With the explosion of the NBA salary cap and inflation, current player salaries are astronomical and blow player salaries from two decades ago out of the water.
The only players who can even remotely keep up with the highest-paid men of today are the likes of Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett, two of the NBA's biggest stars of all time.
Of course, LeBron James is the league's highest-paid player, trailed by Stephen Curry and Paul George.
1. LeBron James
Dec 21, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after attempting a shot against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$583,949,426
Career earnings so far: $531,322,273 in 22 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $657,937,927
Highest salary so far: $48,728,845 in 2024-25 (14th in the NBA)
2. Stephen Curry
Jan 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after scoring against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings: $535,799,872
Career earnings so far:$413,605,898 in 16 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $482,048,683
Highest salary so far: $55,761,217 in 2024-25 (1st in the NBA)
3. Paul George
Dec 23, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$518,679,877
Career earnings so far:$356,300,737 in 15 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $414,481,492
Highest salary so far: $49,205,800 in 2024-25 (6th in the NBA)
4. Joel Embiid
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Guaranteed earnings:$514,845,898
Career earnings so far:$266,714,364 in nine seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $300,131,925
Highest salary so far: $51,415,938 in 2024-25 (2nd in the NBA)
5. Kevin Durant
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 06: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns drives against Reggie Jackson #00 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at the Wells Fargo Center on January 06, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Guaranteed earnings:$511,827,650
Career earnings so far:$457,119,040 in 17 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $548,779,072
Highest salary so far: $51,179,020 in 2024-25 (4th in the NBA)
6. Anthony Davis
Jan 5, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) dribbles against Houston Rockets guard Max Christie (12) in the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$498,161,003
Career earnings so far:$311,521,148 in 13 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $361,331,029
Highest salary so far: $43,219,440 in 2024-25 (16th in the NBA)
7. Giannis Antetokounmpo
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Brook Lopez #11 and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrate after Antetokounmpo checked out late in the fourth quarter of the championship game of the Emirates NBA Cup against the Oklahoma City Thunder at T-Mobile Arena on December 17, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bucks defeated the Thunder 97-81. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Guaranteed earnings:$471,520,147
Career earnings so far:$284,880,292 in 12 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $321,879,509
Highest salary so far: $48,787,676 in 2024-25 (12th in the NBA)
8. Jayson Tatum
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 02: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates his three-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter at Target Center on January 02, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Guaranteed earnings:$469,910,004
Career earnings so far:$155,977,000 in eight seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $170,356,742
Highest salary so far: $34,848,340 in 2024-25 (39th in the NBA)
9. Damian Lillard
Jan 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) looks to pass the ball during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$451,772,802
Career earnings so far:$329,998,763 in 13 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $380,057,687
Highest salary so far: $48,787,676 in 2024-25 (12th in the NBA)
10. Bradley Beal
Jan 12, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$430,567,673
Career earnings so far:$319,772,793 in 13 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $367,431,694
Highest salary so far: $50,203,930in 2024-25 (5th in the NBA)
11. Kawhi Leonard
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 27: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers dribbles during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Guaranteed earnings:$428,771,638
Career earnings so far: $328,471,638in 13 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $378,086,324
Highest salary so far: $49,205,800in 2024-25 (6th in the NBA)
12. Nikola Jokic
Dec 16, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball against Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$426,859,111
Career earnings so far:$249,759,769 in 10 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $278,237,063
Highest salary so far: $51,415,938 in 2024-25 (2nd in the NBA)
13. Jaylen Brown
Nov 25, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) reacts after making the basket and being fouled by LA Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) (not pictured) in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$420,199,097
Career earnings so far:$184,011,257 in nine seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $202,007,558
Highest salary so far: $49,205,800 in 2024-25 (6th in the NBA)
14. James Harden
Oct 31, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) controls the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$410,720,428
Career earnings so far:$374,374,274 in 16 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $447,701,907
Highest salary so far: $44,310,840 in 2021-22 (2nd in the NBA)
15. Karl-Anthony Towns
Dec 9, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts after a three point basket to clinch a win over the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$404,415,019
Career earnings so far:$233,178,835 in 10 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $261,169,209
Highest salary so far: $49,205,800 in 2024-25 (6th in the NBA)
16. Chris Paul
Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$400,637,385
Career earnings so far:$400,637,385 in 20 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $501,436,796
Highest salary so far: $41,358,814 in 2020-21 (2nd in the NBA)
17. Jamal Murray
Oct 24, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts in the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$398,657,310
Career earnings so far:$172,763,706 in eight seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $190,044,832
Highest salary so far: $36,016,200 in 2024-25 (32th in the NBA)
18. Jrue Holiday
Jan 2, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) dribbles past Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$394,554,591
Career earnings so far:$290,154,591 in 16 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $341,079,249
Highest salary so far: $37,620,347in 2023-24 (23rd in the NBA)
19. Devin Booker
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 09: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Dyson Daniels #5 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on January 09, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Guaranteed earnings:$388,608,149
Career earnings so far:$217,371,965 in 10 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $240,855,469
Highest salary so far: $49,205,800 in 2024-25 (6th in the NBA)
20. Rudy Gobert
Dec 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) attempts to dunk the ball as Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$370,848,195
Career earnings so far: $261,348,195 in 12 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $295,678,481
Highest salary so far: $43,827,586in 2024-25 (15th in the NBA)
21. Jimmy Butler
Dec 16, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) controls the ball as Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (00) defends in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$365,096,659
Career earnings so far:$312,683,265 in 14 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $359,449,611
Highest salary so far:$48,798,677 in 2024-25 (11th in the NBA)
22. Kyrie Irving
Dec 25, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) brings the ball up court against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$359,774,149
Career earnings so far:$315,811,186 in 14 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $368,691,137
Highest salary so far: $41,000,000 in 2024-25 (25th in the NBA)
23. Russell Westbrook
Nov 10, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) controls the ball in the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$351,772,506
Career earnings so far:$348,303,546 in 17 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $428,216,329
Highest salary so far: $44,211,146 in 2021-22 (4th in the NBA)
24. Bam Adebayo
Nov 17, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$345,286,339
Career earnings so far:$139,919,452 in eight seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $150,446,338
Highest salary so far: $34,848,340 in 2024-25 (39th in the NBA)
25. Kevin Garnett
June 3, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett (5) battles for position with Miami Heat power forward Udonis Haslem (40) during the first half in game four of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Career earnings:$343,862,398 in 21 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $472,836,569
Highest salary: $28,000,000 in 2003-04 (1st in the NBA)
26. Pascal Siakam
December 22, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) passes the basketball against Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$332,260,928
Career earnings so far: $185,487,056 in nine seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $202,241,322
Highest salary so far: $42,176,400 in 2024-25 (21st in the NBA)
27. Kobe Bryant
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 30: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during a freethrow in the first half against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on March 30, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
Career earnings: $328,237,108 in 20 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $424,544,682
Highest salary: $30,453,000 in 2013-14 (1st in the NBA)
28. Klay Thompson
Dec 25, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) runs back up the court after he makes a three point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves to surpass Reggie Miller and move into fifth place on the all-time three-pointer list during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$319,552,761
Career earnings so far: $285,425,777 in 12 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $333,688,364
Highest salary so far: $43,219,440 in 2023-24 (12th in the NBA)
29. DeMar DeRozan
Oct 9, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) controls the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$316,575,770
Career earnings so far:$282,005,770 in 16 seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $337,358,108
Highest salary so far: $28,600,000 in 2023-24 (47th in the NBA)
30. Lauri Markkanen
Jan 9, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) dunks the ball during the second half against the Miami Heat at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
Guaranteed earnings:$307,860,574
Career earnings so far:$111,992,430 in eight seasons
Adjusted to inflation: $120,824,139
Highest salary so far: $42,176,400 in 2024-25 (21st in the NBA)
