Highest Paid NBA Players

The highest paid NBA players in 2026 earn more than $50 million in annual basketball salary, with Stephen Curry leading the 2026–27 rankings at approximately $62.6 million. Nikola Jokić follows at about $59 million, while Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are each scheduled to earn approximately $58.5 million. These figures represent NBA playing salaries, not total income from endorsements, sponsorships, and business ventures. This guide from Sports LNV ranks the league's top earners, explains how NBA contracts work, and explores why basketball's biggest stars command such significant salaries. Read on for the rankings, and discover how to follow the players throughout the season with our guide to How To Watch NBA Games Without Cable in 2026.

Highest Paid NBA Players 2026: Top 10 Salaries

For the 2026–27 NBA season, Stephen Curry ranks first by annual playing salary. Nikola Jokić is second, while Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, and Giannis Antetokounmpo occupy the next tier. The following table uses reported 2026–27 contract salary figures, rounded to the nearest $100,000 for readability.

Data note: Salaries are based on reported 2026–27 contract figures and are rounded. Players with identical salaries share the same salary ranking. Contract databases and published lists can differ slightly because of salary adjustments, incentives, and reporting conventions. Team affiliations should be checked against the latest official NBA roster information before publication.

1. Stephen Curry: The Highest Paid NBA Player in 2026

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors leads the 2026–27 NBA salary rankings with approximately $62.59 million in scheduled playing salary. His long-term impact on basketball, championship success, shooting ability, and commercial appeal have helped establish him as one of the most influential players of his generation.

Curry changed how teams approach three-point shooting and spacing. His range, movement without the ball, and ability to create shots from difficult positions have made him a central figure in modern NBA offense. His value extends beyond scoring, as his presence also affects defensive game plans and the opportunities available to teammates.

Although Curry's annual salary is already among the league's highest, his total earnings can be considerably larger when endorsements and other commercial income are included. Those additional earnings are separate from the salary ranking in this article.

2. Nikola Jokić: One of Basketball's Most Valuable Stars

Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets ranks second among the highest paid NBA players for 2026–27, with a salary of approximately $59.03 million. The Serbian center has established himself as one of the league's most versatile offensive players, combining elite passing with efficient scoring and rebounding.

Jokić's playing style makes him a unique centerpiece for an NBA offense. He can score from the post, create opportunities for cutters, deliver accurate passes across the court, and control the pace of a possession. His ability to influence several aspects of a game explains why teams place such a high value on elite centers who can also function as primary playmakers.

His salary reflects the value of an established superstar who can lead an offense and contribute consistently across multiple statistical categories.

3. Jayson Tatum: A Major Salary for an Elite Forward

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics is scheduled to earn approximately $58.46 million in the 2026–27 season. The versatile forward has built his reputation through scoring, perimeter shooting, rebounding, and the ability to create offense in high-pressure situations.

Tatum's offensive versatility allows him to score from beyond the three-point line, attack the basket, and create shots in isolation. He can also contribute as a rebounder and playmaker, making him an important option in different offensive systems.

Long-term contracts for elite players often reflect both their established performance and the expectation that they will remain central to their team's future plans. Tatum's salary places him among the NBA's leading earners.

4. Anthony Davis: A High-Value Interior Defender

Anthony Davis is scheduled to earn approximately $58.46 million during the 2026–27 NBA season. Known for his combination of size, mobility, rebounding, and rim protection, Davis has been one of the league's most impactful defensive big men when available.

His ability to block shots, defend different types of opponents, and score around the basket gives him value on both ends of the court. He can also contribute mid-range shooting and transition offense, depending on his role and the team's system.

As with any player whose production depends on availability, injury history and expected playing time are important factors when assessing the value of his contract.

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo: A Powerful Two-Way Superstar

Giannis Antetokounmpo is scheduled to earn approximately $58.46 million in 2026–27. His combination of size, speed, strength, and finishing ability makes him one of the most difficult players to defend in transition and around the basket.

Antetokounmpo can create scoring opportunities through drives, offensive rebounds, and transition attacks. His defensive versatility also enables him to protect the rim, switch onto different opponents, and cover large areas of the court.

Elite players who influence scoring, rebounding, and defense can command maximum-level contracts because their impact extends beyond one statistical category. Antetokounmpo's salary reflects the premium NBA teams place on that type of all-around production.

6. Joel Embiid: A Dominant Scoring Center

Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers is scheduled to earn approximately $58.10 million in 2026–27. When healthy, the center combines interior scoring, perimeter shooting, free-throw production, and defensive presence.

Embiid's offensive game includes post moves, face-up shooting, and the ability to draw fouls. His size and defensive instincts also make him a significant presence around the rim.

His contract illustrates how highly teams value dominant centers who can serve as a primary scoring option. However, availability remains an important consideration when evaluating his overall contribution over a full season.

7. Jaylen Brown: A High-Earning Two-Way Wing

Jaylen Brown is scheduled to earn approximately $57.74 million in 2026–27. His game combines athletic finishing, perimeter scoring, defensive versatility, and the ability to attack mismatches.

Two-way wings are valuable because they can contribute to both offensive and defensive schemes without requiring a team to make major lineup adjustments. Brown's scoring ability and defensive tools help explain why players with his skill set can command substantial contracts.

His salary also highlights how NBA compensation rewards a combination of production, experience, and a player's position within the team's long-term plans.

8. Devin Booker: An Elite Perimeter Scorer

Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns is scheduled to earn approximately $57.08 million in the 2026–27 season. Booker is known for his scoring versatility, shot creation, mid-range game, and ability to operate as a primary offensive option.

High-level perimeter scorers can have an enormous impact on a team's offensive efficiency. They create their own shots, draw defensive attention, and help open space for teammates. Booker's combination of shooting, ball handling, and offensive decision-making makes him one of the NBA's leading salary earners.

His annual salary reflects the value of a player who can carry a significant scoring load and help shape the team's offensive identity.

9. Karl-Anthony Towns: A Versatile Scoring Big Man

Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks is scheduled to earn approximately $57.08 million in 2026–27. His ability to score near the basket and shoot from the perimeter gives his team additional offensive flexibility.

Modern NBA offenses place a premium on big men who can stretch the floor. A center or power forward who forces opposing defenders away from the basket can create driving lanes for guards and improve spacing across the court.

Towns also contributes rebounding and interior scoring, making him a valuable offensive option in different lineup combinations.

10. Jimmy Butler: Experience and Two-Way Impact

Jimmy Butler of the Golden State Warriors is scheduled to earn approximately $56.83 million in 2026–27. Butler has built his reputation through physical drives, playmaking, defensive intensity, and his ability to perform in important moments.

His style is different from that of a high-volume three-point specialist. Butler often creates value by attacking the basket, drawing fouls, facilitating for teammates, and defending opposing wings.

Veteran stars can command substantial salaries because of their experience, proven production, and ability to contribute in several areas. As with other players, age, health, and availability can affect the value a team receives over the course of a season.

NBA Salary vs. Total Earnings: What's the Difference?

The phrase “highest paid NBA players” can refer to two different rankings: the players who earn the most from their NBA contracts and the players who generate the most money from all sources. Understanding the difference is important when comparing salary figures with lists of the world's highest-paid athletes.

A player who ranks first by NBA salary may not rank first in total earnings. Endorsement deals, business activities, and other income can significantly change the order. Total-earnings lists may also use different reporting periods and estimation methods, so the figures should not be compared without checking what each ranking measures.

Why Do NBA Players Earn So Much Money?

NBA salaries reflect a combination of league revenue, broadcast agreements, sponsorships, ticket sales, commercial partnerships, and the collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players' union.

1. League Revenue and Media Rights

Television and streaming agreements help distribute NBA games to large audiences across multiple markets. These partnerships are an important part of the league's commercial business and contribute to its ability to pay players substantial salaries.

Fans can explore different ways to watch basketball through our NBA League Pass Review, which covers subscription options, features, and blackout restrictions that may affect access to live games.

2. The NBA Salary Cap and Maximum Contracts

The NBA operates under a salary-cap system defined by its collective bargaining agreement. The cap, luxury tax, and additional spending restrictions influence how teams construct rosters and negotiate contracts.

Maximum-salary rules can limit how much eligible players earn from their NBA contracts based on factors such as years of service and applicable contract conditions. Designated veteran extensions and other permitted contract structures can also influence a player's long-term earnings.

3. Superstar Performance and Marketability

Elite players attract audiences, generate merchandise sales, and help teams compete for championships. Their influence can extend well beyond their individual statistics, which helps explain why teams invest heavily in proven stars.

Marketability can also increase a player's income through endorsements. However, sponsorship income is separate from NBA salary and should be counted separately when ranking contract earnings.

4. Long-Term Contracts and Salary Growth

NBA contracts often cover multiple seasons, with salaries that can rise according to negotiated terms and league rules. As the salary cap changes, the maximum amounts available for new contracts and extensions can also change.

A player's annual salary is only one part of a contract's value. Guaranteed money, options, incentives, contract length, and future salary commitments can all affect the financial picture for the player and the team.

How NBA Contracts Affect Team Building

Paying a superstar a large salary creates opportunities and challenges for an NBA franchise. A high-value player can anchor a championship contender, but the contract also uses a significant portion of the team's available payroll.

Teams must balance star contracts with supporting players, bench depth, young talent, and future financial flexibility. Salary-cap rules and spending thresholds can make it harder for teams with large payrolls to add new players through certain mechanisms.

Successful roster construction therefore requires more than signing the biggest names. Teams must evaluate how individual contracts fit into their competitive goals and financial limits.

Are the Highest Paid NBA Players Also the Best Players?

Not necessarily. Salary rankings reflect contract terms and the circumstances under which deals were negotiated, not a direct ranking of current basketball ability.

A player may earn a high salary because of an earlier contract, years of service, free-agency negotiations, or a maximum-salary agreement. Another player may outperform their contract while earning considerably less.

To evaluate a player's on-court value, consider factors such as:

• Scoring efficiency and overall offensive production.
• Defense, rebounding, and playmaking.
• Availability and games played.
• Role within the team's system.
• Impact on team performance and postseason results.
• Salary compared with production and contract length.

Fantasy basketball managers should also distinguish salary from fantasy value. A highly paid NBA star is not automatically the best fantasy draft selection for every scoring format. Use our NBA Fantasy Basketball Rankings to compare players by fantasy production, statistical categories, and draft considerations rather than contract size.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Highest Paid NBA Players in 2026

Who is the highest paid NBA player in 2026?

Stephen Curry is the highest-paid NBA player by scheduled 2026–27 playing salary, earning approximately $62.59 million for the season.

How much does Stephen Curry earn in 2026–27?

Stephen Curry's reported 2026–27 NBA salary is approximately $62.59 million. His total income may be higher when endorsements and other commercial earnings are included.

Who is the second-highest-paid NBA player in 2026?

Nikola Jokić ranks second by 2026–27 playing salary, at approximately $59.03 million.

Are NBA salaries the same as total player earnings?

No. NBA salary is compensation from a player's basketball contract. Total earnings can also include endorsements, sponsorships, business income, and other commercial revenue.

Why do NBA players receive such large contracts?

NBA salaries are influenced by league revenue, media rights, sponsorships, the salary cap, collective bargaining rules, player performance, and competition among teams for elite talent.

Does the highest paid NBA player have to be the best player?

No. Salary depends on contract terms and negotiation history as well as performance. The highest-paid player is not necessarily the league's best performer in a particular season.

Can NBA player salaries change during the season?

Contract salaries are determined by agreed terms and applicable league rules. Trades, contract adjustments, incentives, and reporting differences can affect how a player's compensation is presented, but a trade does not automatically erase an existing contract.

Where can I check current NBA player salaries?

Consult established contract databases, current NBA reporting, and official team information. Check the season listed in the source and distinguish base salary from total earnings before comparing players.

Final Verdict: Who Earns the Most in the NBA in 2026?

The 2026–27 salary rankings show the enormous financial value attached to elite NBA talent. Stephen Curry leads at approximately $62.59 million, with Nikola Jokić close behind at $59.03 million. Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, and Giannis Antetokounmpo form the next salary tier, followed by other established stars earning more than $55 million. These rankings measure scheduled basketball salaries, not total income from endorsements or business ventures. For more basketball coverage, player analysis, and fantasy advice, explore Sports LNV's NBA Draft Strategy Guide For Beginners and stay informed about how player performance and team decisions shape the game.

Editorial note: Salaries and roster information can change with contract transactions and official updates. Verify the latest figures before publishing or using this article as a current salary reference.