Average NBA salary? – Total payment players get

In the 2016-2017 season, the average NBA salary of a single-player was $5.1 million, whereas more recently, in 2020-2021, the average salary of an NBA player was $7.5 million. This number can vary significantly based on a player’s experience and play in the league. For example, veteran players who have played in more games and are considered more valuable to their teams make more money than younger players.

On the other hand, there is a significant difference between the salaries of an average NBA player and that of an experienced player with impressive stats. According to the NBA official publications, Stephen Curry, who plays as a point guard for Golden State Warriors, is the highest-paid NBA player with a net salary of $45 million.

The average NBA salary of a basketball player is the highest among all other sports in the US, which is the main reason behind such a luxurious life for NBA players.

Average NBA salary in 2020-2021

In the 2020-2021 season, Stephen Curry was the most expensive NBA player, with a salary of $45 million. The average NBA salary is about $7.5 million, a significant increase from the $5.1 million that players made in early 2016-2017. There has been a large influx of money into the NBA from television contracts and sponsorship deals. This increased revenue has allowed teams to offer higher salaries to players, increasing the average NBA salary.

The average salaries of newbies are way more than intermediate newcomers in other sports in North America. For example, Zion Williamson, a newcomer, is paid $9.7 million and is currently playing for New Orleans Pelicans. 

The NFL and MLB set a minimum of $500,000, and teams cannot pay their players’ salaries below this limit. 

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Top 5 highly paid players

We already know who comes top of the list regarding the most expensive basketball players. Below mentioned are the five most costly NBA players whose salaries are much more than the average NBA salary.

• STEPHEN CURRY

Basketball is a very lucrative business where the average NBA salary is the highest among all other sports, and the most expensive players are often the ones who bring in the most money. One player who has consistently been able to bring in big bucks is Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. Curry is currently the highest-paid player in the NBA, and he’s not close to being done yet. He owns many businesses worth millions of dollars. Furthermore, he has also signed a contract with a crypto currency, meaning his overall income is much more than $45 million.

• JOHN WALL

Wall is the second-highest-paid player in the NBA, with a salary of $44.3 million. He has been with the Houston Rockets and is averaging 20.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game this season.

• RUSSELL WESTBROOK

Russell Westbrook has a salary of $44.2 million and is the third most highly paid NBA player. Furthermore, he has signed contracts worth $30 million with the most prominent sports and auto brands.

• JAMES HARDEN

James Harden is the fourth most expensive NBA player, with a salary of $43.8 million. The Brooklyn Nets’ shooting guard has led the league in scoring for three consecutive seasons and is a four-time All-Star. James owns multiple sports and body-related ventures and increased his net income by more than $43.5 million.

• DAMIAN LILLARD

Damian Lillard is the 5th highest-paid basketball player in the league, with a salary of $43.7 million. He has led the Trail Blazers to their first playoff appearance in franchise history and is looking to help them make it to the postseason again this year. Lillard was drafted with the 7th overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. He has since become one of the most efficient players in the league, averaging 22.4 points.

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Conclusion

The NBA has become a more expensive league due to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. This agreement has led to players being paid more money, which in turn has caused the average NBA salary to increase. While many factors have contributed to this increase, the biggest reason is the new CBA and the accompanying salary cap. As a result, teams must pay more for players, which increases the overall cost of the league.

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