It's no secret that NBA stars can make a lot of money. As the league's salary cap continues to increase every year, the potential for lucrative salaries grows higher. In fact, 20 players had salaries north of $30 million this past season, and even role players could do well. The average salary for an NBA player in 2019-20 was more than $6.9 million, with the minimum hovering at just over $2.9 million. It's fascinating to see how much these athletes earn on the court, but there are also many players who have amassed significant wealth even without the spotlight shining on them.
Even with these current-day huge numbers, there are still plenty of guys that earned a surprisingly large amount of money throughout their playing days. Some of the names on this list are retired, while others are still playing, giving them a chance to earn even more. But one thing connects them all: they made a ton of money while on the court. Let's dive into the careers of some of the highest earners in NBA history.
Chris Bosh: A Career of Earnings and Achievements
Chris Bosh headlines this list as a top-ten earner in NBA history. He spent the first half of his career with the Toronto Raptors before teaming up with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami. The "Big Three" made four straight NBA Finals, winning two titles along the way. Bosh officially retired just last year, though he hadn't played a game since 2016. Despite the relative brevity of his career, he still raked in almost $240 million.
| Name | Total Earnings | Teams Played For | Career Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Bosh | $239,063,022 | Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat | 11-time All-Star, 2-time NBA Champion |
Paul Millsap: The Silent Achiever
When you think of flash and excitement, Paul Millsap's name is probably not the first one that comes to mind. However, this 14-year veteran has quietly built an impressive career. He made the All-Rookie Second Team in 2006 and after joining the Atlanta Hawks, he made all four of his All-Star appearances over the next four years. His strong play earned him a $90 million deal from the Denver Nuggets in 2017.
Mike Conley, Jr.: The Unsung Hero
As far as career awards go, Mike Conley's trophy shelf is pretty bare. He made the All-NBA Defensive Second Team in 2013, but that's been his only accolade in the league. Conley earned a five-year, $153 million extension from the Grizzlies in 2016, which was the largest contract in NBA history at that time. He has consistently been a valuable player, contributing significantly to his teams.
Gilbert Arenas: The Rise and Fall
Nicknamed "Agent Zero," Gilbert Arenas had some fantastic seasons in the mid-2000s. He made three-straight All-Star Teams and earned a six-year, $111 million deal with the Wizards. However, his career was marred by controversy, which ultimately limited his playing time and potential earnings.
Juwan Howard: Longevity Over Stardom
Juwan Howard only made more than $20 million a year once in his career, but he represents the power of longevity in the NBA. Despite making just one All-Star team, Howard's nearly 20-year career in the league allowed him to accumulate significant wealth. He won two championships in his final two seasons, capping off a lucrative career.
J.J. Redick: The Shooter's Path
Up until 2017, J.J. Redick had not made more than $7.4 million in any single season. However, his exceptional three-point shooting skills have made him one of the most sought-after players in the league. Redick has hit at least 42 percent from three-point range in five of the past six seasons and will have made more than half of his career earnings in the last four seasons.
Erick Dampier: The Financial Success Story
Erick Dampier never made an All-Star team or an All-NBA team, but he still had a financially successful NBA career. His salary increased steadily over the years, and despite not being a star player, he still brought home $100 million throughout his 16 seasons in the league.
These players demonstrate that success in the NBA isn't solely about accolades and championships; it's also about seizing opportunities and making smart financial decisions. Understanding their journeys can offer valuable lessons for aspiring athletes and fans alike.
