With the NBA Finals fast approaching, attention naturally turns to the league’s biggest stars, not just for their on-court impact, but also for the staggering contracts they command. The 2024–25 season has seen some of basketball’s top names continue to earn eye-watering salaries, cementing their status as elite-level performers and global icons.
This list breaks down the 10 highest-paid players of the season. Alongside their earnings, we take a look at how each star has performed throughout the campaign, and what they continue to bring to their teams.
10 Karl-Anthony Towns
Salary: $49,205,800
Karl-Anthony Towns
In his first season with the New York Knicks following a nine-year spell with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Karl-Anthony Towns has delivered the kind of dominant performances that justify his spot among the league’s highest earners. He’s played 72 regular season games, averaging 24.4 points and a career-best 12.8 rebounds per game, underlining his status as one of the most complete big men in the NBA.
Towns brings a rare combination of interior strength and perimeter shooting, giving the Knicks a dynamic offensive option while anchoring the boards. Importantly, he’s the only player on this list still in with a realistic shot at reaching the NBA Finals, offering New York fans genuine hope of a first championship since 1973. With his impact felt at both ends of the court and leadership continuing to grow, the 2015 #1 pick is proving to be a transformative figure at Madison Square Garden.
9 Jaylen Brown
Salary: $49,205,800
Jaylen Brown
In 2023, Jaylen Brown signed what was, at the time, the richest contract in NBA history. The five-year supermax extension is worth up to $304 million. It is the kind of deal reserved for players who contribute in every area of the game, and Brown fits that description perfectly. Consistent, versatile, and relentless, he is the heartbeat of a Boston Celtics team built for long-term success. The Boston Celtics rely on him to do a bit of everything. Whether it’s perimeter defence, driving to the rim, hitting mid-range jumpers, or creating plays for teammates, Brown contributes across the board and rarely has an off night. That consistency has been a hallmark of his career, with the 28-year-old averaging over 20 points per game in each of the last six seasons.
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This year, he’s played 63 regular season games and averaged 4.5 assists, the most of his career. His well-rounded output has helped Boston remain among the league’s elite, and his impact was on full display last season when he was named NBA Finals MVP following the Celtics' long-awaited title win. With the Celtics continuing to build around Brown and fellow star Jayson Tatum, it won’t be long before Brown is joined on future versions of this list by his teammate, whose salary is expected to exceed $70 million by the 2029–30 season.
8 Kawhi Leonard
Salary: $49,205,800
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard remains one of the most complete two-way players in the NBA, combining elite defence with efficient scoring and quiet leadership. In a league driven by star power, Leonard’s calm demeanour and ruthless effectiveness continue to set him apart.
In 2021, Leonard signed a four-year deal worth over $176 million which was then extended in January 2024, keeping him with the Clippers through the 2026-27 season. While injuries have disrupted his rhythm, when fully fit, Leonard still performs at an elite level. This season, after making his first appearance in January, he came back to be that consistent, yet productive player the Clippers have long relied on, taking the Denver Nuggets to a game 7 before bowing out of the playoffs earlier this month.
Leonard is a two-time NBA Finals MVP and a former Defensive Player of the Year, and his play-off pedigree is unquestionable. Though the Clippers’ post-season run fell short in 2025, Leonard’s influence remains immense. With his contract now tied up, all eyes will be on if he'll be able to muster up a full season of that two-way productivity he’s known for and deliver a first NBA Championship to the Clippers.
7 Paul George
Salary: $49,205,800
Paul George
Paul George's move to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2024 marked a significant shift in his career. After opting out of his $48.7 million contract with the LA Clippers, he agreed to a four-year, $212 million deal with the 76ers, aiming to bolster their championship aspirations alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
In his first season with Philadelphia, George played just 41 games, averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. His shooting percentages remained respectable: 43% from the field and 81.4% from the free-throw line. His impact was limited by inconsistency and injury setbacks though. Despite his reputation as a go-to scorer and defender, George struggled to maintain the elite level expected of him, with injuries forcing an early shutdown in March 2025. This limited availability raised questions about his durability and whether he can sustain the kind of production the 76ers need to contend seriously for a title. George’s future contributions will be vital if Philadelphia hopes to capitalise on their investment in him.
With the team putting together a disappointing 24–58 record and missing the play-offs, it was clear to see George’s season was marked more by inconsistency and injury than by standout performances. As he enters the final year of his contract in 2025–26, uncertainty surrounds his ability to return to top form and what role he will play in the 76ers’ future plans.
6 Devin Booker
Salary: $49,205,800
Devin Booker
Devin Booker is the first of three Phoenix Suns players to make the list of the NBA’s highest-paid stars this season, highlighting how much the franchise values its core talent. In the 2024–25 campaign, Booker featured in 75 regular season games, averaging an impressive 25.6 points per game along with 4.1 rebounds and 7.1 assists. His shooting was solid throughout the season, maintaining a field goal accuracy just above 46%, with respectable three-point shooting at around 33%.
Booker has grown into the team’s leading scorer and a key playmaker. Although the Suns struggled as a team and finished outside the play-off places, Booker’s consistency and leadership stood out. His ability to take control in crucial moments remains a vital asset for the Suns as they look to return to post-season contention.
In 2023, Booker signed a major contract extension worth $220 million which became active this season, committing him to Phoenix for the foreseeable future. As he moves deeper into his career peak, expectations remain high that he will continue to lead the Suns with the kind of performance that justifies his place among the league’s top earners.
5 Kevin Durant
Salary: $49,856,021
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Kevin Durant is the second of three Phoenix Suns players featured among the NBA’s highest-paid athletes this season. In the 2024–25 season, Durant played 62 games, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His shooting efficiency was exceptional, with a field goal percentage of 52.7% and a three-point percentage of 43.0%, demonstrating his versatile scoring ability.
Kevin Durant’s impact on the court is unquestionable. He achieved remarkable milestones this season, becoming only the eighth player in NBA history to surpass 30,000 career points and overtaking Julius Erving’s combined ABA and NBA scoring total. Durant’s leadership and experience consistently stood out during key moments, providing a reliable presence for the Suns. However, despite his outstanding individual performance, the team’s overall results fell short of expectations. Investing heavily in a ‘big three’ limited Phoenix’s flexibility to build a deep and balanced roster. This lack of depth ultimately hindered the Suns’ ability to convert star power into sustained success, making the season a frustrating one for the franchise and its fans.
Entering the final year of his contract in the 2025–26 season, Durant's future with the Suns is a massive topic of speculation. His leadership and on-court contributions will be crucial as the franchise looks to retool and contend for a championship.
4 Bradley Beal
Salary: $50,203,930
Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal is the third and highest-paid Phoenix Suns player on this list, but his 2024–25 season has been marred by injuries and inconsistency, raising serious questions about the value of such a large contract. Over his 13-year career, Beal has only managed to play more than 63 games in a season on four occasions, a concerning pattern for a player earning over $50 million annually.
This season, he appeared in just 53 games, averaging 17.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per outing, which certainly aren’t numbers associated with the NBA’s fourth highest-paid player of the season. Despite his shooting percentages being respectable, his influence on the court was far less impactful than expected. His role in the Suns’ offence diminished noticeably, reflected in his career-low usage rate, starting only 35 games. More tellingly, the team was significantly outscored when Beal was on the floor, indicating his presence did not translate into positive results for Phoenix.
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The decision to commit such a large portion of the team’s salary cap to a player with a long history of injuries and limited availability has undoubtedly restricted the Suns’ flexibility to build a deeper and more balanced roster. This overinvestment has contributed to the team’s struggles throughout the season and left them searching for answers.
With Beal’s player option for the 2026–27 season looming, the Suns must decide if keeping his contract fits their championship goals or if a change is needed. His no-trade clause limits Phoenix’s ability to move him, reducing roster flexibility and complicating salary cap management. This makes it harder for the Suns to reshape their team, forcing a careful evaluation of Beal’s contract and its impact on their future.
3 Joel Embiid
Salary: $51,415,938
Joel Embiid
Yet another injury-plagued player, Joel Embiid’s 2024–25 season with the Philadelphia 76ers was again limited by persistent knee issues. Despite these setbacks, Embiid still averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, proving he remains a dominant offensive presence when on the court. His shooting efficiency stayed strong, with solid field goal and free-throw percentages.
However, ongoing knee problems forced him to miss a significant portion of the season. After a brief return, Embiid was shut down to focus on recovery, marking his second major knee surgery in just over a year. By the time February arrived, Philadelphia’s season was effectively over with nothing left to play for, so the decision was made to shut Embiid down for the remainder of the campaign. This situation raises serious concerns about his durability and availability as the 76ers look ahead.
Philadelphia’s commitment to Embiid is clear, though, having secured him with a five-year extension in 2024 to bring his total contract to a value of $300 million. As the team’s franchise cornerstone, keeping him healthy will be essential to maximise his influence and sustain their championship ambitions. The same applies to his teammate Paul George, also featured on this list. The 76ers have yet to see consistent returns on these substantial investments lately, but there remains genuine hope that both players will return strong next season and spearhead a serious title challenge.
2 Nikola Jokic
Salary: $51,415,938
Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ star centre, is one of the most unique talents in the NBA today. A three-time MVP, Jokic finished second in this season’s MVP voting behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, highlighting the highly competitive nature of the award. This season, he has continued to showcase his exceptional all-round game, averaging a triple double per game across 70 appearances, a feat only achieved by two other players in NBA history, one being his teammate, Russell Westbrook. His remarkable ability to influence the game both as a scorer and a playmaker sets him apart from typical big men.
Jokic’s basketball IQ and vision allow him to orchestrate Denver’s offence, while his scoring touch and rebounding maintain his presence on both ends of the floor. Despite battling some minor injuries, he remained a consistent force throughout the season and a key reason why the Nuggets have gone deep in the play-offs for much of the last few years. However, as Denver’s main star, the pressure on Jokic to carry the team so far into the play-offs is immense, and questions remain about the support he will receive in the coming years.
With a salary reflecting his elite status, Jokic’s value to the Nuggets is clear. His skill set continues to evolve, and if he maintains his health and form, he will be a prime candidate to challenge for another NBA Championship and MVP title.
1 Stephen Curry
Salary: $55,761,216
Stephen Curry stands as the highest-paid player this season, a testament to his sustained excellence and impact on the game. At 37 years old, Curry continues to defy expectations, averaging 24.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds over 70 games this season. His unparalleled shooting accuracy, especially from beyond the arc, remains a cornerstone of the Warriors’ offence and a constant challenge for defenders across the league.
Curry’s influence extends beyond his scoring. His playmaking, court vision, and leadership elevate those around him, making him the linchpin of a team that continues to compete at the highest level despite the natural toll of age and injuries. Though injuries limited his play-off minutes this year, his presence and experience were invaluable throughout the regular season.
Financially, Curry’s current salary of nearly $56 million reflects the value Golden State places on his unique talents and marketability. What’s more, his earnings are set to increase significantly, with a $59.6 million salary scheduled for next season and $62.6 million the year after, highlighting the franchise’s commitment to him as their long-term cornerstone.
As he approaches the final years of his contract through the 2026–27 season, the key question will be how well he can maintain his elite level while managing his health. Should Curry continue to perform at this level, he will not only justify his salary, but also keep the Warriors firmly in the championship conversation for years to come.
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