Highest Paid NBA Player in Current Season
As of the newest available public data, the highest paid NBA player is Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, whose latest contract extension places his average annual salary among the top in the league. His deal is frequently cited on Forbes as one of the largest guaranteed contracts in basketball history, reflecting both his on-court impact and marketability.
Curry's salary structure includes a high base salary, performance incentives, and additional compensation tied to team success and media revenue. The contract extends through multiple seasons, locking in his earnings while allowing the Warriors to build around his leadership and shooting ability.
NBA Salary Structure and Contract Types
Maximum Salary Rules
NBA maximum salary rules are based on years of service and a percentage of the league's salary cap, which is calculated from basketball-related income. Supermax contracts, available to veterans who meet specific criteria, allow players to earn up to a higher percentage of the cap than standard max deals.
Curry's current deal is structured as a supermax extension signed after he qualified under the league's veteran max criteria, giving him a higher annual salary than the standard max for a player with his tenure. The contract includes annual raises tied to the salary cap and projected league revenue growth.
Comparison With Other Top NBA Earners
Top Salary Rankings
Other high earners in the current NBA landscape include players on long-term extensions with the Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, and Denver Nuggets, though Curry's salary typically ranks at the top of the list. The salary figures are publicly reported by teams and verified by league sources, showing how supermax and max contracts concentrate earnings among a small group of veterans.
Beyond base salary, top players often earn additional income from endorsements, equity stakes, and business ventures that are separate from their NBA contracts. For example, some players have ownership interests in companies and sports teams, which are tracked by financial outlets and SEC filings when publicly traded shares are involved.
