Apr 16, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the ball against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the fourth quarter during game one of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the ball against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the fourth quarter during game one of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Money talks in the NBA, and the 2026-27 season has plenty of it floating around. With massive extensions and superstar contracts kicking in, the league’s highest-paid player on each roster is a major talking point.
Some teams are paying MVP-caliber superstars like Nikola Jokic, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic. Others are handing out enormous checks to younger players who are still trying to prove they deserve every dollar.
Here is the highest-paid NBA player on every team as we continue to get close to next season.
Atlanta Hawks – Jalen Johnson ($30,000,000)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 22.5 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 7.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Jalen Johnson has gone from a young stud to the centerpiece of Atlanta’s future. The Hawks are paying him $30 million because they believe the athletic forward can eventually become an All-NBA star. After all, he had a career year and made the All-Star Team in 2025-26.
The rebounds and assists are particularly important. Johnson isn’t simply a scorer who happens to play forward. His ability to grab a defensive rebound and immediately push the ball gives Atlanta another transition creator, while his size allows him to defend multiple positions. Without question, Johnson will lead the charge for an exciting Hawks team next season.
Boston Celtics – Jayson Tatum ($58,456,566)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 21.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
With Jaylen Brown gone, there is no confusion anymore: this is Jayson Tatum‘s Celtics team. Boston has retooled around him, and the $58.5 million salary reflects the expectation that he remains the franchise’s unquestioned superstar. Expect Tatum to boost his numbers across the board next season, especially since he has another summer to rehab from his Achilles injury two seasons ago.
Tatum has a tall order on his hands to make the team competitive in a talented Eastern Conference. The Celtics don’t need him to become a 35-point scorer every night. They need him to be efficient, stay healthy, and dominate when games matter most. The pressure will be enormous, particularly after Boston’s ugly split with Brown.
Brooklyn Nets – Michael Porter Jr. ($40,806,150)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 24.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Michael Porter Jr. is one of the more interesting names on this list because his salary screams a major offensive role, but his game has always been heavily dependent on efficiency and shooting. In Brooklyn, he will have more opportunities to create offense rather than simply waiting for touches, and that will help his numbers tremendously.
Another 24-point season would be a reasonable target for next season. Porter is one of the league’s most dangerous high-volume shooters for a player his size, and his rebounding can be valuable on both ends. The Nets will want him to prove that he can consistently generate efficient offense if they want to pay the 26-year-old for the long term.
Charlotte Hornets – Coby White ($26,811,593)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 17.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Coby White‘s biggest value is obvious the moment he gets hot: he can put points on the board in a hurry. Charlotte is paying him more than $26 million because they expect him to be one of the team’s primary perimeter guards, particularly with LaMelo Ball no longer on the team.
The challenge will be balancing scoring with playmaking. White doesn’t need to become a traditional pass-first point guard, but a five-assist season would make him significantly more valuable. This will be a big season for White to prove he is worthy of a $30M+ contract moving forward.
Chicago Bulls – Josh Giddey ($25,000,000)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 17.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 9.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Josh Giddey‘s statistical profile is always going to look unusual because he impacts games in so many ways without being a traditional high-volume scorer. His points, rebounds, and assist line from last season show exactly why Chicago committed significant money to him.
The shooting is the question, still. If Giddey becomes a reliable perimeter threat, defenses can’t simply duck underneath screens and dare him to shoot. Chicago is essentially betting that the offensive efficiency eventually catches up with the creativity, and the point guard needs to improve upon the 36.4% mark from last season.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley ($50,105,628)
2025-26 Season Statistics (Donovan Mitchell): 27.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
2025-26 Season Statistics (Evan Mobley): 18.2 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.7 BPG
Donovan Mitchell is the star in Cleveland. At more than $50 million, the expectation is straightforward: Mitchell needs to be the player the Cavaliers can trust when a playoff game becomes a possession-by-possession fight.
His ability to create his own shot separates him from many guards, and his scoring should remain around the high-20s. With Evan Mobley and other talented pieces around him, Mitchell doesn’t have to carry every possession, but he still needs to be the guy who takes responsibility when Cleveland needs a bucket.
Meanwhile, Mobley’s salary puts him right beside Mitchell financially, which is a massive statement about how Cleveland views him. The former No. 3 pick has evolved from a promising defensive big into a legitimate two-way centerpiece, and the former Defensive Player of the Year winner is making the investment pay off so far. Mitchell and Mobley will strive to lead a talented starting lineup to the heights they dream about next season.
Dallas Mavericks – Kyrie Irving ($39,491,282)
2025-26 Season Statistics: N/A
Kyrie Irving is a dominant player when healthy, and Dallas is paying him nearly $40 million to be exactly that. His handle, finishing package, and shot-making remain extraordinary, and even in his 30s, there aren’t many players you would rather have creating a difficult shot late in the clock.
The obvious caveat is health and availability. We hope he can stay on the floor and reassess where his future lies by the trade deadline. When healthy, a 24-5-4 season with elite efficiency is still well within his capabilities, and that is still worth the $39.5M he will get paid.
Denver Nuggets – Nikola Jokic ($59,033,114)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 27.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 10.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG
This is the easiest salary to understand on the entire list. Nikola Jokic is arguably the most complete offensive player in basketball, and Denver is paying him nearly $60 million because replacing him would be virtually impossible.
A triple-double average remains a realistic possibility again next season because Jokic can score efficiently, dominate the glass, and create offense from practically anywhere on the court. His passing is what makes the entire operation work. Denver doesn’t merely run an offense through Jokic; Jokic essentially is the offense and everything the Nuggets dream of accomplishing.
Detroit Pistons – Cade Cunningham ($50,105,628)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 23.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 9.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Cade Cunningham has reached the point where Detroit’s massive investment comes with massive expectations. At more than $50 million, the former No. 1 pick needs to be the player who controls games and has a legitimate chance of winning MVP next season. Remember, he finished 5th in MVP voting in 2025-26.
Obviously, Cunningham has the size and vision to dictate an offense, and Detroit needs him to consistently generate quality opportunities for teammates while still taking over when necessary. If he starts improving his MVP candidacy as the undisputed franchise player for a team with a few issues, this contract could eventually look like a bargain.
Golden State Warriors – Stephen Curry ($62,587,158)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 26.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Stephen Curry is the highest-paid player in the NBA at $62.6 million, which is remarkable considering he will be 39 during the 2026-27 season. But Curry’s value comes with his shooting, All-Star leadership, and ability to make modern fans swoon with his play.
Still, Golden State will need to manage his workload carefully. The Warriors don’t need Curry playing 37 minutes every night in November if they want him fresh in April (if they even get there). A 25-point season with elite shooting and efficient playmaking would still represent tremendous production at his age, and that is money well spent.
Houston Rockets – Kevin Durant ($43,902,439)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 26.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 4.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Kevin Durant doesn’t need an introduction. Even as he approaches 38 years old, his scoring skill is almost unfair. Houston acquired him to add a championship-level offensive weapon to a young, talented roster, and the expectation is that he will finally get them past the first round next season.
The Rockets don’t need 32-point Durant anymore. They need efficient Durant. If he gives Houston around 26 points on excellent shooting while helping space the floor and closing games, that is exactly what the team paid for. Let’s hope the Rockets can put it together around him and start making noise in the West.
Indiana Pacers – Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam ($48,924,624)
2025-26 Season Statistics (Tyrese Haliburton): N/A
2025-26 Season Statistics (Pascal Siakam): 24.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Tyrese Haliburton‘s return is one of the biggest storylines in the NBA. When healthy, his passing can completely transform the Pacers’ offense, enough that he is worth $48.9M. He already led the Pacers to the NBA Finals in 2025, after all.
The question is obviously health. Indiana cannot expect Haliburton to carry the same workload as a player who has never suffered a major Achilles injury. If he returns looking like himself, though, 10-plus assists per game is absolutely within reach.
Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam provides the Pacers with a completely different offensive presence. His versatility becomes even more valuable with Haliburton back. Siakam doesn’t need to dominate the ball, and his ability to score efficiently while defending multiple positions gives Indiana a reliable second offensive option. That, too, is worth $48.9M.
Los Angeles Clippers – Darius Garland ($42,166,510)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 18.8 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Darius Garland brings the Clippers much-needed youth and scoring ability. He’s at his best when manipulating pick-and-rolls, changing speeds, and using his shooting threat to create passing lanes that aren’t obvious to everyone else. Those are skills worthy of a $42.2M player.
The Clippers will need Garland to embrace being both scorer and facilitator, since Kawhi Leonard is gone. A 21-point, seven-assist season would give Los Angeles exactly what it needs from a lead guard, particularly if his efficiency remains high. Let’s hope Garland can hit those levels and start making a name for himself again.
Los Angeles Lakers – Luka Doncic ($51,033,600)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 33.5 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 8.3 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Luka Doncic is now unquestionably the face of the Lakers, and his salary reflects it. After LeBron James‘ departure, Los Angeles has handed the keys entirely to the most complete offensive system right now. The scary part for the rest of the league is that Luka doesn’t need much help to create offense.
He can score from all three levels, rebound, orchestrate the pick-and-roll, and find shooters from impossible angles. If he averages around 32-8-9, Los Angeles will have a legitimate MVP candidate, regardless of what the rest of the roster does alongside him. That is easily worth the $51M he is getting paid next season.
Memphis Grizzlies – Jerami Grant ($34,206,898)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 18.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Jerami Grant‘s value has always been tied to his ability to fit alongside other stars. The Grizzlies acquired him during their rebuild and are happy to pay him his salary before his player option hits in the 2027-28 season.
Looking ahead, a 19-point season would give Memphis a valuable veteran scoring option without forcing him into an unnatural role. His efficiency and defense will matter more than whether he reaches 20 points every night.
Miami Heat – Giannis Antetokounmpo ($58,456,566)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 27.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 5.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Giannis immediately changes the expectations of the Miami Heat. With the Greek Freak in town, the Heat feel they have enough to contend for an NBA championship, with Bam Adebayo and Klay Thompson acting as co-stars.
The bigger question is whether Miami can surround him with enough shooting to maximize his devastating interior game. If the spacing is there, Giannis could put together another MVP-caliber season. But if the shooters fail to hit shots, it could end up being a disappointing season for them. Regardless, Giannis is arguably the best two-way player in the NBA and is easily earning his salary.
Milwaukee Bucks – Tyler Herro ($33,000,000)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 20.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Tyler Herro now carries a much bigger offensive role in Milwaukee. After developing into a high-level scorer and playmaker, the $33 million salary reflects the reality that the Bucks need him to produce like a primary option. He was the hottest acquisition from the blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, after all.
His shooting is obviously his calling card, but his continued development as a passer will determine how high his ceiling really is. Expect Herro to have a career year across the board as he leads his team across multiple categories for the first time, and potentially look to become the face of the Bucks for the foreseeable future.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Anthony Edwards ($48,924,624)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 28.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Anthony Edwards is the obvious face of Minnesota, and the $48.9 million salary comes with the expectation that he eventually becomes one of the league’s truly elite superstars. He is close to entering the top five, but he needs to fully buy into what makes players truly great: rebounding, passing, and defense.
The next step is efficiency, decision-making, and focusing on other areas beyond scoring. Edwards can score 30 whenever he gets hot, but Minnesota needs him to control games rather than simply overwhelm them with athleticism. The goal for the superstar player is to compete for the MVP award and utilize the talents of LaMelo Ball to overcome some concerns and start becoming a powerhouse in the West.
New Orleans Pelicans – Zion Williamson ($42,166,510)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 21.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Zion Williamson is one of the biggest “what if?” players in basketball history. The problem has always been availability and consistency after several frustrating campaigns.
A $42 million salary is enormous for a player who has struggled to stay on the floor, so the most important statistic for Zion may not be points or rebounds. It may simply be games played. If he finally strings together a full season, the Pelicans could get a superstar-level return on their investment. We don’t think it will happen, unfortunately, so Zion desperately needs a fresh start sooner rather than later.
New York Knicks – Karl-Anthony Towns ($57,078,728)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 20.1 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Karl-Anthony Towns gives the New York Knicks something few teams can replicate: a center who can punish teams inside and also stretch the floor. Towns played a near-perfect Finals in 2026 and was essential as Jalen Brunson‘s co-star.
At $57.1 million, however, expectations are enormous. Towns doesn’t need to score 30 every night, but he has to rebound, space the floor, and be reliable in the postseason once again. New York just won a championship, so the standard is no longer simply “good regular season.” It’s championship-level production to earn his next max payday.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren ($41,240,250)
2025-26 Season Statistics (Jalen Williams): 17.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG
2025-26 Season Statistics (Chet Holmgren): 17.1 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.9 BPG
Jalen Williams has become the perfect complementary star next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander because he can create his own offense without hijacking the entire possession. No doubt, the Thunder missed him very badly as they crashed out in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
Next season, Williams doesn’t need to surpass SGA as Oklahoma City’s No. 1 option, but the Thunder need him to be good enough that opponents cannot simply load up on their MVP.
Chet Holmgren provides Oklahoma City with their defensive foundation and one of their most important offensive weapons. His ability to protect the rim while stretching defenses beyond the arc is incredibly difficult to find in a 7-footer.
Some critics have been hard on Holmgren since he succumbed to Victor Wembanyama’s presence last season, but we can’t put too much on him in a very difficult matchup. He needs to bounce back to prove he is worthy of a $41.2M deal.
Orlando Magic – Franz Wagner ($41,754,636)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 20.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Franz Wagner has developed into one of the league’s best forwards. That’s why the Orlando Magic are shelling out over $41M for him, even more than they are paying Paolo Banchero.
At the price they are paying, Orlando expects him to be an All-Star and All-NBA performer rather than merely a good player. His next step is becoming more consistent as a three-point shooter and taking over more late-game situations. The goal? Proceeding past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
Philadelphia 76ers – Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown ($57,736,350)
2025-26 Season Statistics (Joel Embiid): 26.9 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.2 BPG
2025-26 Season Statistics (Jaylen Brown): 28.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
When Joel Embiid is healthy, he’s still one of the most dominant players in basketball. But Philadelphia’s biggest issue is obvious: can Embiid actually stay on the floor? The 57.7 million salary demands superstar production, but the 76ers cannot maximize their investment if their franchise center is constantly dealing with injuries.
Luckily for Embiid, Jaylen Brown arrives in Philadelphia after the ugly end to his Boston tenure, but there is no question about his talent. He’s coming off an outstanding season and is one of the league’s most physical downhill wings. He is also bolstered by the presence of 4-time NBA champion LeBron James.
Brown’s ability to attack the basket, defend strong wings, and create his own offense makes him an ideal player to put ahead of Embiid and the rest of Philadelphia’s stars. Make no mistake about it, the Sixers are shelling out big bucks because they feel the 2026-27 season is their year.
Phoenix Suns – Devin Booker ($57,078,728)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 26.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 6.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Devin Booker has transformed from a pure scorer into an entire offensive system. His ability to play point guard while maintaining his elite scoring ability makes him one of the more versatile offensive stars in the league.
Phoenix is paying Booker superstar money because it needs him to be both its leading scorer and its primary creator. At this stage of his career, another huge scoring season isn’t surprising, and he has to carry a huge load once again. Is he capable? More than capable. That’s why he is making over $57M in 2026-27.
Portland Trail Blazers – Ja Morant ($42,166,510)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 19.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 8.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Ja Morant is another player who has a lot to prove in the upcoming campaign. His numbers dipped last year, and so did his image and trade value. No other team except the Trail Blazers was willing to touch the former superstar. It is a shame that we have to use the term “former” superstar.
That means Morant’s biggest challenge is availability and consistency. If Morant can stay healthy and focused, Portland could suddenly have a legitimate franchise-level offensive engine alongside a core featuring Damian Lillard and Deni Avdija. If not, Morant could be on the trade market yet again.
Sacramento Kings – Zach LaVine ($48,967,380)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 19.2 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Zach LaVine decided to stay in Sacramento for one more year, likely to get his paychecks before free agency starts again. We aren’t sure how much LaVine has left in the tank in terms of potentially returning to the All-Star Team, but the Kings aren’t worried about that.
The Kings are simply happy to keep a player who can put behinds in seats while they tank the season away. LaVine is betting on himself in the upcoming free agency period, but he has to put numbers on the board to make opposing teams interested in him. It will be an interesting year for the former All-Star.
San Antonio Spurs – De’Aaron Fox ($49,488,300)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 18.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG
De’Aaron Fox has a make-or-break season ahead of him. He was decent in the regular season for the Spurs last season, but fell apart in the playoffs. That is why his current contract is one of the worst in the NBA right now.
Moving ahead, Fox needs to keep himself healthy and ready. At his peak, he was a perennial All-Star. But can he rediscover this form? The Spurs will have a close eye on the former All-Star because they need everyone playing around Victor Wembanyama at their highest level. Wemby has been doing his part to date; now Fox needs to prove he can be the trusted co-star.
Toronto Raptors – Kawhi Leonard ($50,300,000)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 27.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Kawhi Leonard returning to Toronto is one of the most exciting stories in the NBA. The player who delivered the Raptors‘ first championship is now back in a completely different chapter of his career.
When healthy, Kawhi is obviously devastating. But once again, the word “healthy” is doing a lot of work here. Toronto doesn’t need vintage 2019 Kawhi every night. It needs enough of him available when the postseason arrives, and hopefully, we can see The Claw at his best again.
Utah Jazz – Jaren Jackson Jr. ($49,000,000)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 19.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.4 BPG
Jaren Jackson Jr. was brought in by Utah to impact the floor alongside the youngsters moving forward. The former DPOY is certainly capable, although he struggled with health and other issues last season.
At $49 million, Utah needs him to become the centerpiece of the franchise. A 23-point season with seven rebounds and more than two blocks would give the Jazz exactly the type of two-way production they are paying for. Hopefully, Jackson Jr proves that the Jazz made the right choice by acquiring him while having the talented Lauri Markkanen already on the roster.
Washington Wizards – Anthony Davis ($58,456,566)
2025-26 Season Statistics: 20.4 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.7 BPG
Anthony Davis is easily one of the NBA’s most dominant two-way big men when he’s healthy. Washington is paying him nearly $58.5 million, and the expectation is that he provides veteran leadership while anchoring both ends of the floor.
The Wizards have a young roster, so getting a healthy Davis for a full season would be enormously valuable and could make Washington much more competitive than expected. If the big man struggles with injuries again, we don’t see him making the same amount of money he has made over the last few contracts.
Eddie is a senior staff writer for Fadeaway World from Denver, Colorado. Since joining the team in 2017, Eddie has applied his academic background in economics and finance to enhance his sports journalism. Graduating with a Bachelor's degree from and later a Master's degree in Finance, he integrates statistical analysis into his articles. This unique approach provides readers with a deeper understanding of basketball through the lens of financial and economic concepts. Eddie's work has not only been a staple at Fadeaway World but has also been featured in prominent publications such as Sports Illustrated. His ability to break down complex data and present it in an accessible way creates an engaging and informative way to visualize both individual and team statistics. From finding the top 3 point shooters of every NBA franchise to ranking players by cost per point, Eddie is constantly finding new angles to use historical data that other NBA analysts may be overlooking.