Top 25 NBA Salaries for 2025/26

25. Pascal Siakam — $45.6M

Pascal Siakam's substantial contract reflects his status as a versatile, two-way forward who can score and defend at a high level. His current team, the Indiana Pacers, invested heavily to keep him as a cornerstone of their franchise after acquiring him via a trade from the Toronto Raptors.

24. Tyrese Haliburton — $45.6M

Tyrese Haliburton's salary positions him as a franchise centerpiece for the Indiana Pacers. He is considered one of the league’s premier young point guards, praised for his elite court vision and playmaking ability, which earned him a maximum rookie extension.

23. Anthony Edwards — $45.6M

A dynamic and explosive scorer, Anthony Edwards has signed a max extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves, solidifying his role as the face of the franchise. His contract is a testament to his rapid development into a superstar-level talent and a future MVP candidate.

22. Trae Young — $46.0M

Trae Young's lucrative contract with the Atlanta Hawks is a reward for his electric offensive game. Known for his deep three-point range and exceptional passing, he commands a max salary as the cornerstone of the Hawks' offense, showcasing his elite offensive talent.

21. Luka Dončić — $46.0M

Luka Dončić is one of the league's most dominant offensive forces, and his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers reflects his superstar status. His unique blend of scoring, passing, and size has made him a perennial All-NBA player and one of the league's most valuable assets.

20. Jamal Murray — $46.4M

Jamal Murray’s contract with the Denver Nuggets cements him as a core piece of their championship team. His value is tied to his exceptional scoring ability and clutch performances, particularly in the playoffs, making him an invaluable second option next to Nikola Jokić.

19. Evan Mobley — $46.4M

Evan Mobley's new contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers is a bet on his elite two-way potential. As a Defensive Player of the Year contender with a rapidly developing offensive game, his salary reflects his role as a long-term cornerstone of the franchise's frontcourt.

18. Donovan Mitchell — $46.4M

Donovan Mitchell’s max contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers showcases his value as a dynamic scoring guard. A high-volume shooter and go-to offensive weapon, he is tasked with leading the team's offense and is a cornerstone of the franchise.

17. Lauri Markkanen — $46.4M

Lauri Markkanen’s max deal with the Utah Jazz is a result of his breakout performance as an All-Star forward. His ability to score from all three levels and provide versatile defense makes him the face of the Jazz franchise and one of the NBA's most efficient scorers.

16. Cade Cunningham — $46.4M

Cade Cunningham's contract with the Detroit Pistons is a significant investment in a player they see as their franchise cornerstone. His All-NBA selection triggered the "Rose Rule," boosting his salary and cementing his role as Detroit's franchise player.

15. Zach LaVine — $47.5M

Zach LaVine’s contract with the Sacramento Kings places him among the highest-paid players due to his high-level scoring ability and athleticism. A two-time All-Star, his deal reflects his role as a primary offensive weapon on his team.

14. Kawhi Leonard — $50.0M

Kawhi Leonard's contract with the Los Angeles Clippers is a testament to his status as a premier two-way player. A two-time champion and Finals MVP, his salary reflects his elite defensive skills and efficient scoring, even with his recent injury history.

13. Paul George — $51.7M

Paul George's contract with the Philadelphia 76ers rewards him for his versatile two-way play. As an All-NBA caliber wing who can defend multiple positions and score from anywhere on the floor, he is a crucial component of the team's lineup.

12. LeBron James — $52.6M

LeBron James' contract with the Los Angeles Lakers is fitting for a player widely considered one of the greatest of all time. His salary reflects his enduring status as a dominant scorer, elite playmaker, and a foundational player whose value extends far beyond the court.

11. Karl-Anthony Towns — $53.1M

Karl-Anthony Towns' contract with the New York Knicks highlights his unique skills as a big man. His ability to stretch the floor with elite three-point shooting while also dominating inside makes him an incredibly valuable and rare talent.

10. Jaylen Brown — $53.1M

Jaylen Brown's supermax contract with the Boston Celtics is a reward for his development into a two-way star. A dynamic scorer and defender, he is a key player on the Celtics' championship-contending team and a consistent All-Star.

9. Devin Booker — $53.1M

Devin Booker's salary with the Phoenix Suns reflects his role as one of the league's most polished pure scorers. He commands a max contract as a shooting guard known for his mid-range expertise and ability to take over games offensively.

8. Jayson Tatum — $54.1M

Jayson Tatum’s max contract with the Boston Celtics solidifies his position as the face of the franchise. He is one of the league’s most dominant two-way players, capable of elite scoring and clutch performances that helped lead his team to a championship.

7. Anthony Davis — $54.1M

Anthony Davis's contract with the Dallas Mavericks is a testament to his two-way dominance. As a dominant defensive force and a versatile offensive threat, his salary reflects his standing as one of the most impactful big men in the league.

6. Jimmy Butler — $54.1M

Jimmy Butler's contract with the Golden State Warriors reflects his unique value as a two-way star. Known for his toughness, elite defense, and clutch play, his salary is a nod to his indispensable leadership and his ability to elevate his team's performance in critical moments.

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo — $54.1M

Giannis Antetokounmpo's contract with the Milwaukee Bucks rewards his status as a two-time MVP and one of the most dominant forces in basketball. His salary reflects his unstoppable ability to attack the rim and his all-around game.

4. Kevin Durant — $53.3M

Kevin Durant's new contract with the Houston Rockets recognizes his legacy as one of the most unguardable scorers ever. His salary places him among the league's highest-paid players, affirming his status as an elite offensive weapon even as he joins a new team to build a championship contender.

3. Nikola Jokić — $55.2M

Nikola Jokić's contract with the Denver Nuggets is a fitting reward for a player who has redefined the center position. His back-to-back MVP awards and a championship title validate his high salary, reflecting his exceptional passing, scoring, and basketball IQ.

2. Joel Embiid — $55.2M

Joel Embiid’s contract with the Philadelphia 76ers is for a reigning MVP and dominant big man. His salary reflects his value as a versatile offensive threat in the post and a formidable defensive presence, making him a cornerstone of the franchise.

1. Stephen Curry — $59.6M

Stephen Curry holds the top spot with the highest salary in the NBA. As a four-time NBA champion and a two-time MVP, his contract with the Golden State Warriors recognizes his immense impact as arguably the greatest shooter in basketball history.