Highest-paid Player Ever on Each NBA Team

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Earnings: $103,695,271
Runner-up: Joe Johnson ($101,804,960)

Since entering the NBA as a rookie during the 2018-19 season, Trae Young has led the NBA in assists (3,868). In that same span, Young was runner-up for Rookie of the Year, a three-time All-Star, led the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2020-21 season, and earned an All-NBA selection during the 2021-22 season.

Atlanta’s runner-up, Joe Johnson, had the best years of his career as a Hawk. In seven seasons, Johnson was an All-Star six consecutive seasons and earned an All-NBA selection during the 2009-10 season.

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $148,400,043
Runner-up: Kyrie Irving ($125,763,454)

An Achilles injury didn’t stop the Nets from giving Kevin Durant a hefty contract to come to Brooklyn. Except for the one year he missed due to the injury, Durant was worth every penny when he played, earning three All-Star selections and an All-NBA selection. In total, Durant played in 129 regular-season games for the Nets. Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden played a combined 16 games, winning 13, in what may go down as the greatest “what if” trio in NBA history.

Irving, the runner-up, was a one-time All-NBA selection and two-time All-Star, including a 50-40-90 shooting split during the 2020-21 season – something only nine NBA players have ever done in league history throughout a regular season. While Irving dazzled on the court when he played, he was considered a distraction in Brooklyn off the court multiple times as a Net. Irving missed time during the COVID era for not getting the vaccine and was suspended after he posted a link to an antisemitic movie.

The most ambitious bet in Nets history to compete for championships resulted in only one playoff series win.

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Earnings: $169,486,218
Runner-up: Al Horford ($146,703,215)

Paul Pierce was one of the top small forwards of his era, earning four All-NBA selections, was named an All-Star 10 times in an 11-year span, and was the 2008 Finals MVP as a member of the Boston Celtics. Pierce also was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

Most will remember Al Horford as an Atlanta Hawk for nine seasons, but he has earned big bucks with Boston and was an All-Star and All-Defensive Team selection during the 2017-18 season as a Celtic. Now, Horford hopes to win his first NBA championship.

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $108,710,983
Runner-up: Nicolas Batum ($104,730,316)

Gordon Hayward was a costly signing for Charlotte, who also didn’t live up to the hype, appearing in 168 games in three and a half seasons. Hayward never played in more than 50 games with Charlotte in a season nor made the playoffs.

Nicolas Batum had a career year with the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, before re-signing in 2016. During the final three years of his Hornets tenure, Batum underwhelmed mightily, averaging 9.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.

More: Hayward among highest-paid non-All-NBA players ever

More: Batum among highest-paid non-All-Stars ever

Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $158,362,937

This season was an injury-marred campaign for Zach LaVine, which ended with foot surgery. LaVine averaged 25.1 points on 47.7 percent shooting from the field, 38.8 percent from downtown, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists during the past five seasons before this season.

More: Zach LaVine among highest-paid non-All-NBA players ever

Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $222,237,285
Runner-up: LeBron James ($169,884,972)

While some may think of Kevin Love in his prime as a Minnesota Timberwolves star, his jersey will hang in the rafters for the Cleveland Cavaliers one day. Love helped Cleveland win a title in 2016 and was a two-time All-Star as a Cavalier.

LeBron James teamed with Love and Kyrie Irving to deliver Cleveland a championship. James spent 11 of his 21 NBA seasons as a Cavalier and leads the franchise in games (849), minutes (33,130), points (23,119), rebounds (6,190), assists (6,228), steals (1,376), and other categories.

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $255,371,800
Runner-up: Luka Doncic ($109,636,871)

Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki spent his entire 21-year career in Dallas. Nowitzki holds every meaningful franchise record, won Finals MVP and the championship in 2011, and was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

Luka Doncic is coming off his first scoring title and will look to win his first championship as Dallas faces Boston. Doncic has been an All-NBA 1st Team and All-Star selection for five consecutive seasons. If he plays long enough and remains in Dallas, Doncic could go down as the greatest Maverick ever and an NBA all-time great.

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $198,343,831
Runner-up: Jamal Murray ($136,747,506)

Nikola Jokic has been worth every penny for Denver and become a three-time MVP winner, 2023 Finals MVP and champion, and six-time All-NBA and All-Star selection.

Jamal Murray has been a clutch playoff performer for the Denver Nuggets, averaging 24.2 points on 45.9 percent shooting from the field and 38.9 percent from three-point range, 6.2 assists, and 4.9 rebounds. During the regular season, Murray has been dependable for 20 points, five assists, and four rebounds each night for the past five seasons.

More: Jamal Murray among highest-paid non-All-Star players ever 

More: Jamal Murray on Nikola Jokic: ‘I think we’re the best duo’

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Earnings: $107,859,063
Runner-up: Andre Drummond ($98,457,011)

Blake Griffin had one of the best seasons of his career with the Pistons during the 2018-19 campaign when he averaged a career-high 24.5 points and carried Detroit to the playoffs. Griffin struggled with injuries since, and the Pistons haven’t returned to the postseason.

Andre Drummond was a two-time All-Star, an All-NBA selection in the 2015-16 season, and four-time rebounding champion in Detroit.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $357,844,681
Runner-up: Klay Thompson ($269,552,761)

Stephen Curry lived up to his contracts and then some by becoming the greatest shooter in NBA history, a two-time MVP, a two-time scoring champion, a four-time NBA champion, and a 10-time All-NBA selection.

Klay Thompson helped Curry form the Splash Brothers and earn those four championships. Thompson was a great two-way player before his rash of injuries. He’s earned five All-Star and two All-NBA selections and was named to the 2018-19 All-Defensive Team.

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $173,510,633
Runner-up: John Wall ($126,432,520)

James Harden went from a Sixth Man of the Year with the Oklahoma City Thunder to an MVP, three-time scoring champion, two-time assist champion, and an All-Star selection every year he was in Houston. Harden was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team largely due to his play as a Rocket.

John Wall started 40 games for the Rockets, averaging 20.6 points and 6.9 assists per game. Wall then sat out the 2021-22 season.

Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

Earnings: $195,933,514
Runner-up: Kawhi Leonard ($194,598,576)

The ranking of this section could flip depending on Paul George’s free agency decision this summer as the top-ranked unrestricted free agent on the market, while Kawhi Leonard’s three-year, $153 million extension kicks in during the 2024-25 season.

In L.A., George has been a three-time All-Star and earned All-NBA honors during the 2020-21 season, and Leonard has been a three-time All-Star, All-NBA selection and two-time All-Defensive Team selection.

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Earnings: $328,237,108
Runner-up: LeBron James ($245,573,456)

Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant spent his 20-year career as a Laker, earning 18 All-Star selections, 15 All-NBA selections, 12 All-Defensive selections, five championships, two scoring titles, and the 2008 MVP award.

LeBron James, who became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer as a Laker and can become an unrestricted free agent this summer, will have a chance to eclipse Bryant if he re-signs and continues making max salaries for another two seasons.

Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $146,436,672
Runner-up: Mike Conley ($141,527,841)

Marc Gasol was the Defensive Player of the Year (2013), a three-time All-Star, a two-time All-NBA selection, and a one-time All-Defensive selection as a member of the Grizzlies. Gasol had his jersey retired by the Grizzlies.

Mike Conley was one of the core members of the “Grit and Grind” era for the Memphis Grizzlies, where he earned an All-Defensive Team selection during the 2012-13 season.

More: Mike Conley highest-paid player who never made an All-NBA Team ever

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Earnings: $185,974,560
Runner-up: Dwyane Wade ($160,749,205)

Jimmy Butler has a chance to further distance himself as the team’s all-time leader in salaries if he can come to an extension. For now, Butler is signed through the 2024-25 season for $48.8 million and has a player option for the 2025-26 season at $52.4 million. 

Wade is Miami’s franchise leader in points (21,556), assists (5,310), steals (1,492), games played (948), minutes played (32,912), and free throws (5,391). The Hall of Fame guard was a three-time champion, 13-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA selection, three-time All-Defensive selection, the 2009 scoring champion, and was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. 

Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $236,092,616
Runner-up: Khris Middleton ($225,164,551)

Giannis Antetokounmpo came cheap for the Bucks delivering a championship in 2021, becoming a two-time MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player of the Year, eight-time All-NBA and All-Star selection, and a five-time All-Defensive selection. Antetokounmpo was also named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

Khris Middleton has been Antetokounmpo’s running mate, a clutch fourth-quarter player, and three-time All-Star for the Bucks. 

Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $199,528,805
Runner-up: Karl-Anthony Towns ($183,973,035)

Kevin Garnett holds every meaningful Minnesota Timberwolves franchise record, was league MVP, and signed what previously was the richest contract in pro sports history, a six-year, $126 million deal in October 1997. 

Karl-Anthony Towns has spent his entire career in Minnesota and has been a four-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA selection, and won Rookie of the Year. 

Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

Earnings: $129,502,285
Runner-up: Jrue Holiday ($122,458,889)

Brandon Ingram is considered the most likely player to be traded by rival executives who spoke with HoopsHype, but he’s cemented his place as the highest-paid Pelican for now. In New Orleans, Ingram has won the league’s Most Improved Player award and was an All-Star in 2020. 

Jrue Holiday spent seven seasons in New Orleans, earned two All-Defensive Team selections, and averaged 17.6 points and 6.8 assists. 

Eventually, Zion Williamson could take the top spot in this section. 

More: Brandon Ingram and Jrue Holiday among highest-paid non-All-NBA players

Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $135,102,834
Runner-up: Julius Randle ($108,348,840)

Carmelo Anthony spent seven seasons with the Knicks and finished as an All-Star each season, was a two-time All-NBA selection, and was third in MVP voting during the 2012-13 season. 

Julius Randle has earned all his career accolades during his five seasons in New York, including three All-Star selections, two All-NBA selections, and winning the 2021 Most Improved Player of the Year award.  

Abbie Parr/Getty Images

Earnings: $167,679,891
Runner-up: Kevin Durant ($113,303,792)

During the 2016-17 season, Russell Westbrook was named MVP by becoming the first player to average a triple-double since Oscar Robertson in 1962. It was his first of three straight seasons averaging a triple-double with Oklahoma City. 

Kevin Durant became the NBA MVP in 2014 and was a four-time scoring champion in a five-year span with the Thunder. Durant also holds several franchise records, including points per game (27.4), 3-pointers made (1,143), and player efficiency rating (25.0). 

Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $91,887,975
Runner-up: Dwight Howard ($83,240,414)

Nikola Vucevic was a two-time All-Star for Orlando and averaged 17.6 points and 10.8 rebounds in nine seasons with the Magic.

Dwight Howard was one of the most dominant defensive players of his era as a member of the Orlando Magic. Howard was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, four-time rebounding champion, two-time blocks champion, made five straight All-NBA First Team selections, and was a six-time All-Star.

More: Nikola Vucevic among highest-paid non-All-NBA players ever

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $206,243,826
Runner-up: Tobias Harris ($185,297,727)

After missing the first two seasons of his career, Joel Embiid has become an MVP, two-time scoring champion, three-time All-Defensive Team selection, five-time All-NBA selection, and a seven-time All-Star with the 76ers. 

Tobias Harris has averaged 17.6 points on 48.8 percent shooting from the field, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in his six seasons in Philadelphia. Harris has made the most money in NBA history without being an All-Star. 

Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $168,166,165
Runner-up: Chris Paul ($100,558,814)

Devin Booker has become the face of the Phoenix Suns and was until recently the best shooting guard in the NBA. During his nine seasons in Phoenix, Booker has been named an All-Star four times and been an All-NBA selection twice. He also scored 70 points versus the Celtics on March 24, 2017, which has only been accomplished 15 times ever. 

Chris Paul was a two-time All-Star and All-NBA selection with the Suns, finishing fifth in MVP voting in 2021 when he led Phoenix to the NBA Finals. 

Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $235,571,003
Runner-up: CJ McCollum ($137,097,355)

Most Portland fans won’t be surprised to see Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are the highest-paid players in Blazers history, with Lillard as the leader. Lillard and McCollum combined to form one of the highest-scoring backcourts in the league during their time together against Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, and other opposing backcourts. 

Lillard leads the Blazers in all-time points scored (19.376), 3-pointers (2,387), free throws (4,427), and player efficiency (22.5). McCollum won the 2016 Most Improved Player of the Year award in Portland and averaged over 20 points in seven straight seasons as a Blazer. 

More: CJ McCollum among the highest-paid non-All-Star players ever

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $115,627,847
Runner-up: Harrison Barnes ($110,492,330)

Harrison Barnes has averaged 14.7 points on 47.2 percent shooting from the field and 4.9 rebounds in six seasons with the Kings.

De’Aaron Fox has been an All-Star and All-NBA selection, was the Clutch Player of the Year during the 2022-23 season, and led the league in steals during the 2023-24 season.

More: Harrison Barnes among highest-paid non-All-Star players ever

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Earnings: $240,320,601
Runner-up: Tony Parker ($163,282,460)

Hall of Famer Tim Duncan earned every paycheck by winning five championships, three Finals MVPs, the league’s regular-season MVP award twice, the Rookie of the Year award, and was a 15-time All-NBA, All-Star and All-Defensive Team selection. 

Tony Parker earned his Hall of Fame status by winning four championships, including the 2007 Finals MVP. He also earned six All-Star selections and was named to the All-NBA Team four times. 

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Earnings: $173,360,000
Runner-up: Pascal Siakam ($124,035,396)

Kyle Lowry holds Toronto’s records for assists (4,277), steals (873), 3-pointers (1,518), and triple-doubles (16). Lowry helped the Raptors win the 2019 championship, was a six-time All-Star, and earned one All-NBA team selection. 

In eight seasons with Toronto, Pascal Siakam was part of the 2019 championship, was a two-time All-NBA and All-Star selection, and won the league’s Most Improved Player award in 2019. 

Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Earnings: $138,348,195
Runner-up: Mike Conley ($102,958,957)

After being the 27th pick of the 2013 draft, Rudy Gobert became a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, three-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA selection, six-time All-Defensive selection, and a block and rebounding champion one season each as a member of the Utah Jazz. 

Runner-up Mike Conley finally broke through and became an NBA All-Star as a member of the Jazz in his 14th season. 

More: Mike Conley highest-paid player who never made an All-NBA Team ever

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Earnings: $222,827,273
Runner-up: John Wall ($143,669,346)

Bradley Beal was a three-time All-Star, 2021 All-NBA selection, and averaged over 30 points in consecutive seasons for the Wizards. Beal has made the most 3-pointers in team history (1,514). 

After being the No. 1 overall pick in 2010, John Wall became a five-time All-Star, 2015 All-Defensive selection, and 2017 All-NBA selection. Wall leads the Wizards in career assists (5,282) and steals (976). 

You can follow Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) on X, formerly known as Twitter.