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 multimillionaires and billionaires. Some of the richest NBA players in the world have retired after earning millions from the sport over decades.
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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 several similar sites. 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
Who are the richest NBA players? The NBA attracts billions of fans annually and is considered one of the richest 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.
Name | Net worth |
Michael Jordan | $3.2 billion |
LeBron James | $1.2 billion |
Magic Johnson | $1.2 billion |
Junior Bridgeman | $600 million |
Shaquille O’Neal | $500 million |
Vinnie Johnson | $500 million |
Russell Westbrook | $375 million |
Hakeem Olajuwon | $300 million |
Kevin Durant | $300 million |
Grant Hill | $250 million |
David Robinson | $200 million |
Luol Deng | $200 million |
Stephen Curry | $180 million |
Dwyane Wade | $170 million |
James Harden | $165 million |
Anthony Davis | $160 million |
Carmelo Anthony | $160 million |
Chris Paul | $160 million |
Yao Ming | $160 million |
Dirk Nowitzki | $140 million |
Dwight Howard | $140 million |
Tim Duncan | $130 million |
Kawhi Leonard | $120 million |
Kevin Garnett | $120 million |
24. Kevin Garnett – $120 million
- Full name: Kevin Maurice Garnett
- Date of birth: 19 May 1976
- Age: 47 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Greenville, South Carolina, United States
- Height: 6’11”
- Net worth: $120 million
Kevin is a former American basketball player who played for 21 seasons in the National Basketball Association. He is a 15-time NBA All-Star and one of the greatest power forwards in basketball history. His alleged net worth is $120 million.
23. Kawhi Leonard – $120 million
- Full name: Kawhi Anthony Leonard
- Date of birth: 29 June 1991
- Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Height: 6’7”
- Net worth: $120 million
Kawhi Anthony Leonard is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers. The two-time NBA champion is regarded as one of the greatest two-way players in NBA history. He has an estimated net worth of $120 million. Kawhi’s defensive prowess, accolades, and business ventures contribute to his impressive wealth.
22. Tim Duncan – $130 million
- Full name: Timothy Theodore Duncan
- Date of birth: 25 April 1976
- Place of birth: Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Height: 6’11”
- Net worth: $130 million
Timothy Theodore Duncan is an American former professional basketball player. He spent his 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. He has an alleged net worth of $130 million. In his career, he earned over $200 million on the court alone and tens of millions more from endorsements.
21. Dwight Howard–$140 million
- Full name: Dwight David Howard II
- Date of birth: 8 December 1985
- Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Height: 6’10”
- Net worth: $140 million
Dwight Howard is an American professional basketball player for the Mets de Guaynabo of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN). His remarkable career has spanned multiple NBA teams, earning him accolades and substantial wealth. As of 2024, he has an estimated net worth of $140 million.
20. Dirk Nowitzki – $140 million
- Full name: Dirk Werner Nowitzki
- Date of birth: 19 June 1978
- Place of birth: Würzburg, Germany
- Height: 7′
- Net worth: $140 million
Dirk Werner Nowitzki is a German former professional basketball player who is a special advisor for the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA. He is among the best power forwards ever to play basketball. Dirk Nowitzki’s net worth in 2024 is $140 million.
19. Yao Ming – $160 million
- Full name: Yao Ming
- Date of birth: 12 September 1980
- Place of birth: Shanghai, China
- Height: 7’6”
- Net worth: $160 million
Yao Ming, the former NBA star and the first non-US player to lead the All-Star voting, has an estimated net worth of $160 million. He played for the Shanghai Sharks and the Houston Rockets. During his final season, he was the tallest active player in the NBA, at 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m).
18. Chris Paul – $160 million
- Full name: Christopher Emmanuel Paul
- Date of birth: 6 May 1985
- Place of birth: Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
- Height: 6”
- Net worth: $160 million
Chris Paul plays for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time. The skilled point guard who has graced the NBA courts boasts an impressive net worth of $160 million. In August 2021, Chris signed a 4-year, $120 million contract with the Suns.
17. Carmelo Anthony – $160 million
- Full name: Carmelo Kyam Anthony
- Date of birth: 29 May 1984
- Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Height: 6’7”
- Net worth: $160 million
Carmelo Anthony is a former American professional basketball player with a net worth of $160 million. Anthony played 19 seasons in the NBA and was named an NBA All-Star ten times and an All-NBA Team member six times. His impressive wealth results from his on-court success and shrewd business ventures.
16. Anthony Davis – $160 million
- Full name: Anthony Marshon Davis Jr.
- Date of birth: 11 March 1993
- Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Height: 6’10”
- Net worth: $160 million
Anthony Davis is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association. He formerly played for the New Orleans Pelicans. He plays the power forward and centre positions. His estimated net worth of $160 million is primarily attributed to his thriving NBA career.
15. James Harden – $165 million
- Full name: James Edward Harden Jr.
- Date of birth: 26 August 1989
- Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Height: 6’5’’
- Net worth: $165 million
James Edward Harden Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA. His net worth is approximately $165 million, and he is considered one of the world’s highest-paid athletes.
14. Dwyane Wade – $170 million
- Full name: Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr.
- Date of birth: 17 January 1982
- Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Height: 6’4”
- Net worth: $170 million
The former basketball player gained recognition as a shooting guard for the Miami Heat for 16 years before retiring in 2019. In 2021, he was honoured as one of the league’s greatest players of all time. Dwyane Wade’s net worth has soared to a remarkable $170 million.
13. Stephen Curry – $180 million
- Full name: Wardell Stephen Curry II
- Date of birth: 14 March 1988
- Place of birth: Akron, Ohio, United States
- Current team: Golden State Warriors
- Height: 6’2’’
- Net worth: $180 million
Wardell Stephen Curry II is an American professional basketball player and point guard for the Golden State Warriors of the NBA. He is widely considered the greatest shooter and player of all time. The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) has an alleged net worth of $180 million. Forbes estimates his net worth to be around $100.4 million.
12. Luol Deng – $200 million
- Full name: Luol Ajou Deng OBE
- Date of birth: 16 April 1985
- Place of birth: Wau, South Sudan
- Height: 6’9”
- Net worth: $200 million
Luol Ajou Deng OBE is a South Sudanese-British former professional basketball player. He was a two-time NBA All-Star and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2012. He played for teams such as Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves. Luol Deng’s net worth is estimated to be $200 million.
11. David Robinson – $200 million
- Full name: David Maurice Robinson
- Date of birth: 6 August 1965
- Place of birth: Key West, Florida, United States
- Height: 7’1”
- Net worth: $200 million
David Robinson is a retired American professional basketball player with an estimated net worth of $200 million. He played centre for the San Antonio Spurs for his entire career, from 1989 to 2003. Throughout his career, he was a 10-time NBA All-Star, a two-time NBA champion, and an NBA MVP in 1995.
10. Grant Hill – $250 million
- Full name: Grant Henry Hill
- Date of birth: 5 October 1972
- Place of birth: Dallas, Texas, United States
- Height: 6’8”
- Net worth: $250 million
Grant Hill is a former American professional basketball player and current Hudl videographer for Orlando City SC. In his professional career, Hill played for four teams in the NBA: the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers.
As of April 2024, his net worth is $250 million. His successful NBA career, endorsements, and broadcasting work have all contributed to his financial success.
9. Kevin Durant – $300 million
- Full name: Kevin Wayne Durant
- Date of birth: 29 September 1988
- Place of birth: Washington, D.C., United States
- Height: 6’11’’
- Net worth: $300 million
Kevin Durant is an American professional basketball player with a net worth of $300 million. He currently plays for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Kevin Durant is among the highest-paid players on and off the court. He is also among the top 10 richest active NBA players. As one of the greatest players in NBA history, he has an alleged net worth of $300 million.
8. Hakeem Olajuwon – $300 million
- Full name: Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon
- Date of birth: 21 January 1963
- Place of birth: Lagos, Nigeria
- Height: 7’
- Net worth: $300 million
Hakeem 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.
7. Russell Westbrook – $375 million
- Full name: Russell Westbrook III
- Date of birth: 12 November 1988
- Place of birth: Long Beach, California, United States
- Height: 6’4’’
- Net worth: $375 million
Russell Westbrook III’s net worth is $375 million as of 2024. He is among the richest active NBA players. Westbrook plays point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. 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
- Full name: Vincent Johnson
- Date of birth: 1 September 1956
- Place of birth: New York, New York, United States
- Height: 6’2’’
- Net worth: $500 million
Vincent Johnson is an American former professional basketball player. Vinnie played for the Seattle SuperSonics, Detroit Pistons, and San Antonio Spurs during his NBA career. With the Pistons, he 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.
5. Shaquille O’Neal – $500 million
- Full name: Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal
- Date of birth: 6 March 1972
- Place of birth: Newark, New Jersey, United States
- Height: 7’1’’
- Net worth: $500 million
Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal, best known as Shaq, is an American former professional basketball player who is a sports analyst on the television program Inside the NBA. He 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. Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal’s net worth is $500 million.
4. Junior Bridgeman – $600 million
- Full name: Ulysses Lee “Junior” Bridgeman
- Date of birth: 17 September 1953
- Place of birth: East Chicago, Indiana, United States
- Height: 6’5’’
- Net worth: $600 million
Junior Bridgeman played in the National Basketball Association from 1975 until 1987. He is the current owner of Ebony and Jet magazines. He is one of the richest retired NBA players, with an estimated net worth of $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
- Full name: Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr.
- Date of birth: 14 August 1959
- Place of birth: Lansing, Michigan, United States
- Height: 6’9’’
- Net worth: $1.2 billion
Magic Johnson is often regarded as the greatest point guard of all time. Johnson spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. He was among the highest-paid NBA players of all time and has an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion. He has made this amount from his thriving basketball career and business investments.
2. LeBron James – $1.2 billion
- Full name: LeBron Raymone James Sr.
- Date of birth: 30 December 1984
- Place of birth: Akron, Ohio, United States
- Height: 6’9’’
- Net worth: $1.2 billion
James plays for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA. LeBron James has also played for various teams, including the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He is the first active NBA player to become a billionaire, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $1.2 billion. His on-court excellence, endorsements, and entertainment ventures contribute to his substantial wealth.
1. Michael Jordan – $3.2 billion
- Full name: Michael Jeffrey Jordan
- Birthdate: 17 February 1963
- Place of birth: Cumberland Hospital
- Height: 6’6’’
- Net worth: $3.2 billion
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former professional basketball player and entrepreneur. He played fifteen seasons in the NBA between 1984 and 2003 and is one of the richest NBA players of all time. According to Forbes, his net worth is $3.2 billion as of 2024. His success extends beyond the NBA, with his iconic Air Jordan brand contributing significantly to his wealth.
Who are the 4 NBA billionaires?
The four NBA players who have achieved the billionaire status include;
- Michael Jordan – $3.2 billion
- LeBron James – $1.2 billion
- Magic Johnson – $1.2 billion
What NBA player became a billionaire?
LeBron James is the first active NBA player to become a billionaire recently, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $1.2 billion.
Is Magic Johnson a billionaire?
Former NBA star and investor Magic Johnson is officially a billionaire—he became the fourth professional athlete to earn that title. He reached the milestone following a lucrative post-basketball career as an investor in various business ventures. He has an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion.
What is the net worth of the NBA?
The value of the NBA franchise has grown tremendously since 2001. According to a report by Forbes, the average NBA team was worth $3.85 billion in 2023. The league also generated $10 billion in 2022.
The NBA attracts billions of fans annually and is considered one of the richest sports in the world. The above list of the richest NBA players have become extremely wealthy through their on-court earnings and smart business decisions off the court.
Legit.ng also published an informative article about the richest footballers in Nigeria. Football is one of the world’s most financially lucrative professions, with players receiving large sums of money for their abilities.
Nigeria has produced numerous exceptional footballers who have achieved domestic and international success and garnered vast fortunes. The list includes famous names such as Mikel Obi, Odion Ighalo, and Obafemi Martins.
Source: Legit.ng