5 NBA Players with the highest salary in 2025-26: Joel Embiid, Stephen Curry, and more

If one compares the modern NBA salary to what it was in the 90s, the difference is astronomical. A million bucks in the 90s era would have broken the headlines, whereas in today’s time, a million bucks is what college students earn through NIL evaluation. With steady speed, the league continued to gain popularity, and with each passing decade, the salary cap hit an all-time high. Around 60 players are set to earn at least $30 million in salary this year.

The NBA’s new media rights deal is rolling in big billion bucks, influencing and impacting the individual contracts while raising them to staggering amounts. The 2025-26 season has marked a historic peak in the league's economy, where the "supermax" contracts weren’t just increments, they showed the cream of the crop. These five players just do not play on the court, they are the flag bearers of their franchise and the leading face of their global fan club. Here’s who is taking home the biggest cheque of the season.

1. Stephen Curry – $59.6 Million (Golden State Warriors)

It is no surprise that Chef Curry is placed at the top. He has ruled the list of the NBA’s highest-salaried players since 2017-18 and continues to do so. The greatest three-point shooter that the court has ever witnessed, Curry sits atop, soaking in all the appreciation with 4,161 three made over the span of 17 years. Even at 37, Steph is a legend being made in real time, and the Warriors know his worth.

With $59.6 million set to be earned by the end of this season, Curry is the first player to ever push the boundaries toward that $60 million-a-year mark. For Golden State, Stephen Curry is more than a player, he represents loyalty, brand, and global exposure. Let’s not overlook the fact that Curry strikes fear into every opponent on the hardwood.

2. Joel Embiid – $55.2 Million (Philadelphia 76ers)

Philadelphia’s GM’s embodiment of the strategic "The Process,” Joel Embiid, has converted into one of the league’s biggest stars. Tied for the second spot with the Joker, Embiid, with his MVP status and 7 All-Star appearances, is set to earn $55.2 million this season.
Despite the injury concerns, Embiid’s versatility at both ends of the court is undeniable, and this skill set has pushed him to become Philly’s undisputed face.

3. Nikola Jokic – $55.2 Million (Denver Nuggets)

Tied with Embiid at $55.2 per season, Nikola Jokic has proved that he’s worth every single penny. Nicknamed the Joker due to a pronunciation error, Joker is truly an unpredictable force on the court. Standing at 6 ft 11, Jokic might be listed as a center, but he has refined what centers could, and the Denver Nuggets will not let go of this generational talent.

4. Kevin Durant – $54.7 Million (Houston Rockets)

Kevin Durant defies every stereotype that suggests players slow down with age. Despite being in the later part of his career, KD remains one of the most efficient "walking buckets" in basketball history. After his move to Houston, he acts as a stabilizing agent for their young roster while dropping elite numbers. Equipped with killer ball-handling skills along with a blessed height, he can shoot from both inside and outside the arc. Durant’s contract proves that his game is truly timeless.

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $54.1 Million (Milwaukee Bucks)

Rounding out the top five is the Bucks’ "Greek Freak.” Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2025 season might not go in the most expected way due to injury, but this unstoppable force remains one of the highest-paid players this season. Giannis is the heartbeat of Milwaukee’s offense and defense. His play is a blend of immense raw physical power, along with his exceptional skills, that make any opponent fear him. Even with the ongoing trade rumors, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains Bucks’ hope to keep their championship window open.

While these figures might make the head spin, it is advisable not to forget that they are backed by a player’s relentless efforts and decisions, and are a reflection of their skill set. And with each passing season, the salary caps will continue to climb even higher and will serve as proof of the league’s growth.

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