Top 10 highest-paid NBA players 2025: Who tops the salary chart this season?

Stephen Curry maintained his status as the highest-paid athlete with an average salary of $55 million in the 2024-25 season.

Published on: Aug 20, 2025, 19:51:29 IST

By HT US Desk

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The 2025-26 NBA season will start on October 21, with reigning champions Oklahoma City Thunder set to face off against the Houston Rockets. The first day of the season will also see a clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, as per the NBA schedule. The end of the 2024-25 season led to contract extensions for several players, including MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Stephen Curry earned over $55 million in the NBA 2024-25 season. (AP)

The OKC guard is set to become the highest-paid player in the NBA when his new deal kicks off in the 2027-28 season, with an average salary of $71.3 million, USA Today reported.

With fans counting down the days till they can see their favorite basketball players back in action, here is a list of the top 10 highest-paid NBA players in the 2024-25 season.

Also read: Oklahoma City Thunder win NBA Finals: How many times has OKC won the championship?

Highest-paid NBA players

According to ESPN, Stephen Curry maintained his status as the highest-paid athlete with an average salary of $55 million. The Golden State Warriors legend made headlines recently after he suggested that NBA players were not paid according to the value they added to the franchise.

Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid occupied the second spot when it came to highest-paid players, taking home $51.4 million. He was tied with Nikola Jokic from the Denver Nuggets for the rank.

Check the full list here:

1 Stephen Curry, PG- Golden State Warriors- $55,761,216

2 Joel Embiid, C- Philadelphia 76ers- $51,415,938

3 -Nikola Jokic, C- Denver Nuggets- $51,415,938

4- Kevin Durant, PF- Phoenix Suns- $51,179,021

5 Bradley Beal, SG- Phoenix Suns- $50,203,930

6 Kawhi Leonard, SF- LA Clippers- $49,350,000

7 Devin Booker, SG - Phoenix Suns- $49,205,800

8 Paul George, F- Philadelphia 76ers- $49,205,800

9 Karl-Anthony Towns, C- New York Knicks- $49,205,800

10 Jaylen Brown, SG- Boston Celtics- $49,205,800

Also read: Steph Curry says NBA players are 'underpaid' amid Micah Parsons-Cowboys trade buzz

Highest-paid NBA players by contract value

According to USA Today, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s four-year-$285 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder will make him the top NBA player in terms of annual salary, once the deal starts.

1 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder: $71.3 million

2 Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers: $64.3 million

3 Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics: $62.8 million

4 Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: $58.4 million

5 Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks: $58.4 million

6 Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics: $57 million

7 Jimmy Butler, Golden State Warriors: $55.4 million

8 Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: $55.2 million

9 Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat: $55.116 million

10 Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks and Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns: $55.1 million

FAQs

Who was the highest-paid NBA player in the 2024-25 season?

Stephen Curry took home $55.7 million.

How much is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s four-year contract extension worth?

The Oklahoma City Thunder player is set to earn $285 million throughout his new contract.

When does the NBA 2025-26 season start?

The season kicks off on October 21, with the Oklahoma City Thunder going up against the Houston Rockets.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT US Desk
The Hindustan Times US Desk brings you the latest news and developments from across the United States. The team covers everything from breaking news and politics to sports, business, entertainment and stories that are trending across the country. Our coverage includes the White House, Congress, US elections, immigration and visa updates, H-1B, green cards, Social Security, education, jobs, layoffs, the economy, technology and major policy changes. We also closely follow stories that matter to Indian and South Asian communities in the US. The desk covers major US sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL, along with player news, injuries, schedules, results and major events. Entertainment coverage includes Hollywood, celebrities, television, streaming, music and pop culture. We also report on breaking developments, major incidents, weather, public safety, court cases and other stories making headlines across the country. When a major policy or news development affects people's everyday lives, the team works to explain what happened, what it means and what readers need to know. Alongside breaking news, the US Desk produces explainers and practical stories on topics such as immigration, Social Security, taxes, education, employment and government programmes. The team also works on science, tech, business and AI stories analyzing the impact they may have on people. The team follows developments throughout the day, keeping an eye on official announcements, public records, reliable news sources and what people are talking about across the US.Read More

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