The top 5 highest paid NBA players 2023
The NBA has seen astronomical growth in player salaries over the past decade. Propelled by lucrative new television broadcast deals and surging global interest, the maximum contracts for top superstars now routinely surpass $40 million per year. With the salary cap projected to be around $123 million for the upcoming 2022-2023 season, here are the 5 players who will have the highest earnings:
1. Stephen Curry ($48,070,014)
It’s no surprise that Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors will be the NBA’s highest paid player next season. The 4-time NBA champion and 2-time league MVP signed a 4-year, $215 million supermax extension in 2021 that kicks in for 2022-2023. Set to earn $48.1 million, Curry remains one of the most popular and skilled players in the world thanks to his otherworldly shooting ability and incredible scoring prowess. The greatest shooter in basketball history, Curry has led the league in made 3-pointers 7 times while averaging 24.3 points per game for his career. His incredible impact on Golden State’s dynastic run has made him worth every penny.
2. Kevin Durant ($44,124,845)
Although Kevin Durant’s tenure in Brooklyn has been tumultuous, he still commands a top salary thanks to his elite and efficient scoring ability. Durant will earn $44.1 million next season as part of the 4-year, $164 million max contract he signed with the Nets in 2019. The 12-time All-Star and former MVP boasts career averages of 27 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists per game. When healthy, the 6’10” Durant is nearly impossible to stop, having led the league in scoring an impressive 4 times already in his career.
3. James Harden ($44,310,840)
James Harden was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2022 and opted into his $47.4 million player option for the 2022-2023 season. Harden took a slight pay cut in a 2-year, $68.6 million extension but will still earn $44.3 million, putting him among the league’s salary leaders. The 10-time All-Star and former MVP finished top 5 in scoring for 7 straight seasons from 2013 to 2020. His elite shooting, combined with some of the best playmaking and free throw shooting for a guard, make him an offensive juggernaut.
4. Russell Westbrook ($44,211,146)
Russell Westbrook was traded to his hometown Los Angeles Lakers in 2021 in a blockbuster deal, putting him on a massive 5-year, $207 million contract from his 2017 extension with Oklahoma City. Set to enter the final year, Russ will earn $44.2 million for 2022-2023. The 9-time All-Star has led the league in assists three times and averaged a triple-double for 4 straight seasons from 2016 to 2020. His superhuman athleticism and highlight-reel dunks add to his high-energy and entertaining play.
5. John Wall ($44,310,840)
Despite being bought out by the Houston Rockets in 2022 after not playing a game for them last season, John Wall is still owed $44.3 million for the upcoming 2022-2023 season. This makes him the fifth highest earner in the league. Now a free agent, Wall is a 5-time All-Star point guard with career averages of 19 points, 9 assists and 4 rebounds per game over 10 seasons. Knee injuries have hampered him considerably the past few years, but he hopes to contribute for a playoff contender given the opportunity.
