NBA finals 2025: Highest-paid players by season, from Kobe Bryant to LeBron James
The Indiana Pacers have taken a 2-1 lead against Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 Finals of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Amid rising revenue and lucrative TV deals, the league has witnessed a drastic jump in the salaries of NBA stars since the early 1990s.
From Michael Jordan being the top earner in 1991 with a whopping $2,500,000, to Indiana stars Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam getting as high as $42,176,400 this season, salaries of basketball players have grown exponentially over the past few decades.
Here we take a look at all championships series since the early 1990s, focusing on the Top 5 earners per year, according to HoopsHype -
1991: At $2,500,000, Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls) was the top earner. He was followed by Los Angeles Lakers stars Magic Johnson ($2,400,000), Sam Perkins ($1,970,000), AC Green ($1,750,000) and James Worthy ($1,600,000)
1992: Michael Jordan ($3,250,000) again topped the list. Among others were Scottie Pippen of Chicago Bulls ($2,770,000), Kevin Duckworth ($2,013,000), Bill Cartwright ($2,000,000) and Terry Porter ($1,787,000)
1993: Michael Jordan ($4,000,000), Scottie Pippen ($3,425,000), Charles Barkley ($2,420,000), Bill Cartwright ($2,200,000) and Horace Grant ($1,900,000)
1994: Patrick Ewing ($3,825,000), Hakeem Olajuwon ($3,170,000), Otis Thorpe ($2,418,000), Kenny Smith ($2,150,000), Charles Oakley ($1,950,000)
1995: Shaquille O'Neal ($4,800,000), Anfernee Hardaway ($4,305,000), Dennis Scott ($3,240,000), Hakeem Olajuwon ($3,169,900), Nick Anderson ($3,090,000)
1996: Detlef Schrempf ($5,000,000), Sam Perkins ($3,967,000), Michael Jordan ($3,850,000), Toni Kukoc ($3,560,000), Frank Brickowski ($3,250,000)
1997: Michael Jordan ($30,140,000), Dennis Rodman ($9,000,000), John Stockton ($6,000,000), Karl Malone ($4,657,000), Toni Kukoc ($3,960,000)
1998: Michael Jordan ($33,140,000), Karl Malone ($5,118,578), John Stockton ($5,000,000), Ron Harper ($4,560,000), Toni Kukoc ($4,560,000)
1999: David Robinson ($14,841,000), Larry Johnson ($10,186,000), Latrell Sprewell ($8,300,000), Allan Houston ($7,000,000), Sean Elliott ($5,333,000)
2000: Shaquille O'Neal ($17,142,858), Rik Smits ($12,250,000), Reggie Miller ($9,031,850), Kobe Bryant ($9,000,000), Glen Rice ($7,000,000)
2001: Shaquille O'Neal ($19,285,715), Dikembe Mutombo ($14,400,000), Allen Iverson ($10,130,000), Kobe Bryant ($10,130,000), Matt Geiger ($7,515,840)
2002: Shaquille O'Neal ($21,428,572), Kobe Bryant ($11,250,000), Mitch Richmond ($11,000,000), Keith Van Horn ($10,865,250), Jason Kidd ($8,447,500)
2003: Dikembe Mutombo ($16,105,264), Tim Duncan ($12,072,500), David Robinson ($10,500,000), Steve Smith ($9,900,000), Jason Kidd ($9,265,000)
2004: Shaquille O'Neal ($24,749,999), Rasheed Wallace ($17,000,000), Kobe Bryant ($13,500,000), Richard Hamilton ($6,500,000), Ben Wallace ($5,500,000)
2005: Tim Duncan ($14,260,641), Glenn Robinson ($12,071,250), Rasheed Wallace ($9,720,000), Richard Hamilton ($7,812,500), Ben Wallace ($7,000,000)
2006: Shaquille O'Neal ($20,000,000), Keith Van Horn ($15,694,250), Dirk Nowitzki ($13,843,156), Shandon Anderson ($8,935,000), Erick Dampier ($8,662,500)
2007: Michael Finley ($19,030,999), Tim Duncan ($17,429,672), Larry Hughes ($13,363,012), Tony Parker ($9,450,000), Zydrunas Ilgauskas ($9,442,697)
2008: Kevin Garnett ($23,750,000), Kobe Bryant ($19,490,625), Paul Pierce ($16,360,094), Ray Allen ($16,000,000), Pau Gasol ($13,735,000)
2009: Kobe Bryant ($21,262,500), Rashard Lewis ($16,447,871), Pau Gasol ($15,106,000), Lamar Odom ($14,148,596), Dwight Howard ($13,758,000)
2010: Kobe Bryant ($23,034,375), Paul Pierce ($19,795,712), Ray Allen ($18,776,860), Pau Gasol ($16,452,000), Kevin Garnett ($16,400,000)
2011: Dirk Nowitzki ($17,278,618), Predrag Stojakovic ($15,532,320), Chris Bosh ($14,500,000), LeBron James ($14,500,000), Dwyane Wade ($14,200,000)
2012: Chris Bosh ($16,022,500), LeBron James ($16,022,500), Dwyane Wade ($15,691,000), Kevin Durant ($15,506,632), Kendrick Perkins ($7,123,626)
2013: Chris Bosh ($17,545,000), LeBron James ($17,545,000), Dwyane Wade ($17,024,000), Rashard Lewis ($15,052,181), Manu Ginobili ($14,107,492)
2014: Chris Bosh ($19,067,500), LeBron James ($19,067,500), Dwyane Wade ($18,536,000), Tony Parker ($12,500,000), Tim Duncan ($10,361,446)
2015: LeBron James ($20,644,400), David Lee ($15,012,000), Andrew Bogut ($12,972,973), Andre Iguodala ($12,289,544), Stephen Curry ($10,629,213)
2016: LeBron James ($22,970,500), Kevin Love ($19,689,000), Kyrie Irving ($16,407,500), Klay Thompson ($15,501,000), Draymond Green ($14,260,870)
2017: LeBron James ($30,963,450), Kevin Durant ($26,540,100), Kevin Love ($21,165,675), Kyrie Irving ($17,638,063), Klay Thompson ($16,663,575)
2018: Stephen Curry ($34,682,550), LeBron James ($33,285,709), Kevin Durant ($25,000,000), Kevin Love ($22,642,350), George Hill ($20,000,000)
2019: Stephen Curry ($37,457,154), Kyle Lowry ($32,700,000), Kevin Durant ($30,000,000), Marc Gasol ($24,119,025), Kawhi Leonard ($23,114,066)
2020: LeBron James ($37,436,858), Jimmy Butler ($32,742,000), Anthony Davis ($27,093,019), Goran Dragic ($19,217,900), Andre Iguodala ($17,185,185)
2021: Chris Paul ($41,358,814), Khris Middleton ($33,051,724), Devin Booker ($29,467,800), Giannis Antetokounmpo ($27,528,088), Jrue Holiday ($27,026,011).
2022: Stephen Curry ($45,780,966), Klay Thompson ($37,980,720), Andrew Wiggins ($31,579,390), Jayson Tatum ($28,103,500), Al Horford ($27,000,000)
2023: Jimmy Butler ($37,653,300), Nikola Jokic ($33,047,803), Jamal Murray ($31,650,600), Michael Porter ($30,913,750), Kevin Love ($30,556,968)
2024: Luka Doncic ($40,064,220), Kyrie Irving ($38,037,037), Jrue Holiday ($36,861,707), Kristaps Porzingis ($36,016,200), Jayson Tatum ($32,600,060)
2025: Tyrese Haliburton ($42,176,400), Pascal Siakam ($42,176,400), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($35,859,950), Isaiah Hartenstein ($30,000,000), Myles Turner ($19,928,500)
The Pacers have a slim lead so far and are up 2-1 in three matches. The Pacers scored 116 to Oklahoma's 106. Game 4 takes place on June 13 at 8:30 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The fifth fixture will be held on June 16.
The Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder are in the fray.
The Pacers are up 2-1 against Oklahoma City Thunder.
Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam are the top earners this season, earning $42,176,400 each.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Tyrese Haliburton and Caitlin Clark's friendship is winning hearts during the NBA finals
Tyrese Haliburton and Caitlin Clark's friendship is winning hearts during the NBA finals (Image Source: Getty Images) In Indianapolis, fans are already talking about a special bond unfolding behind the scenes. It's not just about buzzer‑beaters or big-name trades. It's a genuine connection between Tyrese Haliburton and Caitlin Clark, two young stars shaping the NBA and WNBA. Their friendship isn't planned or forced; it's real. And it's becoming a defining storyline during the NBA Finals. Let's break down why their connection is winning hearts everywhere. Tyrese Haliburton and Caitlin Clark's unshakable bond goes beyond the buzzer On June 13, ESPN highlighted the duo's deep bond during the NBA Finals. The group chat they share also includes Caitlin Clark's boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, and Tyrese Haliburton's girlfriend, Jade Jones. They're more than teammates- they're family. That night, after Game 1 against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in early May, Tyrese Haliburton didn't just celebrate a huge shot; he shared it in their chat. Caitlin Clark, recovering from a left quad strain since May 24, reacted with pure excitement. 'I have a video on my phone I'm never going to show anybody…I went crazy standing on the couch.' Tyrese Haliburton then FaceTimed her with the clip. 'Nice shot, Ty,' she texted. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Вот что поза во сне говорит о вашем характере! Удивительные Новости Undo Their bond isn't just about hype. It's tactical too. Caitlin Clark and Tyrese Haliburton swap tips on handling double teams, full-court pressure, and pick-and-roll navigation strategies they both face. Haliburton says that talks with Caitlin help him adapt mid-game. Caitlin Clark's courtside presence: A lucky charm for the Indiana Pacers Caitlin Clark has also become the Indiana Pacers' good-luck charm. She's present at every Indiana Pacers home playoff game during the Finals run, helping them go 8–0 at home this season. During the NBA Finals Game 3 on June 11 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, she echoed Reggie Miller's famous 'choke' gesture, rallying fans and players, including Haliburton himself. The moment energized the arena and added to the building momentum. Tyrese Haliburton, leaning over to speak with her from the floor, smiled and nodded. It was more than a nod; it was a shared victory of spirit. Also Read: 'I've been in this situation'- Magic Johnson confessed about betrayal by former coach amidst ownership rumors around LA Lakers
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Shaquille O'Neal to pay $1.8 million to settle FTX class action lawsuit
Former NBA player Shaquille O'Neal will pay $1.8 million to settle a class action lawsuit related to the demise of cryptocurrency exchange FTX. O'Neal, and other celebrities like Tom Brady and Stephen Curry , were named in the lawsuit in 2022. They had been accused of touting FTX as a reputable and trustworthy investment option via paid endorsements. The proposed settlement only pertains to O'Neal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dog licks arent kisses. Heres what your dog really means when it licks you. Cleverst Undo Three years ago FTX was the third-largest cryptocurrency exchange, but it ended up with billions of dollars worth of losses and had to seek bankruptcy protection. The Bahamas-based company and its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, came under investigation by state and federal authorities for allegedly investing depositors funds in ventures without their approval. Crypto Tracker TOP COIN SETS DeFi Tracker 3.18% Buy BTC 50 :: ETH 50 0.46% Buy Crypto Blue Chip - 5 -0.49% Buy Web3 Tracker -7.67% Buy AI Tracker -10.02% Buy TOP COINS (₹) BNB 55,941 ( -1.6% ) Buy Bitcoin 8,983,727 ( -2.33% ) Buy XRP 183 ( -4.68% ) Buy Ethereum 216,498 ( -8.36% ) Buy Solana 12,435 ( -9.3% ) Buy Before its failure, FTX was known to use high-profile Hollywood and sports celebrities to promote its products. It had the naming rights to a Formula One racing team as well as a sports arena in Miami. Its commercials featured "Seinfeld" creator Larry David, as well as Brady, the former quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots, basketball players O'Neal and Curry, and tennis star Naomi Osaka. Did you Know? The world of cryptocurrencies is very dynamic. Prices can go up or down in a matter of seconds. Thus, having reliable answers to such questions is crucial for investors. View Details » Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison in March 2024. A little more than a month after that, FTX said in a court filing that nearly all of its customers would receive the money back that they were owed. Live Events While the proposed settlement with O'Neal had been agreed to in April, the payment amount and other terms were disclosed in a filing with the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, earlier this week. The settlement class includes anyone who deposited funds into FTX or bought its FTT token between May 2019 and late 2022. The agreement, which still needs court approval, would provide O'Neal with a broad release from future claims and also includes a stipulation that he can't seek reimbursement from the FTX estate. The payment will be made within 30 days of the settlement being finalized, according to the filing.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
This Shark Tank billionaire investor started first business at 24 and didn't take a vacation for 7 years, for one inspiring reason
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Mark Cuban No Time Off, No Regrets Rewriting the Rules of Success In a world increasingly drawn to the idea of 'work-life balance,' one man chose an unrelenting, all-in path—and it paid off in billions. Long before he became a household name on Shark Tank or owned an NBA franchise, he was just another 24-year-old with no money, no job, and a singular obsession: to build something of his man was Mark Cuban . In an interview for The Playbook, a video series by Sports Illustrated and Entrepreneur, published on June 3, Cuban reflected on the early years of his career. 'I didn't take a vacation for the next seven years,' he said. 'All I did was learn, learn, learn.' Fired from a computer software store and living in a cramped three-bedroom apartment with six roommates, Cuban launched his first company—MicroSolutions—with nothing but grit and an appetite for back, Cuban doesn't believe he could've achieved his level of success with a more balanced lifestyle. 'There is no balance,' he stated plainly. 'If you want to work 9-to-5, you can have balance. If you want to crush the game, whatever game you're in, there's somebody working 24 hours a day to kick your ass.'By 32, his first venture sold to CompuServe for $6 million. His next big leap, was acquired by Yahoo in 1999 for a whopping $6 billion—setting the foundation for what would become an empire. Today, Cuban has an estimated net worth of $5.7 billion, according to success for Cuban was never just about the money. After becoming a millionaire, he famously threw away his watch. As he shared during a SXSW panel in March 2024, the act was symbolic of reclaiming his time. 'I wanted to make enough money so I didn't have to respond to anybody else,' he said. 'I could make my own schedule and live my own life the way I wanted to do it.'In a February 2024 MasterClass, Cuban reiterated what he sees as the ultimate advantage: effort. 'The one thing in life you can control is your effort,' he noted. 'And being willing to do so is a huge competitive advantage, because most people don't.'
