110 Million
NBA player Blake Griffin was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers, where he earned the title of "the greatest rookie of all time" during the 2011 Slam Dunk Contest. He is a six-time NBA All-Star and a five-time All-NBA selection, having earned over $32 million in 2018 when he was signed with the Pistons. Currently, his net worth stands at $110 million, with much of his earnings coming from brand endorsements and some coming from guest TV appearances.
It is estimated that Griffin earns up to $10 million a year from brand sponsorships, making him one of the highest-earning athletes in endorsements alone.
26. Pau Gasol - $120 Million
Retired professional basketball player Pau Gasol was born in Spain and had no intention of becoming a professional athlete in his younger years. After leaving behind his medical career aspirations, he signed with the Atlanta Hawks in 2001 before immediately moving to the Memphis Grizzlies. He would eventually go on to become the all-time leading rebounder for the Grizzlies, the franchise leader, and the first Spanish player to make an NBA All-Star game. He used to earn $19 million during the 2013/2014 season and has a net worth of $120 million.
Gasol earned a total of $225 million from his NBA career over the years, earning him a high position on the list of the richest NBA players of all time.
25. Pat Riley - $120 Million
Former basketball player, coach, and current basketball executive Pat Riley is most famous for having served as the head coach of the Miami Heat for eight years until 2003, and once again from 2005 to 2008. His coaching tenure saw his teams win five championships and earned him the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award. Considered by many to be one of the best NBA coaches ever, he has understandably accumulated a considerable amount of wealth. His net worth sits at $120 million as of 2024.
Having been a part of the NBA since 1967, Riley currently earns around $11 million a year as President and GM of the Miami Heat.
24. Kevin Garnett - $120 Million
Retired NBA player Kevin Garnett is a 15-time All-Star who won the All-Star MVP award in 2003. He is considered one of the best power forwards in basketball history thanks to his dominant playing style and commitment to winning. In 2008, he was awarded the NBA Defensive Player of the Year title, and at his peak, he was earning $28 million. He currently has a net worth of $120 million and on average took in an annual salary of $22 million.
Adding up his entire NBA career earnings, retired power forward Garnett has earned over $334 million from his professional basketball career alone. His sponsorships have on average accounted for $4 million annually.
23. Kawhi Leonard - $120 Million
Los Angeles Clippers player Kawhi Leonard is a six-time NBA All-Star and a six-time member of the All-NBA Team. He earned the Defensive Player of the Year title in both 2015 and 2016, and after moving to the Toronto Raptors in 2018, was instrumental in bringing his team their first NBA championship the following year. He has a net worth of $120 million, but his base salary is one of the most impressive aspects of his career.
Leonard has a base salary of $52 million from his NBA work alone, making him one of the highest-paid basketball players in the league. He also earns approximately $5.5 million a year from brand sponsorships.
22. Tim Duncan - $130 Million
Former basketball player and current coach Tim Duncan once earned over $20 million as a base salary, helping him become one of the richest NBA players. Over his career, he has taken home more than $200 million from the NBA, not including his numerous lucrative brand sponsorships. Coming from a family of athletes, Duncan enjoyed a 19-season career and is a 15-time NBA All-Star with an estimated fortune of $130 million.
On average, it is believed that Duncan earns around $2 million annually from brand endorsements, having been associated with Nike, Adidas, Bridgestone, and AT&T over the years.
21. Dwight Howard - $140 Million
Thirty-eight-year-old Dwight Howard is considered one of the best defensive basketball players in history. His highly successful NBA career has made him an eight-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA Team honoree, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and five-time All-Defensive Team member. He is currently signed with the Taiwan Mustangs, earning a $23 million salary, not including endorsements. Having earned over $190 million from the NBA over his 18-year career, he currently has a net worth of $140 million.
During his peak years from 2012 to 2018, Howard is believed to have earned $30 million annually from sponsorship and endorsement deals with brands like McDonald's and Adidas.
20. Dirk Nowitzki - $140 Million
Hailing from Germany, former professional baller Dirk Nowitzki is best known for his great versatility on the court. Many also believe him to be one of the best players to come out of Europe in the history of professional basketball, and as such, he has been recognized and awarded for his impressive achievements. Standing tall at 6 feet 11 inches, his average salary of over $22 million helped him accrue his current net worth of $140 million, not all of which has come from his NBA career.
He has played for a total of 21 seasons, and in terms of overall salary earned throughout his career, he is the 6th highest-paid athlete in the league.
19. Yao Ming - $160 Million
Retired NBA star Yao Ming was born in China to two professional basketball player parents. At 7 ft 6 in tall, he was always destined to make it big as a professional athlete, and his career has not disappointed. He is the tallest active player in the league, having been selected for the All-Star team eight times over the course of his career, and has accumulated a substantial fortune of $160 million. His greatest salary was earned during his last NBA season with the Houston Rockets, totaling $17.6 million.
Over the course of his professional career, he has taken home over $90 million. Still, his many brand sponsorships continue to build up his fortune.
18. Carmelo Anthony - $160 Million
Former NBA player Carmelo Anthony has had the honor of being an All-NBA Team member six times over the course of his career and has been named an NBA All-Star ten times. Having played in the NBA for 19 seasons, Anthony is considered one of the highest-performing scorers in the history of the National Basketball Association. During the 2017-2018 season, Anthony was at his peak, raking in about $35 million, including endorsements. But over the course of his entire career, he has earned $260 million.
His current net worth is $160 million, with his most recent NBA salary of 2022 earning him over $2 million a year with the Los Angeles Lakers.
17. Anthony Davis - $160 Million
NBA athlete Anthony Davis currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers after signing with them for a five-year contract worth $190 million in 2020. It became one of the biggest deals in history when his salary increased by $32 million, but even that pales in comparison to his 2023 contract extension with the Lakers, in which he signed for $186 million for a period of three years. The single largest extension in history, his salary currently sits at $62 million a year, and his current net worth is $160 million.
On top of his hefty annual paycheck, basketball star Davis earns around $10 million a year from sponsorships with brands such as Nike and Beats Electronics.
16. James Harden - $165 Million
Having played for the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers, professional basketball player James Harden is currently signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. Considered one of the best scorers and shooting guards, he has been named to seven consecutive NBA All-Star teams and has earned All-NBA First Team honors a total of six times. Harden is the fifth highest-paid athlete in NBA history, pulling in $44 million per season, excluding endorsements. His current net worth sits at $165 million.
It is Harden's lucrative Adidas sponsorship that earns him an extra $15 million a year alone, so his net worth is likely to increase considerably in the coming years.
15. Dwyane Wade - $170 Million
Former pro NBA star Dwyane Wade was raking in over $23 million during the 2016-2017 season when he was signed to the Chicago Bulls. Having also played for the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers over the course of his 16-season career, Wade has earned almost $200 million over the years. But aside from his professional career, his brand sponsorships, particularly with shoe brands, have contributed significantly to his annual earnings.
Former athlete Wade currently has a net worth of $170 million, which he has accrued through a combination of his basketball career salary, endorsements earnings and business investments.
14. Steph Curry - $240 Million
NBA point guard Steph Curry is considered the greatest shooter in NBA history. He has solidified his status as one of the best players to have ever existed, not least for his contributions to the game of basketball, inspiring players to attempt more three-point field goals. Curry became the first player to earn $40 million a season, eventually reaching $50 million, and has consistently retained the position of highest-paid player in the NBA since 2017. As it stands, he has amassed a fortune of $240 million.
Curry is currently earning a salary of $62 million from his basketball career with the Golden State Warriors and up to $40 million a year from sponsorships.
13. Chris Paul - $180 Million
Professional basketball point guard Chris Paul is believed to be one of the most talented point guards in the league, as well as one of the best-paid. He's currently earning $30 million playing for the San Antonio Spurs, but he's gathered a considerable sum from both on-court and off-court pursuits. In 2025, Paul is expected to have earned a total of $446 million throughout his entire NBA career, having received up to $20 million a year from his brand deals. As of right now he has a $180 million net worth.
He has worked with high-paying companies such as Jordan Brand and State Farm and even served as President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) in 2013.
12. Luol Deng - $200 Million
Former pro basketball player Luol Deng holds both South Sudanese and British citizenship and is a two-time NBA All-Star. Now retired as a professional player, he previously played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers over the course of his career. He was active for 15 seasons, during which he earned a total of $166 million, not including his brand endorsements. With a current net worth of $200 million, much of his sizable wealth has been accrued through a series of smart business moves.
Former NBA player Deng also has a private fund company, real estate investments, and generally pursued business endeavors that have significantly increased his net worth.
11. David Robinson - $200 Million
Retired pro baller David Robinson earned the nickname "The Admiral" due to his former career with the U.S. Navy in the '80s. During the 1998-1999 season, he was earning almost $15 million a year, the equivalent of approximately $28 million today. He ended up earning over $116 million from his NBA career, but it was outside of his athletic career that his earnings really skyrocketed. He started two equity funds, one in 2007 and one in 2015, earning hundreds of millions of dollars.
Robinson has a current net worth of $200 million, thanks to his savvy business acumen and successful real estate investments, which continue to garner profits.
10. Grant Hill - $250 Million
Retired NBA player and current basketball executive Grant Hill accrued a considerable fortune from his athletic career. He earned $140 million from his salary alone, and almost as much in brand endorsements, which totals $120 million. However, his post-NBA business endeavors saw him rake in millions in profits. These days, he is a co-owner of the National Basketball Association's Atlanta Hawks, Major League Soccer's Orlando City SC, and the National Women's Soccer League's Orlando Pride.
Hill has a fortune of $250 million, most of which he made from his entrepreneurial career. Aside from that, he works as an analyst for sports channels.
9. Russell Westbrook - $300 Million
NBA point guard Russell Westbrook is signed with the Denver Nuggets and is currently one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. It took him 10 years to earn $250 million just from the NBA, and now he takes home $44 million a season for his on-court skills. When he signed with Jordan Brand in 2017, he secured the largest contract in the company's history with a staggering 10-year deal worth up to $200 million. Westbrook also signed the largest contract in NBA history with a $205 million extension for five years.
With a current net worth of $300 million, Westbrook has also earned significant sums from sponsorship deals with brands such as PepsiCo, Samsung, and True Religion.
8. Kevin Durant - $300 Million
Phoenix Suns power forward and small forward Kevin Durant is considered one of the best players in the history of basketball. With 14 NBA All-Star selections behind him, he has numerous championships, awards, and scoring titles to his name. He takes home some of the highest earnings in the NBA, both for his basketball skills and from his brand endorsements. His current salary is a whopping $53.3 million, and he has a net worth of $300 million.
However, for several years, Durant was earning over $26 million from his Nike endorsement alone, bringing his annual income to roughly $70 million a year.
7. Hakeem Olajuwon - $300 Million
Former professional basketball player Hakeem Olajuwon was born in Nigeria but became a naturalized American citizen in 1993. His immigration to the US led him to join the University of Houston's basketball team before he was drafted by the NBA's Houston Rockets in 1984. He’s not just considered one of the greatest centers of all time, having played for the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors, but he’s also a highly successful businessman.
During the 2000-2002 season, he was earning the equivalent of $27 million from his NBA career, but it’s his real estate portfolio that has seen Olajuwon amass a great fortune of $300 million.
6. Vinnie Johnson - $500 Million
Retired shooting guard and point guard Vinnie Johnson is best known for his career with the Detroit Pistons during the 1989 and 1990 championships. Nicknamed "the Microwave" for his ability to get results straight off the bench, his successful professional basketball career catapulted him into major financial success in his post-NBA career. His automotive business, called the Piston Group, boasts several thousand employees and around $3 billion in yearly revenue, putting his $6 million in earnings from the NBA to shame.
Johnson earned the equivalent in today's money of $13 million from his sports career. But today, his net worth sits at around $500 million, making him one of the richest basketball players of all time.
5. Shaquille O'Neal - $500 Million
Former NBA star and current TV host, sports analyst, and businessman Shaquille O'Neal is one of the best-known basketball players in history. His 19-season career saw him earn over $292 million from his professional basketball salary alone, and a further $200 million from brand endorsements while he was still active in the NBA. Amazingly, it’s actually his post-NBA career that has seen O'Neal amass the majority of his net worth, which currently sits at around $500 million. These days, he is said to rake in about $60 million a year from his various gigs.
Interestingly, O'Neal blew through the first one million dollars he ever earned in a single day, splashing out on fine jewelry and expensive cars, unaware that a significant portion would go to taxes.
4. Junior Bridgeman - $600 Million
Retired small forward and shooting guard Junior Bridgeman enjoyed a 12-year career as an NBA player from 1975 to 1987. At the time, top basketball players weren't paid the astronomical salaries they are today, and Bridgeman earned a modest $350,000 during his peak in 1985. But it was his business acumen that saw him purchase the Wendy's fast food franchise with his NBA earnings, turning him into one of the wealthiest basketball players of all time.
Today, he has a spectacular net worth of $600 million, making him the fourth richest NBA star. As of 2024, he is also the owner of Ebony and Jet magazines.
3. Magic Johnson - $800 Million
Retired NBA player Magic Johnson was signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for the entirety of his basketball career, which served him well. His basketball career gave him the finances to invest in other entrepreneurial enterprises and eventually generate a great fortune. Over the course of 13 seasons, Johnson earned the NBA Most Valuable Player title on three separate occasions and won five championships. However, Johnson only ever earned $18 million from his NBA career, which ended in 1994.
A health diagnosis forced Johnson to retire from basketball early, but his investment interests succeed in catapulting his wealth to his current net worth of $800 million.
2. LeBron James - $800 Million
NBA professional LeBron James is currently the third-highest player in the league in terms of annual salary. Earning $52 million, James is the NBA all-time leading scorer, frequently compared to all-time basketball hero Michael Jordan for his superior court skills. He often earns over $100 million a year in brand sponsorships and has a $30 million lifetime contract with Nike, which could see him earn billions of dollars when James is in his 60s.
It is expected that James will become a billionaire by 2030, while he currently enjoys a net worth of $800 million. James has earned $450 million from his NBA salary and brand endorsements alone.
1. Michael Jordan - $2.6 Billion
Former pro basketball player and current businessman Michael Jordan has the largest net worth of all NBA players in history. A sports icon, he helped put basketball and the NBA on the global stage throughout the '80s and '90s and is considered by many to be the single greatest basketball player of all time. He is one of the highest-paid stars when it comes to brand endorsements, pulling in $100 million every year even though he's in his 60s. Having achieved billionaire status more than once in his lifetime thanks to his business ventures, his current net worth is $2.6 billion.
Jordan first became a billionaire back in 2014, reached the $2 billion mark in 2020, and has accrued more wealth year after year ever since.