TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the most famous professional basketball league in the world. Headquartered in New York, the NBA features 30 teams across North America, showcasing some of the most recognized basketball players globally.
These athletes are celebrated for their exceptional skills on the court and off the court and for working effectively with their teammates. Among the thousands of players, some are reported to earn significant salaries for their talents. Stephen Curry, as a prime example, holds the title of the highest-paid NBA player in 2024. Boasting US$55.8 million, the 36-year-old athlete becomes a major figure in the sport.
Let’s discover the 10 highest-paid NBA players in 2024, as per Directv.
Born on March 14, 1988, Stephen Curry is considered the greatest shooter of all time. This NBA player inherited his impressive talent from his father, the notable Dell Curry. He started his basketball career from his college days at Davidson (North Carolina) College, establishing himself as a national sensation for leading all first-year players in the country.
In 2009, he entered the NBA Draft and was selected by the Golden State Warriors. Curry has consistently showcased his unparalleled gameplay, contributing to the team’s winning in two FIBA World Championships and the 2024 Olympics. For his exceptional abilities, Curry shines as the highest-paid NBA player in 2024 with US$55.8 million.
Nikola Joki of the Denver Nuggets is best known for thriving in the center position, marking his name as the greatest center in basketball history. Nicknamed “the Joker,” Joki’s versatility and playmaking skills have earned him numerous appreciation, including three NBA MVP Awards.
The Serbian athlete was once introduced to basketball by his two brothers. Although he showed a great interest in horse racing, his family fostered his basketball gifts after his gameplay in his hometown. He started his professional career at the age of 17 and is now the second highest-paid NBA player in 2024, with a salary of US$51.4 million.
Joel Embiid comes in third place among the highest-paid NBA players in 2024. Earning a salary of US$51.4 million, the Cameroonian athlete is recognized for his outstanding skills in scoring, ball handling, and defensive play on the field.
Growing up with the desire to delve into a volleyball career, Embiid’s basketball abilities were improving as time went by. From competing in camps to becoming a shining star in college basketball, Embiid eventually entered the NBA Draft in 2014 and became one of the Philadelphia 76ers’ top players.
Kevin Durant secures an astonishing number of salaries from being one of the NBA’s most respected players, reaching US$51.2 million. Entering the league at such an early age of 19, Durant distinguished himself with his excellent agility and shooting ability which earned him the 2013-14 NBA MVP Award.
He began his journey in the sport by playing during his high school days, which continued for one season in college. He was then selected by the Seattle SuperSonics with the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. In recent years, Durant had some injuries that affected his participation in his new team, Phoenix Suns, to which he was traded during the 2022-23 season.
Another of the Suns’ shining stars on the list, Bradley Beal’s noteworthy shooting ability was taught to him by his own mother, who was once a basketball player herself. As the team’s shooting guard, he achieved an epic feat by scoring more than 50 points in back-to-back games during the 2019-20 season. A three-time All-Star, Beal’s performance earned him a salary exceeding US$50 million this year.
Jaylen Brown is the long shooting guard and small forward for the Boston Celtics. Since becoming the team’s third overall pick in 2016, Brown showed a significant improvement in his abilities. From falling short to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals to winning the MVP title in the Eastern Conference Finals, Brown’s striking scoring ability and persistent defense skill have not only elevated his game but also helped him secure an impressive salary of US$49.7 million.
Devin Booker’s 1.98m height benefits him as the Suns’ brightest shooting guard. His remarkable footwork is a result of his post-practice routine and his past role as the post. His NBA debut in 2017 quickly earned him the recognition he deserved as a shooting guard, leading to his participation in the 2016 Three-Point Contest. The once rookie continues to transform into one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers, drawing a salary of US$49.2 million.
Currently playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, Paul George has been thriving as a prime scorer and leading defender for some teams throughout his time in the NBA. Little George was a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers who played basketball as a consolation due to his mother’s stroke. He was known to be a promising player, yet needed encouragement to truly hold the game.
George was selected with the tenth overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers, and since then he has continued to improve. This year, he boasts a great salary of US$49.2 million.
Born in Los Angeles, California, Kawhi Leonard’s outstanding skills were always seen since his childhood. He was offered several times to play in basketball programs, indicating his gifted skills. In the 2011 NBA Draft, he was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 15th overall pick. Often regarded as one of the best defenders in NBA history, he currently plays for the Los Angeles Clippers and earns a salary of US$49.2 million.
The New York Knicks’ versatile center, Karl-Anthony Towns, completes the list as the tenth highest-paid NBA player. With a salary of US$49.2 million, he is a key player for his team who excels in three-point shooting and dominates inside. He is the only player in NBA history to shoot 55% on at least 2,000 two-point attempts, further underscoring his remarkable ability.
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