Ever since the NBA expanded over the US border into neighboring Canada, we’ve seen the best Canadian basketball has to offer, and it still keeps giving well into the 2024-25 season.
Canadians proudly hold the title of having the most players in the league outside of the U.S., with a solid 21 players across different rosters making their mark. They’re key players, wielding serious influence on their teams, both in terms of performance and hefty paychecks. But who are the best-paid Canadians in the league?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Right now, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is considered one of the most impactful and highest-paid Canadian ballers.
Known for his smooth scoring and playmaking abilities, he snagged All-NBA First Team honours in both 2023 and 2024, no small task. But besides that, also in 2023, he was also a major force behind Canada's bronze medal win at the FIBA World Cup.
His contract with the Thunder is pretty sweet even by today’s standards, netting him around $33.38 million each year, excluding the extra cash from endorsement deals.
In the 2024-2025 NBA GM Survey, he was the frontrunner, grabbing 40% of the vote to potentially win the NBA MVP Award, right after Jokic. A lead in scoring charges among Canadians, he averaged over 30 points a game, worthy of being the MVP runner-up in the 2023-2024 season.
If you’re someone who loves to make predictions and pick MVPs, this list of Canadian sportsbooks will help you find an operator with the exact offer you’re looking for, with a bonus to start your journey off.
Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray, who runs the court for the Denver Nuggets, was a huge reason why the Nuggets clinched their first-ever NBA Championship in 2023.
Earning an impressive $31.65 million annually, he’s kept a solid career average of 17.7 points.
Celebrated for stepping up in big playoff moments, Murray has a natural ability to score with ease, but beyond just putting points on the board, he’s a solid playmaker and a defender.
Andrew Wiggins
Playing for the Golden State Warriors, Wiggins locked in a four-year contract extension worth $109 million back on October 15, 2022, solidifying his spot as one of the highest-paid Canadians in the NBA.
Known for his sheer athleticism and scoring potential on the wing, Wiggins has really stepped up his defence with the Warriors, becoming a key piece of the lineup.
Dillon Brooks
Currently with the Houston Rockets, Dillon Brooks is pulling in around $22.6 million a year.
Known for his tough defence, Brooks also contributed to Canada’s bronze medal victory at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, along with Gilgeous-Alexander, and boasts a career average of 14.1 points.
His relentless style of defence makes him essential as a primary defender on the perimeter, and he’s known for his confidence and aggressiveness on the court.
Kelly Olynyk
Olynyk, representing the Utah Jazz, makes about $12.2 million each year, versatility being his major asset both in the NBA and when he's playing internationally.
As a skilled big man, he spaces the floor well with his shooting and is great at passing, making him a valuable asset to any offence.
Oshae Brissett
Playing for the Boston Celtics, Brisset earns around $3 million annually, which, although the lowest number on this list, is still a significant sum.
A consistent player for the Canadian national team, he also had a share in the medal won at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. As a high-energy wing player, Brissett brings a spark and solid rebounding to the Celtics while continuing to hone his offensive skills.
Honorable Mentions
Among the many other Canadians making noise in the NBA, Zach Edey was a ninth-round pick in the 2024 NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies.
And don't forget guys like Olivier-Maxence Prosper, a forward who made his way with the Dallas Mavericks.
Also, considering the potential future prospects like Efeosa Oliogu and Will Riley, who could be NBA-bound in the coming years, it’s safe to say that the stream of talent is still flowing southbound.
Scoring Trends
Canadian players' scoring efficiency overall has evidently grown.
Just last season, they scored 30 or more points in 67 games, nearly reaching the record of 70 set in the 2022-23 season, a jump from 40 from the 2021-22 season. The 2024–25 season marks a milestone as well, with ten Canadians averaging double digits in scoring for the first time.
While we celebrate the current crop of talent, it's worth wondering: Will Canada ever churn out the undisputed best player in the NBA?
With the grassroots basketball scene exploding across the country, maybe one day Canadians will make up a big chunk of the league.
Anyhow, one thing's for sure: the Canadian basketball story is still being written, and it promises to be an exciting ride for years to come, so keep your eyes peeled.
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