Ranked: The highest-paid NBA players in history

The majority of athletes don't play the sport they love for the money. However, when you play professionally, it's all about supporting your family. In the NBA, it can be very easy to do that.

The NBA is one of the biggest sporting brands in the world, surpassing over $10 billion in revenue, according to the Sports Value website.

Due to the league's size, the superstar players within are paid accordingly, earning some of the largest contracts in all sports.

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The rise of supermax contracts and a new exciting young generation of talent will guarantee the landscape of NBA contracts will change forever, potentially clearing the current top ten within a matter of years.

Here are the current top ten highest-paid NBA players of all time. This excludes sponsorships and business ventures.

As reported by Sportskeeda, Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players of all time and played his entire career with the LA Lakers, winning five NBA titles. Bryant earned over $20 million a season for his final eight years in the league. A testament to his success in Los Angeles.

'The Big Ticket' Kevin Garnett is the highest-earning non-active player on this list and earned big contracts by staying loyal to the Minnesota Timberwolves for most of his career. However, after joining Boston in 2007, the former MVP finally won his one and only NBA Championship.

Russell Westbrook made the bulk of his money early on in his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he was MVP of the league. His highest-earning year was 2022, when he earned $44,211,146 with the Lakers.

As reported by Basketball References, James Harden has become known for trade-demanding contract negotiations as much as his on-court play. Harden is a former MVP, ten-time all-star, and three-time scoring champion, but it hasn't converted into an NBA ring.

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Perhaps the most shocking inclusion on this list is guard Chris Paul, the man nicknamed 'Point God' after five NBA assist titles. Paul made over $100 million in his six seasons with the LA Clippers and has since had bumper contacts with Phoenix, GSW, and the San Antonio Spurs.

Bradley Beal has been one of the league's premier scorers and turned down contracts from title-contending teams to stay on big money at the Washington Wizards. However, Beal joined Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns on a lucrative deal to try and win a title.

Known for his loyalty to the Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard was rewarded with several lucrative contracts to keep him in Oregon. At the start of last season, the Milwaukee Bucks splashed the cash on Dame to team him up with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

According to Spotrac, Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry has been well compensated for being the key piece in the Warriors dynasty over the past few seasons, winning two MVP awards, one Finals MVP, and four NBA Championships.

As reported by Basketball Reference, Kevin Durant is one of the greatest NBA players ever. He has won MVP awards, two NBA titles, a four-time scoring champion, and 14 all-star games. His highest-paid contract was last season with the Phoenix Suns, earning $46,407,433.

Of course, the highest-paid player in NBA history is LeBron James, earning over $500 million in contracts alone. James is the all-time scoring leader, four-time NBA champion, and four-time Finals MVP and is still playing at an MVP level in his 22nd season.

With the rise of bumper contract extensions in the current NBA climate, which young superstars will eventually join this list in the near future?

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