The 20 players who will earn the most money in the NBA season 2025/26

The 2025-26 NBA season not only promises a show on the court but also astronomical figures in the salaries of the big stars due to the new agreement (although some of the highest sums like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's won't arrive until next year). With the continuous increase in the salary cap and max contracts linked to the league's revenues, the most outstanding players will see their earnings reach record levels. This context reflects the NBA's exponential economic growth mainly based on the television deal signed with Amazon a few months ago. The best basketball league in the world generates revenue for everyone, not just for big franchises like Golden State Warriors or Los Angeles Lakers. 

Among the highest-paid players for the 2025-26 season, there are established names like Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, or Kevin Durant, along with others who represent the new generation of superstars, such as Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Devin Booker. The following is the list of players who will earn the most money during that season, considering only their salaries for 2025-26. The notable absence is undoubtedly Luka Doncic. 

Players with the highest salaries in the 2025-26 season 

1. Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) – $59,606,817

2. Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets) – $55,224,526

3. Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) – $55,224,526

4. Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns) – $54,708,608

5. Jimmy Butler (Miami Heat) – $54,126,450

6. Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers) – $54,126,450

7. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) – $54,126,450

8. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) – $54,126,450

9. Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves) – $53,142,264

10. Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics) – $53,142,264

11. Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns) – $53,142,264

12. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) – $52,627,153

13. Paul George (Philadelphia 76ers) – $51,666,090

14. Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers) – $50,000,000

15. Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls) – $47,499,660

16. Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz) – $46,394,100

17. Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers) – $46,394,100

18. Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) – $46,394,100

19. Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers) – $46,394,100

20. Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets) – $46,394,100