Basketball players worth more than $5 billion are some of the best in the world! With their current net worth and a short biography, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 richest NBA players in the world.
If you began reading this article before you began reading this list, could you guess who would be on the list?
According to Forbes magazine’s 2026 ranking, the following players are the richest in NBA history. The information for this compilation was compiled using PassionBuz, The Richest, and Forbes.
01. Michael Jordan
Net Worth: $2.2 Billion
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Entrepreneur, Spokesperson
Business: Charlotte Hornets
Award: NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards
Number: 23, 12, 45
Born: February 17, 1963
Education: North Carolina (1981–1984)
Spouse: Yvette Prieto (m. 2013), Juanita Vanoy (m. 1989–2006)
Children: Marcus Jordan, Jeffrey Michael Jordan, Jasmine M. Jordan, Victoria Jordan, Ysabel Jordan
Having retired from professional basketball playing, he is currently employed as a businessman. His biggest sponsor, Nike, is responsible for most of his fortune today. One of the most legendary NBA players is Michael Jordan.
There is an estimate of $2.2 billion in Jordan’s net worth, making him the richest basketball player in the world.
02. LeBron James
Net Worth: $1 Billion
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Screenwriter, Voice actor, Television producer
Business: N/A
Award: NBA Most Valuable Player Award
Number: 6
Born: December 30, 1984
Education: St. Vincent–St. Mary (Akron, Ohio)
Spouse: Savannah James (m. 2013)
Children: Bronny James
Entrepreneurship is a skill that LeBron James possesses on top of being a professional basketball player. He is often referred to as “King James” by fans of his Los Angeles Lakers team. When LeBron left the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019 as a free agent, he was the star of the league’s Cleveland Cavaliers.
It is estimated that LeBron James has acquired a net worth of $1 Billion over the course of his career.
03. Junior Bridgeman
Net Worth: $620 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Restaurateur
Business: Wendy’s
Award: 2023 Keepers of the Dream Freedom Award
Number: 2
Born: September 17, 1953
Education: Washington High School, University of Louisville
Spouse: Doris Griffith
Children: Eden Bridgeman, Ryan Bridgeman, Justin Bridgeman
Former NBA player Junior Bridgeman lives in East Chicago. The number of outlets he now owns exceeds 160, including 118 Chili’s restaurants in addition to his growing number of outlets. A Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame induction was announced during the 1999-2000 season.
As the world’s second richest basketball player, Junior Bridgeman has a net worth of approximately $620 million.
04. Magic Johnson
Net Worth: $600 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Coach, Entrepreneur, Sports commentator, etc.
Business: Magic Johnson Enterprises
Award: 5× NBA champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
Number: 32
Born: August 14, 1959
Education: Michigan State (1977–1979)
Spouse: Cookie Johnson (m. 1991)
Children: EJ Johnson, Andre Johnson, Elisa Johnson
An American professional basketball player who lived in Michigan, Magic Johnson retired from the NBA in 2004. He became an entrepreneur after he announced he was infected with HIV. A number of companies, including Starbucks, Fridays, and 24 Hour Fitness, have partnered with Johnson.
Approximately $600 million is estimated to be Magic Johnson’s net worth.
05. Vinnie Johnson
Net Worth: $500 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player
Business: Piston Group
Award: 2× NBA champion (1989, 1990)
Number: 15, 25
Born: September 1, 1956
Education: Baylor University, McLennan Community College, Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School
Spouse: He is possibly single
Children: N/A
As a retired professional basketball player and entrepreneur, Johnson has a net worth of $500 million. Through the course of his NBA career from 1979 to 1992, Vinnie Johnson earned a total of $6 million. His professional basketball experience includes playing for the Seattle SuperSonics, Detroit Pistons, and San Antonio Spurs. The Pistons were his team in 1989 and 1990 and he won two NBA championships while playing there. The ability of Johnson to turn up the offense as soon as he entered the game earned him the nickname “the Microwave.”. Over the course of his career, Johnson scored 11,825 points and his #15 was retired by the Pistons.
06. Kobe Bryant
Net Worth: $600 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player
Business: N/A
Award: 5× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2009, 2010)
Number: 24
Born: August 23, 1978
Died: January 26, 2020
Education: Lower Merion High School
Spouse: Vanessa Bryant (m. 2001–2020)
Children: Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant, Natalia Diamante Bryant
In the National Basketball Association, Bryant is a professional player for the Philadelphia 76ers. NBA players such as him are among the highest-paid in the world. A great one-two punch of NBA history was formed by him and Shaquille O’Neal.
According to Forbes, Kobe Bryant is one of the six richest NBA players in the world, with an estimated net worth of $600 million.
07. Shaquille O’Neal
Net Worth: $400 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Actor, Rapper, Singer, Film producer, Businessperson, Screenwriter, Sports commentator, etc.
Business: Not Found
Award: 4× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2006)
Number: 32, 34, 33, 36
Born: March 6, 1972
Education: Barry University
Spouse: Shaunie O’Neal (m. 2002–2011)
Children: Shareef O’Neal, Shaqir O’Neal, Myles B. O’Neal, Me’arah O’Neal, Amirah O’Neal, Taahirah O’Neal
The former American basketball player Shaquille O’Neal is a native of Newark who retired from the game in 2013. The most successful pro basketball center of all time was O’Neal. As well as O’Neal, Koby Bryant has played professional basketball with him for many years.
At the time of writing, Shaquille O’Neal’s net worth was estimated at $400 million in April 2023, according to recent estimates.
08. Hakeem Olajuwon
Net Worth: $300 Million
Nationality: Nigerian, American
Occupation: Basketball Player
Business: N/A
Award: 2× NBA champion (1994, 1995)
Number: 34
Born: January 21, 1963
Education: University of Houston
Spouse: Dalia Asafi (m. 1996)
Children: Abi Olajuwon, Abdullah Olajuwon, Aisha Olajuwon, Rahmah Olajuwon
He is a former NBA-player from Lagos, Nigeria who is African-American. His birth date is January 10, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria. The Houston Rockets had him at center from 1984-2002. A collection of awards and honors were presented to him by the NBA Hall of Fame in 2008 and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2016.
The $300 million net worth of Chris Paul places him eighth on the list of the richest NBA players as of April 2023.
09. Grant Hill
Net Worth: $250 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Film producer
Business: N/A
Award: NBA Sportsmanship Award
Number: 33
Born: October 5, 1972
Education: Myla Grace Hill
Spouse: Tamia (m. 1999)
Children: Myla Grace Hill
He played for the Detroit Pistons during his playing career. The NBA drafted him in 1994, and in 1997 Sporting News named him the Rookie of the Year.
Based on 2023 estimates, Grant Hill will have a net worth of about $250 million.
10. David Robinson
Net Worth: $220 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Army officer
Business: N/A
Award: 2× NBA champion (1999, 2003)
Number: 50
Born: August 6, 1965
Education: University of the Incarnate Word
Spouse: Valerie Robinson (m. 1991)
Children: Justin Robinson, David Robinson, Jr., Corey Robinson
Originally from Key West, Florida, David Robinson is known as “The Admiral.”. Before joining the Spurs, Robinson played for the Miami Heat. He is considered to be one of the best centers in NBA history, having been selected by the team in the first round in 1987.
The NBA’s 7th richest player, David Robinson, has a net worth of approximately $220 million.
11. Luol Deng
Net Worth: $200 Million
Nationality: British, South Sudanese
Occupation: Basketball Player
Business: Luol Deng
Award: 2× NBA All-Star (2012, 2013)
Number: 9
Born: April 16, 1985
Education: Duke University
Spouse: N/A
Children: N/A
He is a retired British professional basketball player with a net worth of $200 million. Throughout his career, Lou Deng has earned millions of dollars when he played for the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. In his time with the Bulls, he was a two-time NBA All-Star.
12. Kevin Durant
Net Worth: $200 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Actor, Television producer, YouTuber
Business: N/A
Award: 2× NBA champion (2017, 2018)
Number: 35
Born: September 29, 1988
Education: The University of Texas at Austin
Spouse: N/A
Children: He does not have kids
Golden State Warriors player Kevin Durant plays for the team. It is the second time Durant has been selected to the NBA draft as he was selected in the second round as a second choice in 2007. Durant participated in the 2012 gold medal-winning team for the US Men’s National Basketball Association.
According to Forbes, Durant had a net worth of approximately $200 million at the end of April 2023, making him the 11th richest player in the NBA.
13. Russell Westbrook
Net Worth: $200 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Actor
Business: Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE)
Award: NBA Most Valuable Player (2017)
Number: 0
Born: November 12, 1988
Education: University of California, Los Angeles
Spouse: Nina Earl (m. 2015)
Children: Noah Russell Westbrook, Skye Westbrook and Jordyn Westbrook
Originally from Long Beach, Russell Westbrook plays professionally in the NBA. In his current position as a point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook plays for the team. As a result of averaging 23.2 points per game in an NBA draft All-Star game, he was selected to the NBA draft All-Star game.
Russel Westbrook reportedly has a net worth of around $200 million as of April 2023.
14. Kevin Garnett
Net Worth: $190 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Actor
Business: N/A
Award: NBA champion (2008)
Number: 21, 5, 2
Born: May 19, 1976
Education: Farragut Career Academy
Spouse: Brandi Padilla
Children: Capri Garnett, Kavalli Garnett
Originally from Greenville, South California, Kevin Garnett plays for the NBA. At the 1995 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected him fifth overall after he attended the Farragut Career Academy.
Currently, Kevin Garnett’s net worth is estimated at $190 million.
15. James Harden
Net Worth: $165 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player
Business: N/A
Award: NBA Most Valuable Player (2018)
Number: 1
Born: August 26, 1989
Education: Arizona State University
Spouse: He is currently dating Jessyka Janshel
Children: N/A
Harden hails from Los Angeles, where he is a professional basketball player. According to the NBA, he is the Sixth Man of the Year. A member of the Houston Rockets, he plays for the league’s Houston Rockets at the moment. In the 2009 NBA Draft, Harden signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder and quickly became a star.
There is a $165 million net worth for James Harden as of April 2023.
16. Chris Paul
Net Worth: $160 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player
Business: N/A
Award: 12× NBA All-Star (2008–2016, 2020–2022)
Number: 3
Born: May 6, 1985
Education: Wake Forest University
Spouse: Jada Crawley (m. 2011)
Children: Chris Jr., and Camryn
The net worth of Chris Paul is $160 million, making him one of the richest basketball players in the world. According to Chris’s most recent contract, he earns $30 million a year. His endorsement earnings are also between $10 and $20 million per year. The Houston Rockets, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Phoenix Suns, the New Orleans Hornets, and the Los Angeles Clippers were among the teams to which he has previously been assigned. His contract with the Suns was worth $160 million over four years, in 2023. A career earnings total of $446 million will be earned by the time he completes that contract.
17. Steph Curry
Net Worth: $160 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Actor
Business: Curry Brand
Award: 4× NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
Number: 30
Born: March 14, 1988
Education: Davidson College
Spouse: Ayesha Curry (m. 2011)
Children: Riley Elizabeth Curry, Ryan Carson Curry, Canon W. Jack Curry
He’s also a brand endorser, venture capitalist, and a professional basketball player. It is estimated that Steph Curry has a net worth of $160 million at the time of this writing. He is the best shooter in NBA history and a phenomenon within the sport of basketball. Several have credited him with revolutionizing the sport by repeatedly making extremely long-range 3-point shots. Additionally, Stephen Curry is considered one of the best players in NBA history, irrespective of his shooting ability.
18. Carmelo Anthony
Net Worth: $160 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Television producer, Actor
Business: N/A
Award: 10× NBA All-Star (2007, 2008, 2010–2017)
Number: 15, 7, 00
Born: May 29, 1984
Education: Syracuse University
Spouse: La La Anthony (m. 2010–2021)
Children: Kiyan Carmelo Anthony
The New York Knicks and Carmelo Anthony are both American basketball players. A third overall pick of the Denver Nuggets in the 2003 NBA draft, Anthony was chosen by them as the third overall pick.
He ranks 18th in terms of NBA players’ net worth as of April 2023, with a net worth of $160 million.
19. Dirk Nowitzki
Net Worth: $140 Million
Nationality: German
Occupation: Basketball Player
Business: N/A
Award: NBA champion (2011)
Number: 41, 14
Born: June 19, 1978
Education: Röntgen High School Würzburg
Spouse: Jessica Olsson (m. 2012)
Children: Malaika Nowitzki, Max and Morris
German power forward Dirk Nowitzki plays for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. During his career, he has earned ten All-Star nominations and was voted NBA MVP in 2007.
According to Forbes, he had a net worth of $140 million as of April 2023, which places him 13th among NBA players.
20. Dwight Howard
Net Worth: $140 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Actor
Business: N/A
Award: NBA champion (2020)
Number: 12, 39, 8, 21
Born: December 8, 1985
Education: Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy
Spouse: N/A
Children: Braylon, Jayde, Layla, David, and Dwight III or Trey
It is the first time that Dwight Howard has won Defensive Player of the Year three consecutive years. One of the most popular players in the industry is Howard due to his skill and technique.
Dwight Howard is worth well over $140 million after building up his net worth throughout his career.
21. Gary Payton
Net Worth: $130 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player
Business: N/A
Award: NBA champion (2006)
Number: 2, 20
Born: July 23, 1968
Education: Oregon State University
Spouse: Monique James (m. 1997–2012)
Children: Gary Payton II, Raquel Payton, Julian Payton, Gary Payton Jr
Payton was a retired NBA player for the Seattle SuperSonics and is often referred to as “The Glove”. Aside from Boston Celtics and Miami Heat, he has also played for Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics.
As of April 2023, his net worth is estimated at $130 million, making him the 15th richest NBA player in the world.
22. Tim Duncan
Net Worth: $130 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Basketball coach
Business: N/A
Award: 5× NBA champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)
Number: 21
Born: April 25, 1976
Education: Wake Forest University
Spouse: Amy Duncan (m. 2001–2013)
Children: Draven Duncan, Sydney Duncan
Originally from the Virgin Islands, Tim Duncan has achieved great success in the NBA. As a player for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA, Duncan represents the San Antonio Spurs. Aside from raising general health awareness, he is known for funding education and youth sports in different parts of the country through the Tim Duncan Foundation.
Approximately $130 million will be Tim Duncan’s net worth in 2023.
23. Pat Riley
Net Worth: $120 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Business executive, Coach, American Football player
Business: N/A
Award: NBA champion (1972)
Number: 42, 12
Born: March 20, 1945
Education: University of Kentucky
Spouse: Chris Rodstrom (m. 1970)
Children: Elisabeth Riley, James Riley
Pat Riley has a net worth of $120 million, which includes his position as a former NBA coach and player. His most notable accomplishment was becoming the head coach of the Miami Heat from 1995 to 2003, then coaching the team again from 2005 to 2008. During the “Showtime Era,” Riley enjoyed considerable success with the Los Angeles Lakers. Riley has won five NBA championships during his coaching career. He has been named one of the most successful NBA coaches of all time because of these achievements.
24. Dwyane Wade
Net Worth: $170 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player
Business: N/A
Award: 3× NBA champion (2006, 2012, 2013)
Number: 3, 9
Born: January 17, 1982
Education: Marquette University
Spouse: Gabrielle Union (m. 2014), Siohvaughn Funches (m. 2002–2010)
Children: Zaire Wade
Wade plays basketball for the Chicago Bulls in the National Basketball Association. During the 2003 NBA draft, Wade was drafted fifth overall by Miami. His first NBA title came after he won the NBA Finals MVP award.
According to estimates, Wade has a net worth of approximately $170 million.
25. Yao Ming
Net Worth: $120 Million
Nationality: Chinese
Occupation: Basketball player, administrator
Business: N/A
Award: 8× NBA All-Star (2003–2009, 2011)
Number: 11
Born: September 12, 1980
Education: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Spouse: Ye Li (m. 2007)
Children: Yao Qinlei
A Chinese NBA-player from Shanghai, Yao Ming is a professional basketball player. His first team was the Shanghai Sharks when he was a teenager. The Houston Rockets drafted him in 2002, making him the third Chinese player to play in the NBA.
He will be ranked among the richest NBA players of all time when his net worth reaches $120 million by 2023.
26. Blake Griffin
Net Worth: $110 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Actor
Business: Not Found
Award: 6× NBA All-Star (2011–2015, 2019)
Number: 91
Born: March 16, 1989
Education: The University of Oklahoma
Spouse: N/A
Children: Finley Elaine Griffin, Ford Wilson Cameron-Griffin
Blake Griffin is an American basketball player with a net worth of $110 million. Griffin played for the Los Angeles Clippers before joining the Detroit Pistons in 2018. The honor of being named to the league’s All-Star team has been awarded to him six times during the course of his career. His other achievements include being a former NBA Rookie of the Year and winner of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. One of the greatest rookies in NBA history, he has been dubbed the greatest.
27. Chris Bosh
Net Worth: $110 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player
Business: N/A
Award: 2× NBA champion (2012, 2013)
Number: 4, 1
Born: March 24, 1984
Education: Georgia Institute of Technology
Spouse: Adrienne Williams Bosh (m. 2011)
Children: Lennox Noel Bosh, Phoenix Avery Bosh
Chris Bosh is a retired American professional basketball player who has a net worth of $110 million. His peak salary was $26 million per year at the height of his career. The Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat were two of Chris Bosh’s teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The total salary he earned over his career in the NBA was $240 million.
28. Vince Carter
Net Worth: $110 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Restaurateur, Sports analyst, Actor
Business: N/A
Award: 8× NBA All-Star (2000–2007)
Number: 15, 25
Born: January 26, 1977
Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Spouse: Ellen Rucker Sellers (m. 2004–2006)
Children: Kai Michelle Carter
Vince Carter has a net worth of $110 million after retiring as an American professional basketball player. A fan favorite around the world due to his entertaining style of play, Carter is also known as “Vinsanity” and “Air Canada.” His ability to dunk in the hoop has made him a fan favorite around the world. Over the course of 22 seasons spanning four different decades between 1998 and 2000, Vince Carter had one of the longest NBA career stretches. It will be difficult for people to forget about his contribution to professional basketball even though he is now retired.
29. Isiah Thomas
Net Worth: $100 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Coach, Consultant, Consultant, Commentator, Actor
Business: Enlighten Sports Inc
Award: 2× NBA champion (1989, 1990)
Number: 11
Born: April 30, 1961
Education: INDIANA UNIVERSITY
Spouse: Lynn Kendall (m. 1985)
Children: Zeke Thomas, Marc E. T. Dones, Lauren Thomas
Isiah Thomas is a retired American professional basketball player with an estimated net worth of $100 million. It is widely recognized that he is one of the greatest players in NBA history. It is not a coincidence that Isiah Thomas is the father of more recent NBA star, Isaiah Thomas. Thomas the younger received his name as a result of a wager his father made just months before his birth in 1989. His father, a lifelong fan of the Lakers, said he would name his son Isiah if the Lakers lost the 1989 NBA Championship. Taking four games from the Lakers, the Pistons swept them. As a result, his mother changed the name to “Isaiah” from the biblical spelling.
30. Ray Allen
Net Worth: $100 Million
Nationality: American
Occupation: Basketball Player, Actor
Business: RAY ALLEN, Inc
Award: 2× NBA champion (2008, 2013)
Number: 34, 20
Born: July 20, 1975
Education: University of Connecticut
Spouse: Shannon Walker Williams (m. 2008)
Children: Walter Ray Allen III, Tierra Allen, Wynn Allen, Walker Allen
As an American sports superstar and billionaire, Ray Allen has a net worth of $100 million. In addition to being one of the greatest three-point shooters of all time, Allen is also considered a great athlete. During his career in the NBA, Ray played for 18 seasons. The Milwaukee Bucks were his first team, followed by the Seattle SuperSonics and Boston Celtics, and finally the Miami Heat.
