Why do so many players squeeze their heads and want to enter the NBA League? In addition to the competitive level factor, the NBA's salary is equally attractive. In the 1990s, an annual salary of millions of dollars was already a remarkable thing. Today, times have changed, and annual salaries of $30 or 40 million abound. Next season's annual salary ranking of the top five players, their salary amount, absolutely let the fans open their eyes!
No. 5: James (Lakers), with an annual salary of $44.47 million next season
James, who is now at least 37 years old, has averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks per game this season, just one step away from the scoring champion. However, this season, the Lakers have not performed well and failed to qualify for the playoffs. James' annual salary next season is $44.47 million, ranking Fifth in the NBA. Being able to earn such a high annual salary at the age of 37 is enough to prove James' worth.
In 2020, James signed a two-year, $85 million early contract extension with the Lakers. After all, James's age is not small, the Lakers do not dare to easily provide a long contract, with a high annual salary of 2-year contract to retain James, but also a more reasonable option. Next season is the final year of James' contract, and whether he can help the Lakers win the championship again will also become a major attraction!
4th place: Wall (Rockets), with an annual salary of $46.87 million next season
Wall is an interesting star who has been plagued by injuries for half of his 12-year career. In the last five seasons, Wall has played only 113 games, and the 19-20 season and this season (21-22) are even more season reimbursement. It can be said that Wall is either recuperating or preparing for the injury. However, Wall's annual salary next season will reach $46.87 million, ranking fourth in the NBA, and next season will also be the last year of Wall's contract.
In the summer of 2017, Wall signed a four-year, $170 million early renewal contract. This contract amount caused quite a stir at the time. But given that Wall was the Wizards' star at the time, the contract was understandable. Since then, Wall has begun his own path to recuperation. Today, Wall has become a Rockets player, but he has only played 40 games since joining the Rockets, and this season is not a game, it can be said that Wall really easily made money!
No. 3: Westbrook (Lakers), with an annual salary of $47.06 million next season
Westbrook is the NBA's all-time triple-double king, but in the last four seasons, Westbrook has played for four teams. In the 17-18 season, he played for the Thunder. In the 19-20 season, he played for the Rockets. In the 20-21 season, he played for the Wizards. In the 21-22 season, he played for the Lakers. However, during his time with the Lakers, Westbrook's performance was not good, averaging 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1 steal per game this season, and averaging the third lowest points per game, only more than the first two seasons of his career.
Fortunately, Wei Shao has a big contract, and Wei Shao's annual salary next season is as high as $47.06 million, ranking third in the NBA. In the summer of 2017, Westbrook signed a five-year, $206 million contract. The contract started with the 18-19 season and averaged more than $40 million in annual salaries for the last three years. However, next season is also the last year of Westbrook's contract. If Westbrook's performance still doesn't improve, then it may be difficult for Westbrook to get another big contract.
Second place: Harden (76ers), with an annual salary of $47.36 million next season
Harden has played for four teams in his career, namely the Thunder, Rockets, Nets and 76ers. In the mid-to-late season, Harden left the Nets to join the 76ers and teamed up with Embiid to attack the championship. Harden and Embiid, the two stars, have performed very well in their careers, but they have never won the championship, which is a big regret. Now, these 2 top stars have joined forces, and whether they can realize their dream of winning the championship this season is also exciting!
Harden's annual salary next season will reach $47.36 million, ranking second in the NBA. In the summer of 2017, Harden signed a four-year, $170 million early contract extension. But next season is also the final year of Harden's contract. Harden is still at his peak, with a clear scoring ability and an excellent assist ability. Not surprisingly, Harden can still get a maximum salary contract extension!
No. 1: Curry (Warriors), who earns $48.07 million a year next season
There are many top stars in the NBA, but there are only a few superstars, and Warriors star Curry is one of them. Previously, Curry had led the Warriors to create a feat of winning 3 championships in 4 years. However, the Warriors have struggled in recent years, with players constantly plagued by injuries. Fortunately, the Warriors have dug up more talented players, and Poole has played a price this season to become Curry's successor. Thompson and Curry also got rid of the injury haze, and the Warriors finally got back on track.
Curry's annual salary next season is as high as $48.07 million, ranking no. 1 in the NBA. In 2021, Curry signed a four-year, $215 million early renewal contract that took effect from the 22-23 season. That means Curry's annual salary next season is $48.07 million, the lowest year for the contract. The final three years were all worth more than $50 million a year, at $51.92 million (23-24), $55.76 million (24-25) and $59.61 million (25-26).
In summary, the salary of NBA stars is indeed getting better and better, but Wall's listing is indeed a bit of a surprise. On the other hand, the Lakers have some headaches, and the top five stars with annual salaries next season, the Lakers occupy 2 seats. James and Westbrook's annual salaries make the Lakers' reinforcements somewhat difficult. After all, there is so much salary space, and James and Wei Shao add up to more than $90 million, which is not counting the annual salary of thick eyebrows, the Lakers are really too difficult!