In the NBA, a place where basketball masters gather and money flows, when it comes to player income, we have to mention Stephen Curry. This year, he led the way with an annual salary of $51.91 million, becoming the only "Mr. 50 million". And, ah, this is just the beginning, Curry's salary will have to rise in the next two seasons, and by the 2025-26 season, the number will soar to $59.61 million. This number is not only a personal accolade, but also an affirmation of his performance on the pitch.
But when it comes to high salaries, Curry isn't alone. He is followed by Kevin Durant, with an annual salary of $47.64 million, ranking second. The 35-year-old Durant is still online, averaging 289 points, 63 rebounds and 58 assists per game this season, and his shooting rate is still 524%. This contract is not only a recognition of his value on the field, but also a tribute to the excellence of his career.
Looking at LeBron James, his annual salary is also a well-known figure, reaching $47.6 million, tied for third with Jokic and Embiid. James is 39 years old, but he's still the center of attention, no less than the youngsters. What's more, James' off-court income is also a staggering figure, close to $80 million, which makes him the highest-paid active player.
Let's talk about Bradley Beal, whose annual salary is $46.74 million, ranking fourth in the league. As an All-Star, Beal's performance is naturally no problem. However, his five-year, $25.1 billion contract may be a bit high in the eyes of some. His contract also includes a trade veto, which means the Suns' salary space will be limited for years to come.
Then there's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has an annual salary of $45.64 million this season, tied for fifth with Leonard, George and Lillard. Considering his current form and age, he is fully qualified to sign a contract of more than 50 million.
It is also worth mentioning James Harden, with an annual salary of $35.64 million, although he is a little lower on the list, his performance on the court and his contribution to the team must not be underestimated. His skills and experience often serve as stabilizers for the team at crucial moments.
These sky-high salaries are not only an affirmation of the players' outstanding performance on the field, but also a reward for their dedication and hard work over the years. In the NBA, every point of a player's contract is determined based on their ability and value to the team. Not only do they have to show their skills and style on the pitch, but they also have to have a good professional attitude and team spirit.
When we talk about the salaries of these top players, we can't help but wonder who deserves the most of them. Is it Curry's accurate three-pointer, Durant's excellent performance on the scoring end, or James' all-around style of play? But there is no doubt that although these players are well paid, their performance on the field and their contribution to the team also deserve our respect and appreciation.
Overall, the NBA is not only the highest stage for basketball, but also a platform for top players to show their self-worth. Their high salaries are not only a recognition of their personal abilities, but also a reward for their love and dedication to the sport of basketball. And it was a real pleasure for us as spectators to be able to see the performances of these top players.
So, what do you think of the performance of these stars, do you think it's worth the price? Feel free to leave a comment to share your views and opinions. This is not only an evaluation of them, but also an understanding and respect for the sport of basketball.