The 25 Highest Paid NBA Players for the 2015-16 Season
Los Angeles Lakers
Despite recent injuries and underwhelming performance on the court, the 37-year-old shooting guard maintains his rank as the highest paid player. Will big money translate into a big year?
Brooklyn Nets
In his 15th NBA season, the small forward is a seven-time All-Star and the most veteran player on the Brooklyn Nets.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The small forward has returned to his home team with a smart contract that expires just in time for the 2016-2017 season, when the salary cap jumps to $89 million.
New York Knicks
The 31-year-old small forward sat out much of last season due to a knee injury and is returning to a team that pundits predict will once again perform poorly this year. Knick fans may not be in a Melo mood.
Houston Rockets
The center has promised he’ll be ready for the 2015-2016 season, despite recent reports of persistent back injuries.
Miami Heat
After a serious health scare last seasons with blood clots in his lungs, the power forward has returned to prove he deserves to be one of the highest paid players in the league.
Los Angeles Clippers
Paul and the Clippers are looking to finally get over the conference semifinals hump. The point guard is also the president of the NBA players union has become a major advocate for players’ rights.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Back from injury, the small forward is looking to recapture his scoring crown and lead the Thunder deep into the playoffs. It may be his last chance to win a title in Oklahoma City, as Durant will become a free agent next year, just in time to take advantage of the higher salary cap.
Chicago Bulls
The oft-injured point guard is coming back from a left orbital fracture. Can he stay on the court enough to help the Bulls make a run at the favored Cavs?
Miami Heat
Wade will be leading a rebuilt Heat team in pursuit of a fourth ring after missing the playoffs for just the second time in his career.
San Antonio Spurs
The power forward joined the Spurs during the offseason, accepting a four-year $84 million contract to leave the Portland Trailblazers.
Cleveland Cavaliers
After a disappointing season last year, the power forward decided to stick with the Cavs, signing a five-year, $113 million contract.
Memphis Grizzlies
The center averaged more than 17 points per game last season. In a recent poll of NBA general managers, he was voted the best center and the best international player in the league.
Los Angeles Clippers
Is it us, or does it seem like the 6-foot-10 power forward is getting paid just a few pennies for every monster jam?
Atlanta Hawks
The All-Star power forward averaged nearly 17 points per game last season as the Hawks racked up 60 wins and earned the top playoff seeding in the Eastern Conference.
Indiana Pacers
The small forward played just six games last season before a leg injury sidelined him. He has said he’s back and ready to play this season. Can he make Indiana a force again?
Oklahoma City Thunder
The point guard averaged more than 28 points per game last season, and he combines with Kevin Durant to give the Thunder as potent a 1-2 punch as any team in the league.
San Antonio Spurs
The 24-year-old small forward has been called the most underrated superstar in the NBA. He is the reigning defensive player of the year.
Oklahoma City Thunder
He signed a four-year, $70 million deal with the Thunder this season, despite weak defense that's considered a liability for the team.
Chicago Bulls
The shooting guard for the Chicago Bulls is so determined to never look back that he had his car’s rearview mirror removed. Butler has emerged as a star to lead the Bulls through Derrick Rose's injuries.
Orlando Magic
The 23-year-old small forward just signed a four-year, $64 million contract, suggesting that if you don't know his name yet, you will soon.
Washington Wizards
The two-time All-Star point guard, now 25, was the No. 1 draft pick in 2010 but may just be entering his prime.
Sacramento Kings
The center for the Sacramento Kings has a four-year contract worth $62 million.
Houston Rockets
The shooting guard made headlines off the court recently when girlfriend Khloe Kardashian reportedly called a timeout on their relationship and decided to rethink her divorce to former NBA player Lamar Odom.
Los Angeles Lakers
The 7' 2" center dropped 15 pounds in the offseason to keep up with the faster pace of today’s NBA play.