Richest NBA players

- Net worth: $70 million

Phil Jackson’s career as an NBA player pales in comparison to his career as a coach. Though he won two rings with the Knicks in the 1970s, it was his stints coaching the Bulls to six titles and the Lakers to five titles that helped make him millions. Jackson’s wealth comes from his coaching salary, his many published books, and his $60 million contract as president of the New York Knicks, which ended unceremoniously in 2017.

- Net worth: $70 million

Playing nearly his entire career with the Boston Celtics and winning one title, Paul Pierce earned a whopping $198 million just in salary over his 20 years in the league. Nicknamed The Truth, Pierce’s accolades include a Finals MVP and 10 All-Star Game appearances. Post playing, Pierce has worked as an NBA analyst for ESPN.

- Net worth: $70 million

Kyrie Irving is often considered an NBA pariah for his off-court antics, but it hasn’t affected his ability to make money. Irving won an NBA championship with LeBron James in 2016 and has since left to play in both Boston and now Brooklyn, where he signed a four-year $142 million contract. When he’s not playing ball, Irving is a big endorser of products, and is most famous for his portrayal of an old man named Uncle Drew in Pepsi commercials. Irving was able to parlay his commercial persona into a critically panned movie, which fared poorly at the box office.

- Net worth: $70 million

Entering the NBA right after high school, Jermaine O’Neal had a long learning curve until he became an elite player in the league. Though he was drafted in 1996, he didn’t make an all-star team until six years later—and it was then he started making real money. In salary alone, O’Neal earned more than $168 million over his career, but major awards and NBA titles eluded him. Off the court, O’Neal owns a recording studio in Atlanta.

- Net worth: $70 million

Elton Brand never won an NBA title, but he had a very long and lucrative career. Brand was the first overall pick in the 1999 draft but only made two all-star teams in his 18 years in the league. Despite a lack of team and individual success, Brand earned nearly $170 million in salary, and today is the general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers.

- Net worth: $70 million

Playing in the NBA for 16 seasons, Antawn Jamison earned more than $142 million in salary playing for the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers, Lakers, and Clippers. Some of Jamison’s career highlights were winning National college player of the year at North Carolina and the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year while on the Mavericks. After basketball, Jamison has worked as an NBA analyst and is now the director of pro personnel for the Washington Wizards.

- Net worth: $70 million

As one of the best centers in NBA history, Alonzo Mourning made a huge haul of cash during his 15 seasons in the league. Mourning cashed $143 million in checks, won an NBA title in 2006, a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics, was a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Off the court, Mourning founded Athletes for Hope in 2007 along with Andre Agassi, Muhammad Ali, and others to help with philanthropic causes around the world.

- Net worth: $75 million

Tracy McGrady was an electrifying basketball player on the court who earned more than $160 million over his 15 seasons in the league. McGrady was one of the rare players to enter the league right out of high school and was a seven-time all-star and inductee into the Hall of Fame. During his playing years, McGrady signed a lifetime endorsement deal with Adidas which included a signature shoe and other apparel. Today, McGrady works as an NBA analyst for ESPN.

- Net worth: $75 million

One of the most successful foreign-born NBA players of all time, Frenchman Tony Parker enjoyed an 18-year career almost entirely with the San Antonio Spurs. Playing alongside Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, Parker helped the Spurs to four titles while winning an NBA Finals MVP and earning nearly $170 million in salary. Other money-making endeavors include a majority ownership in the French women’s basketball league Lyon Basket Féminine, a basketball academy also in Lyon, and some side ventures in music and movies. In 2019, Parker joined NorthRock Partners to advise other athletes on money management.

- Net worth: $75 million

Rasheed Wallace played for six different teams and helped the Detroit Pistons win an NBA championship in 2004. Wallace was notorious for bad behavior in his playing days and earned 317 technical fouls, which is the third-most all time. That didn't stop teams from paying Wallace, as he made almost $160 million over his career. Besides philanthropy, Wallace spends his time now as a high school basketball coach in North Carolina.

- Net worth: $75 million

Though he had one of the most storied careers in NBA history, Karl Malone never won an NBA championship, losing twice to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. Regardless, Malone was a two-time league MVP, a member of two gold-medal Olympic teams, and is the second-leading scorer in NBA history. Malone earned over $100 million in salary and made even more money as the owner of car dealerships, luxury apartments, fast food restaurants, and more.

- Net worth: $75 million

Jason Kidd was one of the best point guards and arguably earned every penny of the $187 million he made. Known for his brilliant court vision and passing, Kidd helped the Dallas Mavericks to an NBA title in 2011 and played in 10 All-Star Games. Since retirement, Kidd has stuck around the league as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks and is currently an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers. At one point, Kidd owned a minority stake in the Nets as well.

- Net worth: $75 million

Dikembe Mutombo, a Congolese-born center, was known for his defensive prowess. He was a four-time Defensive Player of the Year and led the NBA in blocks three separate times. Mutombo earned more than $140 million on the court in addition to a variety of endorsements that included Adidas, Old Spice, GEICO, and Mobil 1. But Mutombo’s post-basketball career is focused more on philanthropy including building a $29 million hospital in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

- Net worth: $80 million

Similar to Phil Jackson, Pat Riley is more known as an NBA coach and executive than as a player. Also like Jackson, Riley did win while on the court playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1972, but he also won an additional four rings as the Lakers coach and another as the coach of the Miami Heat. Riley is currently the president of the Heat and makes over $10 million a year in salary. But in addition to coaching and leading teams, Riley has earned millions for public speaking and for writing a best-selling book. Another money-maker for Riley came in 1989 when he trademarked the term “three-peat” for any team that won three championships in a row.

- Net worth: $80 million

Juwan Howard roared into the NBA after being a part of the Fab Five University of Michigan team. Howard won two championships as part of the LeBron James-led Miami Heat, and earning more than $150 million in salary. After his playing career ended, Howard has focused mostly on philanthropy through his Juwan Howard Foundation, but in 2019 he accepted the head coaching position at his alma mater, signing a five-year deal to lead the Michigan Wolverines back to college basketball prominence.

- Net worth: $80 million

Since entering the league in 2008, DeAndre Jordan has been a preeminent rebounder and shot-blocker, and led the NBA in total rebounds in 2014 and 2015. Jordan’s millions come almost entirely from his play on the court; he has earned more than $131 million in salary. Off the court, Jordan has signed endorsement deals with Nike, Adidas, and Google to add to his coffers.

- Net worth: $80 million

Another member of the vaunted Fab Five from Michigan, Chris Webber entered the NBA in 1993 and was awarded the Rookie of the Year. After 15 seasons in the league, Webber earned nearly $180 million in salary. In addition to his work as an NBA analyst on TNT, Webber has investments in films, music, and a number of philanthropic endeavors. Webber is also an avid art collector and owns rare African American artifacts that can be seen at the Central Library in Sacramento.

- Net worth: $80 million

Spending the first half of his career with the Toronto Raptors and the second half with the Miami Heat, Chris Bosh was a perennial all-star who won two championships and was a member of the 2008 Olympic gold-medal basketball team. Bosh was forced into early retirement when he suffered from a variety of blood clots, but not before he amassed more than $240 million in salary. Bosh still seems to be finding his footing off the court, though he recently joined the esports franchise Gen.G Esports as a player management advisor to assist in dealing with the pressures on and off the playing field.

- Net worth: $80 million

Blake Griffin’s interests have always extended beyond basketball, and a career as a standup comedian might be in store once the star officially leaves the NBA. Life on the court has been pretty good for Griffin, too, amassing nearly $160 million in salary and millions more from endorsement deals with Nike, Subway, and others. Outside of the game, Griffin is an investor with stakes in a number of startups and has started a podcast called “The Pursuit of Healthiness” on Amazon’s Audible.

- Net worth: $85 million

Though he never won a championship, only made two all-star teams, and was mostly considered an enforcer on the court, Zach Randolph certainly made the most of his time in the league. Spending the majority of his NBA life in Memphis, Randolph earned almost $200 million in salary. Still living in Memphis, most of Randolph's non-basketball investments include numerous popular restaurants, which he invests in through his ZMR Capital fund.

- Net worth: $85 million

Entering the NBA right out of high school, big things were predicted for the 7-footer from Compton. Chandler has played for eight different teams (currently on the Houston Rockets) and has made $187 million in salary. Chandler’s accolades include being a pivotal player on the 2011 NBA champion Mavericks, a gold medalist on the 2012 men’s Olympic team, and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. Chandler never garnered major endorsement deals, but he’s made plenty of money on the side buying and selling houses.

- Net worth: $85 million

Widely considered to be one of the best centers in NBA history, Patrick Ewing was known as the bruising heart of the New York Knicks, battling the likes of Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal, and David Robinson. Along the way, Ewing made around $125 million in salary, won two Olympic gold medals, and is a Hall of Famer. Since he retired, Ewing spent years in the NBA as an assistant coach and was recently named the head coach of his alma mater at Georgetown University. One of his other endeavors is Ewing Athletics, a shoe and apparel company selling his branded products.

- Net worth: $85 million

While he’s still playing in the NBA today, Derrick Rose’s meteoric rise in the league was cut short by a series of devastating knee injuries. Despite the setbacks, Rose was still a league MVP in 2011 and has made more than $120 million in salary. In addition, Rose has had a number of endorsements including deals with NBA 2K, Adidas, Wilson Sporting Goods, Powerade, and more. Rose is also a part owner of the uber-popular Giordano’s Pizzeria in Chicago.

- Net worth: $90 million

As one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, Reggie Miller enjoyed a long career playing all 18 seasons with the Indiana Pacers and earning more than $100 million along the way. Highlights of the sharp-shooter’s career include multiple all-star selections, a gold medal in 1996, and an NBA Finals appearance where his team ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. Miller has enjoyed a second career as an NBA analyst for TNT, which continues to add hundreds of thousands to his already substantial bankroll.

- Net worth: $95 million

Canadian legend Steve Nash was one of the best point guards to ever lace them up and won back-to-back MVP awards to prove it. Nash's time in the NBA was filled with all-star selections, All-NBA selections, and countless playoff disappointments. Fortunately for him, he made almost $150 million in salary to ease the pain. Since retiring, Nash has worked as a consultant for the Golden State Warriors, is an investor in a film production company, owns a stake in a soccer team, dabbles in startups, and owns workout clubs across Canada.

- Net worth: $100 million

Arguably the best shooter in NBA history, Ray Allen is a two-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat, a 10-time All-Star, and a Three-Point Contest champion. Allen played 18 seasons in the NBA and amassed a fortune to the tune of $184 million in salary alone. In addition to basketball, Allen rakes in more dough from his organic fast-food chain, Grown, which he started with his wife and former Shades singer Shannon Allen.

- Net worth: $100 million

By no means was Joe Johnson a flop (he participated in seven All-Star Games), but his individual success was always greater than his team’s outcomes. All in all, Johnson earned a staggering $220 million in salary. After retiring in 2018, Johnson signed up for the Big3 and won MVP in 2019. He was also getting paid by Nike during his career, which added to his immense fortune.

- Net worth: $100 million

One of the best point guards of all time, Isiah Thomas won two championships with the Pistons and was the Finals MVP in 1990. Thomas was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000. Playing at a time before major salaries, Thomas only earned $17 million on the court. But since retiring, Thomas has had stints as the owner of the Continental Basketball Association (which he bankrupted), a TV analyst, head coach of the Pacers, president of the Knicks, and much more. Isiah’s real money stems from ISIAH International, which is an investment holdings company with stakes in companies that range from champagne and CBD to sports projects and real estate.

- Net worth: $120 million

Yao Ming is both the tallest and most successful basketball player to come out of China. Yao stands at 7 feet 6 inches and earned over $93 million dollars in his eight seasons with the Houston Rockets. Yao was inducted into the Hall of Fame and made eight All-Star Game appearances. Yao’s business holdings are also massive as he owns restaurants and bars in Houston and Shanghai, a winery in Napa Valley, a liquor company, a basketball club, and many more that he invests in through Yao Capital.

- Net worth: $120 million

It might be surprising that Kevin Garnett's net worth is as low as it is after over 20 seasons in the league and an astronomical $344 million in salary. Known as KG, Garnett won an NBA championship in 2008, was the league MVP in 2004, went to 15 All-Star Games, and won a gold medal at the 2000 Olympics. One reason Garnett's net worth is low compared to what he made on the court stems from a $77 million loss that his accountant allegedly stole from him. Besides the lawsuit, Garnett has been keeping busy. He starred in the Adam Sandler movie "Uncut Gems," he consults with different teams in the NBA, and he's an investor in Triumph Esports.

- Net worth: $120 million

Even in his 15th season, Chris Paul is still considered one of the best current point guards. Not only has he earned more than $220 million in salary, Paul has played on two gold-medal teams, is a 10-time all-star, and has been selected to the All-NBA First Team four times. Paul’s business interests include owning a professional bowling franchise, a stake in a minor league baseball team, investing in Beyond Meat (a plant-based meat substitute), and other philanthropic causes that help with housing needs.

- Net worth: $130 million

Though he’s considered the best power forward of all time, Tim Duncan was never a big product endorser and mostly eschewed the limelight during his career (and even more so since retirement). His career itself is legendary as he won five championships with the Spurs, was a two-time MVP, and a three-time Finals MVP. With all the on-court accolades, Duncan earned a whopping $245 million in salary. Outside of basketball, Duncan remains gun-shy as his financial advisor committed fraud. Currently, Duncan is an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs.

- Net worth: $130 million

Stephen Curry is a lights-out shooter, three-time NBA champion, and two-time league MVP. As the leader of the dynastic Golden State Warriors, Steph and company have commanded the spotlight for the past five years with arenas selling out everywhere they play. Still in his playing prime, Curry has already made $129 million in salary, but he’s also one of the biggest product endorsers in the league. It’s estimated that Curry makes more than $40 million in endorsements. Curry is also an active investor with his SC30 INC. and has partnered with companies like Chase, Rakuten, and Callaway.

- Net worth: $140 million

For a brief moment in time, Dwight Howard was considered the best center in the NBA, and his salary reflects it with over $238 million in earnings. Howard is an eight-time all-star, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and an Olympic gold medalist. But Howard has never achieved team success, and is now on his sixth franchise, playing a second time for the Lakers. Off the court, Howard has a shoe deal with Chinese brand Peak, and he was once a major endorser with Adidas and McDonald’s.

- Net worth: $140 million

Dirk Nowitzki is not just one of the best foreign-born players in NBA history, he’s one of the best in general. German-born Nowitzki was a league MVP as well as NBA champion and Finals MVP with the Mavericks, having played all 21 seasons in Dallas and earning more than $255 million in salary. He is the sixth-leading scorer in NBA history, and similar to Duncan, stayed out of the limelight, never had an agent, and signed very few endorsement deals.

- Net worth: $150 million

One of the most explosive players in the game, Russell Westbrook is either loved or hated and has cashed in on $168 million because of his play. Westbrook won the league MVP in 2017 when he became just the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for the season. Off the court, Westbrook has big endorsement deals with Jordan Brand and Mountain Dew and is also a big investor in a variety of companies like Pizzana, Mason, Health House, and others.

- Net worth: $160 million

He never won a title, but Carmelo Anthony won three gold medals for USA basketball and was one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. Anthony has played 16 seasons in the league and made nearly $260 million in salary. On the endorsement side, Melo was a key ambassador of Jordan Brand and had more than a dozen signature shoes. On the investment side, Melo’s company Melo7 Tech Partners owns a professional soccer team in Puerto Rico and places bets on early stage digital media companies.

- Net worth: $165 million

James Harden is currently the NBA’s best scorer and has averaged over 30 points per game in each of the last three seasons. Harden was a league MVP but an NBA title still eludes him. As the star of the Houston Rockets, he has raked in almost $150 million in salary but earns another $17 million a year in endorsements with deals from Adidas, BodyArmor, Electronic Arts, and State Farm.

- Net worth: $170 million

Kevin Durant tore his Achilles in the 2019 Finals, but before that, he was regarded as the best player in the game as he won two NBA titles, two Finals MVP awards, a league MVP, and two gold medals. In endorsements, Durant makes an additional $35 million a year from the likes of Nike, Google, Alaska Air, and others. Also an active investor, Durant has stakes in numerous Silicon Valley companies like Coinbase, Postmates, LimeBike, and many others.

- Net worth: $170 million

With a storied career, Dwyane Wade retired in 2019 as a three-time NBA champion, an NBA Finals MVP, an gold medalist, and an earner of nearly $200 million in salary. Wade was always a big endorser of products during his career with major shoe deals and commercials with Gatorade, T-Mobile, and many others. On the business side, Wade is tied into companies like The Tie Bar, Stance, a Napa Valley wine company, and Swiss watch brand Hublot.

- Net worth: $200 million

Born in South Sudan and raised in South London, Luol Deng is a major success story as a refugee-turned-NBA professional. His career in the league was only moderately successful as he made two all-star teams and earned just over than $153 million in salary. But off the court, Deng put all his money into real estate and has amassed an empire. His portfolio includes hotels, condos, resorts, and apartments and is said to be worth around $125 million.

- Net worth: $200 million

One of the best centers in NBA history, Nigerian-born Hakeem Olajuwon was a two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, a league MVP, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and a Hall of Fame inductee. Like Deng, he has amassed a giant real estate portfolio. While playing in the NBA, Olajuwon earned around $110 million, but his real estate holdings have brought in over a 100 million more.

- Net worth: $200 million

Another all-time great center, David Robinson played his entire career with the San Antonio Spurs where he earned $119 million while winning two NBA titles, a league MVP, a Defensive Player of the Year, and two gold medals. Robinson is equally well known for his philanthropic work, but his Admiral Capital Group is where he’s made a fortune. Robinson and his team have invested more than $300 million with values soaring to $1.5 billion in a variety of private equity and real estate ventures.

- Net worth: $250 million

The expectations for Grant Hill were as high as any player since Michael Jordan, but his career was cut short by a series of injuries. Regardless, Hill made seven all-star teams, won a gold medal, and made over $140 million in salary. Today, Hill has his hands in a number of ventures: he’s a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks, owns a marketing and management company, has a collection of fine art, and maintains a vast real estate portfolio with condos, retail spaces, apartments, and a hotel.

- Net worth: $400 million

Known as The Microwave for his hot shooting, Vinnie Johnson was more of a roll player in his playing career. He won two titles with the Pistons and earned around $6 million during his time on the court. In the business world, however, Johnson is a juggernaut. Johnson-owned Piston Group is a private investment platform and one of the largest minority-owned automotive suppliers in North America.

[Pictured: Vinnie Johnson (left) with Jethro Joseph at a business conference in 2006.]

- Net worth: $400 million

Always the loveable big man, Shaquille O’Neal was also one of the most dominant players in NBA history, winning four championships, three Finals MVPs, one league MVP, one gold medal, and earning a Hall of Fame induction. O’Neal made almost $300 million in salary alone, but still racks up millions in celebrity endorsements and business ventures. O’Neal, in addition to his career as a TNT analyst, has endorsed everything from Papa John’s to Carnival Cruises, but he’s also the joint owner in hundreds of businesses including 155 Five Guys.

- Net worth: $480 million

LeBron James has a very long basketball resume, and he’s not done yet. The current Lakers star has won three titles, three Finals MVPs, four league MVPs, and shatters records every year. Coming straight from high school, LeBron has made more than $270 million in salary in 17 seasons and shows no sign of slowing. On the business side, LeBron is one of the league’s biggest endorsers, including a lifetime deal with Nike said to be worth more than a billion dollars. James also owns Blaze Pizza franchises, a stake in a Liverpool football club, and has his own production company that makes movies and TV shows.

- Net worth: $600 million

Most NBA stars with large business portfolios credit Magic Johnson as their inspiration both on and off the court. The five-time NBA champion is regarded as the greatest point guard of all time but is also considered to be the NBA’s greatest businessman. Magic Johnson Enterprises has dabbled in everything from Starbucks franchises and TGI Fridays to ownership stakes in the Lakers and Dodgers. Because of all his ventures, his personal wealth has soared into the hundreds of millions.

- Net worth: $600 million

Easily the least well-known player on this list, Junior Bridgeman was just an above-average player for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 1970s and ‘80s. But after basketball, Bridgeman became one of the wealthiest athletes in the world by investing in fast food chains. At one point, Bridgeman owned 160 different Wendy’s locations and 120 Chili’s restaurants. Bridgeman sold his company, Bridgeman Foods, in 2016 and then became the official bottler for a little company called Coca-Cola.

- Net worth: $2.2 billion

The most well-known player on this list, and unsurprisingly its wealthiest, is former Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan. Winner of six NBA championships and every accolade imaginable, Jordan made a ton of dough on and off the court. Jordan’s biggest endorsement deal that’s still going strong is with Nike. The greatest of all time is responsible for the company’s meteoric rise while also making big deals with companies like Gatorade and McDonald’s. Jordan parlayed his brand into hundreds of millions and is now the owner of the NBA franchise Charlotte Hornets. But it’s Jordan’s deal with Nike that likely made him a billionaire and catapulted him to the richest NBA player of all time.