The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most popular sports in America. Watched by millions worldwide, the sport has also turned many players into millionaires and billionaires. Some of the richest NBA players in the world have retired and are currently enjoying their well-earned fortunes, while a few are still playing.
Kevin Durant (L), Magic Johnson (C) and LeBron James (R) are some of the richest NBA players in the world. Photo: Christian Petersen, Presley Ann, Harry How (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
When compiling this list of the richest NBA players in the world, we considered publicly available information from official sites such as Forbes, Celebrity Net Worth, Wealthy Gorilla, and other reliable sources. The figures mentioned are estimates and may not reflect the exact current net worth of the individuals owing to various economic and financial influences.
Richest NBA players
The NBA attracts millions of fans annually, and basketball is considered one of the best-paying sports in the world. Over the years, the NBA has had some great players who have made a fortune on and off the court. Below is a list of some of the richest NBA players in the world.
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RankingNameNet worth1Michael Jordan $3.5 billion2LeBron James$1.2 billion3Magic Johnson$1.2 billion4Junior Bridgeman$600 million5Shaquille O’Neal$500 million6Vinnie Johnson$500 million7Russell Westbrook$375 million8Hakeem Olajuwon$300 million9Kevin Durant$300 million10Grant Hill $250 million11Steph Curry$240 million12David Robinson$200 million13Luol Deng$200 million14Chris Paul $180 million15Dwyane Wade$170 million16James Harden $165 million17Yao Ming$160 million18Carmelo Anthony$160 million19Anthony Davis$160 million20Dwight Howard$140 million30. Blake Griffin – $110 million
Blake Griffin visits the IMDb Portrait Studio at SXSW in Austin, Texas. Photo: Corey Nickols
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Blake Austin GriffinDate of birth: 16 March 1989 Age: 35 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United StatesNet worth: $110 millionInstagram: @blakegriffin23
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Blake Griffin is among the richest NBA players in 2024. He primarily played with the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA and played college basketball for the Oklahoma Sooners before his retirement.
On 16 April 2024, the basketballer announced his retirement from professional basketball. Blake Griffin’s net worth is $110 million.
29. Chris Bosh – $110 million
Chris Bosh attends the premiere of Warner Bros “Space Jam: A New Legacy” at Regal LA Live in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Kevin Winter
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Christopher Wesson BoshDate of birth: 24 March 1984 Age: 40 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Dallas, Texas, United StatesNet worth: $110 millionInstagram: @chrisbosh
Christopher Wesson Bosh was a Texas Mr. Basketball in high school. He played one season of college basketball for Georgia Tech before declaring for the 2003 NBA draft.
Bosh was selected fourth overall by the Toronto Raptors, where he became a five-time NBA All-Star. Now retired, Chris Bosh’s net worth is $110 million.
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28. John Wall – $110 million
John Wall dribbles during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: Winslow Townson
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Johnathan Hildred Wall Jr.Date of birth: 6 September 1990 Age: 34 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Raleigh, North Carolina, United StatesNet worth: $110 millionInstagram: @johnwall
John Wall last played for the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA. He played the point guard position and was a five-time NBA All-Star from 2014 to 2018
Wall suffered multiple injuries before retiring from professional basketball. Today, John Wall’s net worth is $110 million.
27. Vince Carter – $110 million
Vince Carter poses for a portrait during the Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut. Photo: David Dow
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Vincent Lamar Carter Jr.Date of birth: 26 January 1977 Age: 47 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Daytona Beach, Florida, United StatesNet worth: $110 million
Vince Carter played for 22 seasons in the NBA. He played for multiple teams, including the Toronto Raptors, the New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic, the Phoenix Suns, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Memphis Grizzlies. Vince Carter’s net worth is $110 million.
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26. Kawhi Leonard – $120 million
Kawhi Leonard looks on during the first half of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Photo: Sean M. Haffey
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Kawhi Anthony LeonardDate of birth: 29 June 1991Age: 33 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United StatesNet worth: $120 million
Kawhi Anthony Leonard plays for the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA. He is a two-time NBA champion, a six-time All-Star, and a six-time member of the All-NBA Team. Leonard began his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs. Today, Kawhi Leonard’s net worth is $120 million.
25. Kevin Garnett – $120 million
Kevin Garnett addresses the guests during the Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut. Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Kevin Maurice Garnett Date of birth: 9 May 1976Age: 48 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Greenville, South Carolina, United StatesNet worth: $120 millionX: @KevinGarnett5KG
Kevin Garnett played 21 seasons in the NBA. Nicknamed The Big Ticket, Garnett’s net worth is $120 million. He is considered one of the greatest power forwards of all time, known for his intensity, versatility, and defensive ability.
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24. Pat Riley – $120 million
Pat Riley of the Miami Heat looks on during the Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Centre in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Michael Reaves
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Patrick James RileyDate of birth: 20 March 1945 Age: 79 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Rome, New York, United StatesNet worth: $120 million
Patrick James Riley is an American professional basketball executive, former coach, and former NBA player. He has been the team president and minority owner of the Miami Heat since 1995. Today, Pat Riley’s net worth is $120 million.
23. Pau Gasol – $120 million
Pau Gasol, during the second edition of the ‘Business Sport Forum’ in Madrid, Spain. Photo: Jesus Hellin
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Pau Gasol SáezDate of birth: 6 July 1980 Age: 44 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, Barcelona, SpainNet worth: $120 millionInstagram: @paugasol
Pau Gasol’s annual salary is about $19 million, and his net worth is $120 million. Gasol is a former professional basketball player. He was a six-time NBA All-Star and a four-time All-NBA team selection.
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Pau has played for Barcelona, the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Chicago Bulls, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Milwaukee Bucks.
22. Tim Duncan – $130 million
Tim Duncan attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Allen Berezovsky
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Timothy Theodore DuncanDate of birth: 25 April 1976Age: 48 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Saint Croix, United StatesNet worth: $130 million
Timothy Theodore Duncan is a former professional basketball player and coach who spent his entire 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs. Today, Tim Duncan’s net worth is $130 million. Off the court, Duncan runs the Tim Duncan Foundation, which raises health awareness and funds education and youth sports programmes.
21. Dirk Nowitzki – $140 million
Dirk Nowitzki looks on during the Women’s Gold Medal game between Team France and Team United States at Bercy Arena in Paris, France. Photo: Tnani Badreddine
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Dirk Werner Nowitzki Date of birth: 19 June 1978Age: 46 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Würzburg, GermanyNet worth: $140 millionInstagram: @swish41
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Dirk Werner Nowitzki is a former professional basketball player and currently the Dallas Mavericks’ special advisor. He is among the greatest power forwards of all time, and many consider him the best European basketball player of all time. Today, Dirk Nowitzki’s net worth is $140 million.
20. Dwight Howard – $140 million
Dwight Howard visits SiriusXM Studios in New York City. Photo: Santiago Felipe
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Dwight David Howard IIDate of birth: 8 December 1985Age: 39 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia, United StatesNet worth: $140 millionInstagram: @dwighthoward
Dwight David Howard II last played for the Taoyuan Leopards. He chose to forgo college, entered the 2004 NBA draft, and was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic. During his time in the NBA, he played for the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets, the Atlanta Hawks, the Charlotte Hornets, and the Washington Wizards. Dwight Howard’s net worth is $140 million.
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19. Anthony Davis – $160 million
Anthony Davis talks to the media after the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Jim Poorten
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Anthony Marshon Davis Jr.Date of birth: 11 March 1993Age: 31 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, United StatesNet worth: $160 millionInstagram: @antdavis23
Anthony Marshon Davis Jr. plays power forward and centre. He currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers and previously played for the New Orleans Pelicans. Anthony Davis’ net worth is $160 million, making him one of the top 20 richest NBA players today.
18. Carmelo Anthony – $160 million
Carmelo Anthony attends the Kering for Women dinner at The Pool in New York City. Photo: Mike Coppola
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Carmelo Kyam AnthonyDate of birth: 29 May 1984 Age: 40 years (as of 2024) Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, United StatesNet worth: $160 millionInstagram: @carmeloanthony
Carmelo Kyam Anthony played 19 seasons in the NBA. He was named an NBA All-Star ten times and an All-NBA Team member six times. On 22 May 2023, Anthony announced his retirement from the NBA. During his active years, he earned over $262 million in salary. His net worth is 160 million.
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17. Yao Ming – $160 million
Yao Ming visits the inaugural International Basketball Expo at the Jinjiang International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Jinjiang, Quanzhou City. Photo: VCG via Getty Images
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Yao MingDate of birth: 12 September 1980Age: 44 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Shanghai, ChinaNet worth: $160 millionInstagram: @yao
Yao Ming is basketball executive and former professional player. He played for the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association and the Houston Rockets of the NBA. Yao Ming’s net worth is $160 million, making him one of the richest NBA players of all time.
16. James Harden – $165 million
James Harden dribbles the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Adam Pantozzi
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: James Edward Harden Jr.Date of birth: 26 August 1989Age: 35 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United StatesNet worth: $165 millionX: @JHarden13
James Harden’s annual salary is about $44 million, and his net worth is $165 million. He made a name for himself after moving from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Houston Rockets. He was later traded to the Brooklyn Nets, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the LA Clippers.
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15. Dwyane Wade – $170 millionDwyane Wade attends the “Riff Raff” premiere party at RBC House during the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, Ontario. Photo: Ryan Emberley
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr.Date of birth: 17 January 1982Age: 42 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, United StatesNet worth: $170 millionInstagram: @dwyanewade
Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. is among the top 20 richest NBA players of all time. He is a former professional basketball player who currently hosts the American adaptation of The Cube. Dwyane Wade’s net worth is $170 million.
14. Chris Paul – $180 million
Chris Paul of the San Antonio Spurs poses for photographs at the San Antonio Spurs Media Day at the Victory Capital Performance Centre in San Antonio, Texas. Photo: Ronald Cortes
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Christopher Emmanuel PaulDate of birth: 6 May 1985Age: 39 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United StatesNet worth: $180 millionInstagram: @cp3
Christopher Emmanuel Paul plays for the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time. Chris Paul’s net worth is $180 million, and his annual salary is about $30 million.
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13. Luol Deng – $200 million
Luol Deng with his OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) after an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London, England. Photo: Gareth Fuller
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Luol Ajou DengDate of birth: 16 April 1985 Age: 39 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Wau, South SudanNet worth: $200 millionInstagram: @luoldeng9
Luol Ajou Deng was a two-time NBA All-Star. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2012. Before retiring, he played for the Chicago Bulls, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Luol Deng’s net worth is $200 million.
12. David Robinson – $200 million
David Robinson attends the NBA Awards at Basketball City – Pier 36 – South Street in New York City. Photo: Gonzalo Marroquin
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: David Maurice RobinsonDate of birth: 6 August 1965Age: 59 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Key West, Florida, United StatesNet worth: $200 million
David Maurice Robinson played for the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA from 1989 to 2003. Today, he is a minority owner of the Spurs. Robinson was a 10-time NBA All-Star, the 1995 NBA MVP, and a two-time NBA champion. David Robinson’s net worth is $200 million.
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11. Steph Curry – $240 million
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors looks on before a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Centre in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo: Alex Goodlett
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Wardell Stephen Curry IIDate of birth: 14 March 1988Age: 36 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Akron, Ohio, United StatesNet worth: $240 millionInstagram: @stephencurry30
Wardell Stephen Curry II plays point guard for the Golden State Warriors of the NBA. He is widely considered the greatest shooter of all time. Curry has played for the Golden State Warriors since 2009, accumulating a net worth of around $240 million.
10. Grant Hill – $250 million
Grant Hill watches a practice session scrimmage during the team’s training camp at the Mendenhall Cente at UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Ethan Miller
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Grant Henry Hill Date of birth: 5 October 1972Age: 52 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Dallas, Texas, United StatesNet worth: $250 millionInstagram: @realgranthill
Grant Henry Hill is a basketball executive and former player who is a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA. Did you know he is also a part-owner of Orlando City SC of Major League Soccer and Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League? Before retiring as a basketball player, he was signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, and his net worth is $250 million.
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9. Kevin Durant – $300 million
Kevin Durant poses for a portrait during media day at Footprint Centre in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: Christian Petersen
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Kevin Wayne DurantDate of birth: 29 September 1988Age: 36 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Washington, D.C., United StatesNet worth: $300 millionInstagram: @easymoneysniper
Kevin Durant is a basketball player with a net worth of $300 million. He currently plays for the Phoenix Suns of the NBA. Durant was selected as the second overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2007 NBA draft.
8. Hakeem Olajuwon – $300 million
Hakeem Olajuwon talks to the media before the Houston Rockets play the Orlando Magic at Toyota Centre in Houston, Texas. Photo: Bob Levey
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Hakeem Abdul OlajuwonDate of birth: 21 January 1963Age: 61 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Lagos, NigeriaNet worth: $300 million
Hakeem Olajuwon played for the Houston Rockets from 1984 to 2002. He is one of the greatest centres and greatest basketball players of all time. Hakeem Olajuwon’s net worth of $300 million puts him among the NBA’s wealthiest players. His skills as a centre for the Houston Rockets and savvy investments have contributed to his wealth.
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7. Russell Westbrook – $375 million
Russell Westbrook warms up before the game against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Photo: C. Morgan Engel
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Russell Westbrook IIIDate of birth: 12 November 1988Age: 36 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Long Beach, California, United StatesNet worth: $375 millionInstagram: @russwest44
Russell Westbrook III’s net worth is $375 million. He is among the richest active NBA players. Westbrook plays for the Denver Nuggets. He is a two-time scoring champion and, in 2017, was named league MVP. He is among the highest-paid athletes in the world, both in terms of salary and endorsements.
6. Vinnie Johnson – $500 million
Vinnie Johnson is celebrated before the Detroit Pistons game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Photo: Allen Einstein
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Vincent JohnsonDate of birth: 1 September 1956Age: 68 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: New York, New York, United StatesNet worth: $500 million
Vincent Johnson is among the wealthiest men in basketball. He played for the Seattle SuperSonics, Detroit Pistons, and San Antonio Spurs during his NBA career. With the Pistons, Johnson won the NBA championships in 1989 and 1990. Vinnie Johnson’s net worth is $500 million. He transitioned to entrepreneurship after retiring from the NBA.
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5. Shaquille O’Neal – $500 million
Shaquille O’Neal reacts before a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Photo: Jonathan Bachman
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Shaquille Rashaun O’NealDate of birth: 6 March 1972Age: 52 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Newark, New Jersey, United StatesNet worth: $500 millionInstagram: @shaq
Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal, best known as Shaq, is a former professional basketball player and sports analyst on Inside the NBA. He is one of the top five richest NBA players of all time.
Shaq played for six teams over his 19-year career in the NBA and is a four-time NBA champion. Shaquille O’Neal is among the greatest basketball players and centres of all time, and his net worth is $500 million.
4. Junior Bridgeman – $600 million
Ulysses “Junior“ Bridgeman attends Invest Fest at Georgia World Congress Centre in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Paras Griffin
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Ulysses Lee BridgemanDate of birth: 17 September 1953Place of birth: East Chicago, Indiana, United StatesNet worth: $600 million
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Junior Bridgeman ranks fourth among the top 10 richest NBA players. He played in the NBA from 1975 until 1987 and is the current owner of Ebony and Jet magazines. Junior Bridgeman’s net worth is $600 million, making him one of the wealthiest former athletes in the world. He transitioned from the NBA to owning a successful fast-food franchise empire.
3. Magic Johnson – $1.2 billion
Magic Johnson attends the HollyRod Foundation DesignCare Gala at Rolling Greens in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Rodin Eckenroth
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Earvin Johnson Jr.Date of birth: 14 August 1959Age: 65 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Lansing, Michigan, United StatesNet worth: $1.2 billionInstagram: @magicjohnson
Magic Johnson is among the top 10 richest NBA players of all time. He is often regarded as the greatest point guard of all time. Johnson spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. Magic Johnson’s net worth is $1.2 billion, which he earned from his thriving basketball career and business investments.
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2. LeBron James – $1.2 billion
LeBron James dribbles the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Centre in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo: Melissa Majchrzak
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: LeBron Raymone James Sr.Date of birth: 30 December 1984Age: 40 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Akron, Ohio, United StatesNet worth: $1.2 billionInstagram: @kingjames
LeBron James is among Forbes’ richest NBA players, with an annual salary of $128.7 million. He plays for the Los Angeles Lakers and previously represented the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers. His on-court excellence, endorsements, and entertainment ventures contribute to his wealth. LeBron James’ net worth is $1.2 billion.
1. Michael Jordan – $3.5 billion
Michael Jordan attends the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Tom Benson Hall Of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Photo: Don Juan Moore
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Michael Jeffrey JordanBirthdate: 17 February 1963Age: 61 years (as of 2024)Place of birth: Cumberland Hospital, United StatesNet worth: $3.5 billion
Michael Jeffrey Jordan takes the first slot on the list. He is a former professional basketball player and entrepreneur. He played fifteen seasons in the NBA. According to Forbes his net worth is $3.5 billion. His success extends beyond the NBA, with his iconic Air Jordan brand contributing significantly to his wealth.
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Who are the NBA billionaires?
The NBA players who have achieved the billionaire status are Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Magic Johnson.
Who is the richest NBA player?
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is arguably the wealthiest NBA player. His estimated net worth is $3.5 billion as of December 2024.
Who is the only billionaire in the NBA?
There is more than one NBA billionaire. The only billionaire who is still actively playing is LeBron James.
Who is the highest-paid in the NBA in 2024?
LeBron James is the highest-paid NBA player in 2024, with an annual salary of $128.7 million. Stephen Curry follows him, with a salary of $105.8 million.
Who is richer, Shaq or Jordan?
Michael Jordan is richer than Shaq. The latter has a net worth of $500 million, while Jordan is worth $3.5 billion.
The richest NBA players are dollar billionaires and millionaires. Some are still active in the NBA, while others are retired. These legends have cemented their place as the best in the sport, inspiring many young talents.
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Henzodaily.ng recently published a list of the highest-paid college athletes and their earnings. College sports have recently changed and become profitable for athletes.
Not long ago, the NCAA passed the name, image and likeness (NIL) bill. The bill allows athletes to earn through appearances, endorsements, and interviews.
Source: Henzodaily.ng