If you’ve ever wondered who ranks for being at the top when it comes to wealth, keep reading to find out who the top 20 richest NBA players are.
Aside from being one of the most watched sports in the world, basketball is also regarded as one of the most popular sports today. The National Basketball Association (NBA), in addition to being a competitive Basketball platform, has also become a major source of income for players due to their good performance. The total number of players who have participated in the NBA has risen to some unimaginable numbers, not only because of the money they received as their earnings, but also from lucrative endorsements they get.
On the other hand, some players use their earnings to invest in other businesses that also allow them to succeed financially.
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Michael Jordan
“Michael Jordan” by Kip-koech is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Net worth: $ 1.6 billion
Other Ventures: Brand endorser (Nike, Hanes, Gatorade, Upper deck), Entrepreneur, Investor
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest and richest nba players. He led the Chicago Bulls to championship, where he was declared MVP in the finals. The 14th time NBA All-Star has also won Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year on different occasions. He has also won the MVP league title five times. There is no doubt that Jordan’s talent was exceptional which is why he was highly paid by the Chicago Bulls. Prior to 2017, Jordan received a pay-check of $ 33.1 million, according to NBC Sports. The price was much higher than the group’s average salary during that time. Jordan, on the other hand, has also benefited greatly from his nike endorsement deal. According to Forbes, Jordan received at least $ 1.3 billion due to this endorsement deal.
Now retired, Michael Jordan still plays a major role in the NBA world as the owner of the Charlotte Hornets. According to Reuters, Jordan owns 97% of the shares of the team. He reportedly bought the club for about $ 180 million. The Charlotte-based team is now valued at $ 1.3 billion. In addition to being the owner of the Hornet, Jordan is also a co-owner of the Miami Marlins from MLB. Apart from sports, Jordan is also taking some steps as an investor. With so many streams coming in after retirement, Jordan is definitely winning in life after a successful basketball career. According to Forbes, he is World’s Richest Athlete which is why he is at the top of the list.
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Junior Bridgeman
Net worth: $ 600 million
Other Ventures: PGA Board of Directors, President of Bridgeman Foods Inc., Coca-Cola Bottletler
Junior Bridgeman was not a basketball star like all the players on the list. However, he had a decent career in the league. He averaged 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Unlike today, players in his time were not given millions of contracts. Bridgeman’s highest annual salary was $ 350,000.
After retiring from basketball, Bridgeman eventually became interested in the fast food business by working and studying Wendy’s business model. He eventually became the owner of a major Wendy and Chili franchise with at least 160 franchises. Most importantly he is the CEO of Bridgeman Foods Inc., which has become an empire, according to Forbes. The factory recently acquired Blaze Pizza as part of its assets. His Chilli franchises alone have generated $ 300 million in sales according to Celebrity Net Worth. Apart from this, he is also a board member of the Professional Golfers Association.
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Magic Johnson
“Magic Johnson” by Kip-koech is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Net worth: $ 600 million
Other Businesses: Businessman, LA Dodgers Investor and Los Angeles Sparks, Former Lakers Of Basketball Operations President
If there is a player who has paved the way for basketball to become a lucrative game, it is Magic Johnson. The former Lakers star had an amazing talent that helped make the Lakers fit into the NBA again. Johnson’s amazing play allowed the franchise to have the nickname Showtime. In his career, Johnson collected five NBA tournaments and three MVPs in the Final. He was also declared as the league’s MVP three times.
His career in the NBA as a player was successful which allowed him to earn a lot of money. As a result, he never strayed from basketball. Johnson had a brief stint with the Los Angeles Lakers franchise as President. He was paid about $ 10 million a year for the project. Outside of basketball, Johnson earns a lot more with his investments which include stakes at WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and MLB’s LA Dodgers. His firm, Magic Johnson Enterprises, has also been successful. He has also invested in major companies such as Burger King, T.G.Fridays, Sodexo, Starbucks, 24 Hour Fitness, and AMC Theater. His successful career on and off the court allows him to be one of the five richest nba players in history.
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Kobe Bryant
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Net worth: $ 600 million
Other Ventures: Brand endorser (Adidas, Nike, McDonald’s, Sprite, Ninetendo, Turkish Airlines), Venture Capitalist, Investor of Body Armor, Poetry Writer
Kobe Bryant will be remembered forever as one of the most active players to achieve the highest level of basketball. Kobe’s achievements include 18 All-Star appearances, two scoring titles, and a MVP league trophy. His legacy came to prominence in five NBA tournaments where he was declared the MVP twice. Kobe’s desire to win with Mamba Mentality has definitely played critical roles in his most memorable games. As a result, the Lakers franchise offered him a multi-million dollar contract to keep him in Los Angeles, allowing him to become one of the richest nba players in history.
He lived his retirement life as a businessman, where he co-founded the company Bryant Stibel. In addition, his investment in Body Armor was a success when Coca-Cola received a sports beverage brand. Here, Bryant made millions of dollars. Unfortunately, his good start to the job was cut short after a helicopter crash in January 2020.
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Lebron James
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Net worth: $ 450 million
Other Businesses), Franchise Owner of Blaze Pizza, Liverpool FC Stakeholders
If you are the best player in the world, there is no question that almost all NBA teams want you on their list. Because of this, LeBron James is apparently one of the richest nba players. It is understandable how much James has been awarded for all his hard work. These include the Rookie of the Year trophy, four MVPs of the league, the appearance of 16 All-Star games, and scoring title. James has been to the NBA Finals nine times.
Because of his presence and success on the court, James is definitely in a position to ask for a fat paycheck from any NBA team looking for his services. As a result, he was able to secure a $ 153 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. His presence in court also allowed him to collect endorsement deals like Nike. According to Forbes, his deal with Nike amounts to $ 1 billion. In addition to basketball, James has also been making money as this includes becoming a franchise owner of a Blaze Pizza franchise and acquiring a stake in a football club, Liverpool based on an MSN.
Although James is approaching the latter part of his career, with his allowance and investment deals, he is well prepared for financial stability outside of basketball.
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Shaquille O’Neal
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Net worth: $ 400 million
Other Ventures: Product Recommendations (Icy Hot, Vitamin Water, Burger King, Kraft Foods, Pepsi, Comcast, Radio Shack, Taco Bell, The General, Reebok, Buick, Monster Headphones), His Shaq Shoe Line, Pope John’s Board Member, Movie Actor, Sports Analyst
Shaq is one of the most dominant centers in the NBA. His size and power were simply astonishing to the opposition centers especially the paint. Shaq took over the league, shortly after playing his rookie year, claiming that Rookie of the Year. Shaq will eventually take his talents to Los Angeles and win three straight NBA tournaments where he was also announced as the Finals MVP in all three seasons. After that, he would stand with the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics. The talented center would won his final title with the Miami Heat in 2006. His unparalleled return to basketball skills earned him 15 trips in this All-Star game, two goal titles, and the MVP league trophy under his name.
Shaq’s reign and star power were much sought after by many teams. Given this, there is no doubt that NBA teams are willing to pay millions for the All-Star Center. This includes a 7-year contract, a $ 41 million rookie contract offered by Orlando Magic which was one of the biggest contracts in NBA history. In addition to his major NBA awards, Shaq has also benefited financially from his endorsements which includes big names like Burger King, Taco Bell, and Buick. According to Investopedia, he reportedly earns millions through these deals.
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As Shaq expanded his celebrity status, the former Lakers star even released four rap albums. He will also make appearances in movies, including basketball film Blue Chips and a romantic comedy film Blended. Now retired, Shaq is currently one of the NBA’s analysts. In addition to this, he also made adequate preparations for the post-basketball life which included his investment in Pope John’s and the money he earned from his shoe line. All of his revenue streams allowed him to maintain a multi-million dollar status and allows him to be one of the top richest nba players in history.
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Grant Hill
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Net worth: $ 250 million
Other Ventures: Brand Sponsors (Fila, Sprite, McDonald’s, Tag Heur, AT&T), TV show host and host, Sports Broadcaster, Hill Ventures Owner, Atlanta Hawks Co-Owner
Grant Hill was definitely one of the best in the NBA. The most notable feature of his game is his all-round ability. Hill had the ability to score. He soon made an impact in the league by winning the Rookie of the Year alongside Jason Kidd. In addition, Hill will continue to gain a lot from his career. He was declared the NBA All-Star several times and will be part of the All-NBA team five times. Although Hill is hampered by foot injuries, he did enough for his career to be named Hall-of-Famer in 2014.
It is always in people’s minds what would have happened if he had been healthy in all his career. But even so, Hill is one of the highest paid athletes. His 7th place on the list is largely based on the big contract he signed before being traded to Orlando Magic. The contract reached $ 92.8 million.
Now retired, Hill has not moved away from basketball. He will be seen on NBA TV and CBS Sports as a broadcaster or manager. Hill will also be one of the owners of the Atlanta Hawks. Hill also began to look beyond basketball, as he worked as a partner in Rikki Lake during MTV VMA’s. Apart from this, Hill also leads his own company, Hill Ventures, which specializes in housing projects. The former Orlando Magic swingman player had a successful career in basketball, and he certainly did a good job in his life outside of basketball.
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David Robinson
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Net worth: $ 200 million
David Robinson is certainly one of the greatest men in the NBA. Robinson had an emphatic career San Antonio Spurs, as he acquired the moniker the Admiral. Spurs. He was 10th NBA All-Star who led the NBA to score, rebound, and block at various times. Admiral also won Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and MVP league for its work. His legacy has been highlighted by two NBA tournaments. There is no question that Robinson’s efforts were financially compensated, especially during the 2000-2001 season when he was paid $ 14.7 million by the Spurs.
After a successful career in the NBA, Robinson is still taking steps to win out of court as a venture capitalist. He is one of the founders of the Admiral Capital Group, which is involved in private finance and the real estate industry according to CNBC. The firm has invested a total of $ 300 million in jobs worth more than $ 1.5 billion.
9.Hakeem Olajuwon
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Net worth: $ 200 million
Named The Dream, Hakeem Olajuwon is apparently the best center. Armed with unparalleled feet, Olajuwon was able to manage the opposing centers during his time especially with his signature move, Dream Shake. Olajuwon has benefited greatly from his work which has allowed him to be among the richest nba players from the teams he played for. His achievements include the appearance of the 12 All-Star game, two Defense Player of the Year awards, a doubling leader in rebounds, a three-time leader in the blocks and finals mvp in two nba championship. After 18 seasons in the league, Olajuwon received a whopping $ 107 million.
Although Olajuwon was very good at being the face of the Jordan brand, he decided to support the brand, Spalding, to deal with sneakers killings in his time.
According to The Guardian, Olajuwon said in his release of the tags “How can a poor mother who works with three boys buy Nike or Reeboks for $ 120? He can’t. So children steal these shoes from stores and other children. Sometimes they kill for them.
The former Rockets star has shown that he can be a great man on and off the court. After retiring, Olajuwon is currently in the real estate business.
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Kevin Durant
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Net worth: $ 170 million
One of the most distinguished athletes today. Durant has been the league MVP, 10 NBA All-Star, four NBA scorers, and two NBA Finals MVP. His talent from the country is in demand by many clubs. As a result, he is now the highest paid player on the Brooklyn Nets list after agreeing a $ 164 million contract in 2019.
Despite his court victories, Durant has been winning outside the court. The killer forward has also been winning in his investments. This includes a $ 15 million fine after Uber acquired Postmate where the Nets star invested $ 1 million, according to Forbes. Durant also reportedly bought some shares of Philadelphia Union from Major League Soccer. His YouTube channel has also been successful as it gained 800,000 subscribers while partnering with major companies such as Apple, Fox, Showtime, and ESPN. Although currently sidelined due to injury, Durant continues to win big.
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James Harden
“James Harden dunk” by All-Pro Reels is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Net worth: $ 165 million
James Harden is one of the leading scorers in the league today. After proving his scoring prowess as the Sixth Man for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Harden emerged as a top player for the Houston Rockets. Harden’s ability to score goals from anywhere is his most valuable asset. In all his career, he has won the Sixth Man of the Year award, announced the All-Star eight times, and named the league MVP in 2018. Apart from this, he also led the league in scoring and assisting at various times.
Because of his success and professional talent, Harden would undoubtedly want to be paid millions. After signing one of the biggest contract extensions in history with Rocks, Harden is one of the top richest NBA players in history.
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Carmelo Anthony
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Net worth: $ 160 million
Apparently one of the best shooters in the league. The 10 times All Star started making a name for themselves with the Denver Nuggets. After that, he took his talents to New York. With the Knicks, Melo continued his strength by scoring more points in one game with the 62nd Knicks player. Anthony also won the NBA scoring title in 2013. However, Carmelo’s career began to decline after his departure with Knicks. He would strike around the league with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Houston Rockets and now with the Portland Trailblazers. Although he no longer plays as a star, there is no question that Carmelo Anthony is still a dangerous scorer on the court.
Although Carmelo had a difficult time signing for NBA teams and his contract with the Blazers was far from his previous contracts, he continues to be one of the richest players today. In addition to his NBA payments, Melo also earns money from various contracts that allow for $ 8 million, according to Forbes. As a businessman, the Blazers striker has also partnered with former Stuart Goldfarb, former NBC chief executive, to create M7 Tech Partners. The company engages in digital media, the internet and technology. The NBA star also starred in a tv show and there he filmed La La’s Full Court Life with his ex-wife.
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Russell Westbrook
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Net worth: $ 150 million
Other Ventures: Brand endorser (Nike / Jordan, Subway), Own Car Dealership
Russell Westbrook is one of the top guards in the league today. His triple doubles and all-round make him an important player on any team. The Houston Rockets star has the third-highest score in NBA history with 146, just behind the famous Oscar Robertson. Westbrook also has a record of three consecutive games with a line of 10. Westbrook also became the MVP league in 2017. He also won the NBA scoring title twice and led the league assisting twice.
Westbrook is an all-Star All-Star keeper who can help any team become an official playoff tournament. Given this, there is no question Westbrook deserves a price tag. The Rockets guard is paid $ 38.5 million a year, according to Sportrac, one of the highest paid players in the league today. In addition, his shoe sales with Nike / Jordan, according to Sportskeeda, are said to be worth about $ 15 million a year.
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Dirk Nowitzki
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Net worth: $ 140 million
Other Ventures: Brand Sponsors (Panini, Nike), Investor of Tiff’s Treats
Dirk Nowitzki is undoubtedly the best player in the history of the Dallas Mavericks. Coming out of Germany, Nowitzki made an impact on the NBA. In his 21 NBA appearances, the German shooter has achieved a lot in his career including the 2007 MVP trophy.
The German shooter is currently enjoying retirement. His stay with Maverick benefited his professional basketball career. This includes a $ 80 million annual agreement in 2010. Despite losing $ 72 million by choosing to stay with Maverick in 2014 according to Forbes, Dirk gained the respect of NBA fans. Nowitzki has stayed away from basketball after retiring. According to Baking Business, Nowitzki is one of the celebrities making money in a cookie business called Tiff’s Treats. It looks like the German stand is ready for life after basketball.
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Dwight Howard
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Net worth: $ 140 million
Other Ventures: Brand endorser (Adidas, Peak), Tapiture Investor
Although Dwight Howard is currently a Los Angeles Lakers player today, he was a prominent center back then. Playing for Orlando Magic, Howard has been the three-time winner of the Defensive Player of the Year. After his stint with Magic, Howard roamed the league and played for five teams. However, due to his dominance with Magic, there is no question that the five teams paid Howard a lot of money to make a repeat of that dominance. Unfortunately, the eight-time NBA All-Star was involved in a series of controversies with his teams. But now playing for the Lakers, Howard has slowly begun to regain his playing ability as a backup man for Anthony Davis and Javale McGee.
Howard’s value is based largely on the major contracts the NBA teams have given him. In addition to those contracts, the Lakers center also earns large sums of money paid for its latest shoe with Chinese clothing company, Peak. According to Sports Rush, Howard reportedly earns $ 15-30 million a year on the deal.
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Stephen Curry
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Net worth: $ 130 million
Stephen Curry is one of the most famous and richest NBA player today. The Golden State Warriors guard was a focal point in bringing about a three-point change in the NBA. As a result of his sharp shooting, Curry collected various medals in the NBA, awarded with two MVP medals. Curry also helped the Warriors win three NBA tournaments. The hot guard is impressive as the sixth Time All-Star also led the league in scoring in 2016.
With Curry one of the hottest players today, there is no question that he is one of the richest nba players today. In addition to his salary with the Golden State Warriors, Curry also earns a lot of money with his endorsements.
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Gary Payton
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Net worth: $ 130 million
Other Ventures: Brand Endorser (Nike, Beats), Sports Analyst, Movie & TV Actor
Gary Payton also had a good NBA career. He earned the moniker, the Glove, for his defensive ability. Payton led the NBA in steals and won the 1996 Defensive Player of the Year Award. Glove was also declared an All-Star nine times and was part of the Miami Heat wing team in 2006. His NBA tour included teams such as the Seattle Supersonics, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Boston Celtics. Aside from his heroism with Heat, his unforgettable style was with Seattle. He currently own a franchise record in terms of multiple points, assistance, and steals. His success eventually earned him a place at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
The retired Supersonics guard was heavily paid as a player which is why he currently has a high value. After retiring, Payton is one of the most consistent basketball players in the sport. At times, he worked as an NBA and Fox Sports analyst.
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Tim Duncan
“Tim Duncan Walks Verizon Center’s Floor” by Geoff Livingston is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
Net worth: $ 130 million
One of the greatest players in the NBA, Tim Duncan has also been regarded as one of the richest nba players. In his 19 seasons playing in the league, Duncan won the NBA Championship five times and in three of those was named Finals MVP. The old Spurs man has also appeared in the All-Star game 15 times. Duncan was also announced to be part of the 2020 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class. According to Hoops Hype, Duncan raised about $ 246 million in his NBA career. He was also paid $ 2 million annually for his endorsements.
Played as The Big Fundamental, Duncan simply could not move forward from basketball despite retiring in 2016. The Spurs’ biggest player has returned to the franchise and is currently working as an assistant coach under Gregg Popovich. With all the memories and expertise he has given the Spurs franchise, there is no doubt that San Antonio welcomed him with open arms.
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Dwayne Wade
Net worth: $ 120 million
Other Ventures: Brand Supporters (Converse, Jordan, Li Ning, Gatorade, Lincoln, Staples, Sean John, T-Mobile, Topps, Panini, Hublot, and New Era), Investors (D Wade Cellars, Mars Reel, The Tie Bar , Status), Sales Model and Magazines
Dwayne Wade definitely made this list as one of the richest nba players due to how good he was in the NBA. He earned about $ 199 million for his stay with the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and Cleveland Cavaliers allowing him to be one of the top richest nba players in history. In his career, Wade accquired three NBA tournaments and was named Finals MVP in 2006. He was also the 13th NBA All-Star and the All-Star Game MVP in 2010.
Now retired, dwayne continues to enjoy earning from his endorsements. His life contract with Li-Ning allows him to earn $ 12 million a year. In addition, the former Heat player also takes the money he earns from his businesses to maintain his lifestyle as a millionaire. Despite retiring, The Flash is still moving, at least in business.
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Yao Ming
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Net worth: $ 120 million
Other Ventures: Brand endorser (Nike, Reebok, Apple, Garmin, Visa, McDonald’s, and Yanjing), Restaurant Owner, Ablues Design Share Owner, Shanghai Sharks Basketball Team Owner, Chinese Basketball Association President
After playing for the Chinese Basketball Association. Yao became an NBA All Star eight times and was named five-time All-NBA team. In addition, he was inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 after retiring in 2011.
Yao earned about $ 93 million for his stay with the Rockets. In addition to this, his endorsements also allowed him to earn an estimated $ 34 million while he was an active player. Now that the star center has retired, Yao currently leads as basketball executive, owner of Shanghai Sharks and President of the Chinese Basketball Association. After making basketball great in China, Yao is now tasked with raising the profile of Chinese basketball worldwide.
