NBA's Biggest Overpays: Who Leads the League in Salary, Who Delivers The Least?

By Edcel Panganiban August 08, 2025 09:59

The NBA’s landscape in 2025 is not just defined by star power and on-court heroics but also by some eye-popping salaries that prompt debates about who truly delivers value for their colossal contracts. As teams invest heavily in marquee players, questions linger: which stars are earning their paychecks, and who might be overpaid relative to their contributions?

Top of the Salary Pyramid

Leading the 2025-26 NBA season in annual salary is Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, pulling down approximately $59.6 million. Following closely are superstars like Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets and Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, each earning around $55.2 million. Other top earners in the $50+ million club include Jayson Tatum, Jimmy Butler, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Jaylen Brown, and Karl-Anthony Towns.

While dazzling offenses and multiple All-Star selections justify these salaries, the returns on investment vary widely. For example, Curry continues to perform at an elite level, leading the Warriors with scoring averages near 34 points per game in the previous season, combined with leadership and clutch playoff performances. Conversely, Anthony Davis faces scrutiny due to persistent injury issues limiting his availability, which has led many analysts to question if his high contract aligns with the on-court impact.

Who’s Overpaid? Examining Value vs. Salary

The term “overpay” often arises around players like D’Angelo Russell and some veterans who command high salaries but deliver inconsistent impact, either due to injuries or declining performance. For instance, injuries have hampered former MVP contenders like Davis and Paul George, who earns nearly $49.2 million but has spent significant time sidelined, contributing to debates on whether the Philadelphia 76ers' investment is balanced against the cost.

Another noticeable mention is LeBron James, who earns roughly $48.7 million this season. While LeBron remains productive, his advanced age and slightly diminished minutes compared to earlier in his career raise questions on salary cap efficiency, especially as the Los Angeles Lakers look to build around younger pieces.

Data and Quotes from Analysts

NBA salary analysis expert David Aldridge recently commented on the challenges of balancing star salaries with team success:

"In modern NBA economics, it's not just about handing out max dollars. Teams must gauge health, leadership, and playoff impact against salary. Overpaying for injured or declining players can throttle roster flexibility," Aldridge said.

Bill Simmons, a prominent NBA commentator, adds:

"The top earners like Curry and Jokić are clear value for money, but when you see big contracts tied up on injury-prone stars, teams face tough cap decisions."

Lowest Earners in Contrast

At the opposite end, rookies and bench role players typically earn the NBA minimum (around $1 million to $3 million), yet some deliver outsized value through hustle, defense, and energy. Players like Tyrese Maxey and Jalen Williams earn significantly less than stars but have started rising as vital contributors for their teams, often eclipsing the production-to-salary ratio of some veterans on blockbuster contracts.

The NBA’s salary structure in 2025 underscores a nuanced reality: while some top earners command justified respect and deliver supreme value, several high-dollar contracts invite skepticism, especially where health and consistency falter. Teams must balance locking in superstars for stability and ensuring roster flexibility to contend. Fans and analysts alike will continue to scrutinize who truly earns their keep in a league where hundreds of millions are on the line annually.