NBA’s highest-paid centers this season: Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis, and more

The traditional big man was supposed to be a dying breed, but looking at the current NBA landscape, the centers aren't just surviving, they’re thriving and taking home the biggest checks in the league. For those who grew up watching the era of ground-and-pound centers, it’s wild to see how much the position has evolved. Today’s elite bigs aren't just basket protectors, they are point-centers, floor-spacers, and the literal engines of their offenses.

For the 2025-26 season, the money being invested at the center position is staggering, reflecting a league where having a generational talent in the middle is the ultimate cheat code. Here are the five highest-paid centers currently dominating both the court and the payroll.

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

The Joker is the gold standard. Earning a massive $55.2 million this season as part of his $276 million supermax, he is worth every cent. Breaking the traditional barriers of what it means to be a center, the three-time MVP does everything: ball handling, passing, defense, just name it. This season he is dropping 60.5% from the field with an average of 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 11.0 assists per game. The staggering salary cements his undisputable position as Nuggets offensive and defensive focal point.

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

Tied with Jokic, Embiid is the most dominant physical force we’ve seen since Shaq. His current contract, a 4-year, $213 million extension (with a newer $193 million extension kicking in 2026), reflects his status as a scoring champion and defensive anchor. While health is always the conversation with Joel, when he’s on the floor, he is an unstoppable 22.6 points-per-game threat.

3. Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks) – $54.1 Million

Anthony Davis’ trade from Lakers to Dallas in exchange for Luka Doncic headlined the early 2025. With Dallas, AD is still playing under the 3-year, $175 million extension that he signed back in 2023, pulling in $54.1 million for this season. This amount is a bet on his defensive versatility and scoring capability. The 2020 NBA champion is currently averaging 20.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while converting 143-276 from the field (58.1%) and 45-64 from the free throw line (70.3%).

4. Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks) – $53.1 Million

KAT brought his elite shooting to MSG, earning $53.1 million this season under his $220 million supermax. Critics often point to his defense, but you pay KAT for the unicorn factor. This season, he is averaging 21.9 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 21 blocks while shooting 36.6% from the arc and 47.6% from the field. Known for his versatile playing style that combines elite shooting with the on-paint skill, the high salary seems like the apt compensation for what he brings on the hardwood.

5. Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat) – $37.1 Million

Rounding out the top five is the heartbeat of Heat Culture. Currently under the 5-year, $163 million contract, Bam will earn a base salary of $37.7 million this season. His value on the court is derived from his two-way excellence as a center in both defense and offense. This season, he is shooting 46.2% from the field while averaging 17.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
Under the new 3-year extension contract worth $166 million, signed in summer 2024, Bam Adebayo’s salary will boost to $49.8 million in 2026-27 and $53.7 million in 2027-28.

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