Who are the highest paid NBA players of all time?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recently signed a massive four-year supermax extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, worth a staggering $285 million.

That eye-watering pay packet moves the Canadian among the many stars to earn huge multi-million dollar contracts from playing in the NBA.

In this article we will take a look at the top five highest earning NBA players of all time...

1. Kevin Durant - $598.2m

Durant has become the highest-paid NBA player of all time in total career earnings after signing a two-year, $90 million extension with the Houston Rockets.

His total career earnings, including current and future salaries, are projected to reach $598.2 million.

He took a lower salary than the maximum he was eligible for to provide the Rockets with flexibility for roster building.

2. LeBron James - $581.3m

LeBron James is the second highest-paid NBA player of all time in career earnings, with a projected total of $581.3 million.

He is the first and only player in NBA history to play a 23rd season, with his salary reflecting his significant impact on the league.

His current two-year contract, signed in 2024, is worth $101,355,998.

3. Stephen Curry - $532.7m

Stephen Curry is the third highest-paid NBA player of all time, with projected career earnings of $532.7 million.

He has signed groundbreaking deals, including two contracts worth over $200 million each, a first in league history.

For the 2025-26 season, Curry's salary is approximately $59,606,817, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league.

4. Paul George - $520.2m

Paul George is the fourth highest-paid NBA player of all time, with career earnings of $520.2 million

He has consistently been among the top earners in the league throughout his career.

His earnings reflect his status as a prominent player in the NBA.

5. Joel Embiid - $516.9m

Joel Embiid ranks as the fifth highest-paid NBA player of all time, with career earnings of $516.9 million.

He is projected to have one of the highest seasonal salaries in the coming years, with a salary of $64,302,336 in 2027-28.

Embiid's earnings highlight the increasing salary cap and player compensation in the modern NBA.