As the 2024/25 NBA season begin, teams are finalizing their rosters, and the intricacies of player contracts, salary caps, and luxury taxes are once again in the spotlight. The disparity in pay across the league is significant. At the lower end, the minimum salary for an NBA player this year will be $1,157,153. Meanwhile, the highest-paid player for the 2024/25 season is Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, who will earn $55.76 million.
Average NBA salary in 2024/25
The average annual salary for an NBA player this season is set to be $11,910,649, according to Basketball Reference. This is a noticeable jump from the previous season’s $9.7 million, reflecting the league’s increasing revenue and expanding salary cap.
Five players will be making over $50 million this season. Joining Curry are Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid, both set to receive $51.42 million. Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant is close behind at $51.18 million, while his teammate Bradley Beal will earn $50.2 million.
Overall, 27 players will surpass $40 million in earnings this season. Looking forward, the 2025-26 season is expected to see 16 players crossing the $50 million threshold, with Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers projected to become the first player in NBA history to earn over $60 million in a single season.
Jaylen Brown’s historic deal
Currently, the most lucrative contract in NBA history belongs to Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown. Following the 2022/23 season, Brown secured a five-year, $304 million extension, which begins this season.
Due to the salary cap structure, the contract’s total value can fluctuate, currently estimated at $288.3 million. Brown’s earnings are tied to the cap, starting at 35% in the first year, with potential adjustments in subsequent years.
The contract breakdown sees Brown earning $49.7 million in the 2024/25 season, followed by $53.7 million in 2025/26, $57.7 million in 2026-27, $61.6 million in 2027/28, and $65.6 million in 2028/29.