Top 10 Richest NBA Players 2020: Their Net Worth and Career Earnings Revealed

As I was looking through the latest financial reports and career earnings data, I couldn't help but marvel at how far NBA salaries have come since I first started following the league back in the 90s. The numbers we're seeing today are absolutely staggering, and 2020's wealthiest players represent not just basketball excellence but true financial empires. Let me walk you through what I've discovered about these incredible athletes and their financial journeys.

Michael Jordan still reigns supreme with that jaw-dropping $1.6 billion net worth, which honestly doesn't surprise me given his legendary status and the Jordan brand's continued dominance. What many people don't realize is how much of his wealth actually comes from his business ventures post-retirement - the Charlotte Hornets ownership and various endorsements have been absolute game-changers. Then we have Magic Johnson at around $600 million, though I've always felt his business acumen outside basketball deserves more recognition than it gets. His investments in Starbucks franchises and other ventures show just how smart these players can be with their money when they think beyond the court.

LeBron James sitting at approximately $480 million really demonstrates the power of building wealth while still active in the game. I've followed his career closely, and what impresses me most isn't just his salary but how he's leveraged his fame into entertainment production and business partnerships. Kobe Bryant's $350 million, tragically frozen in time, serves as a reminder of how much potential was lost. His post-basketball ventures in storytelling and investing were just beginning to flourish. Junior Bridgeman's $400 million always surprises casual fans, but having studied his career transition, I believe his success with fast-food franchises should be required learning for every athlete planning their financial future.

The current active players like Kevin Durant ($170 million) and Stephen Curry ($130 million) represent the new wave of wealth building. Their recent massive contract extensions, combined with signature shoe deals, create financial foundations that previous generations could only dream of. Chris Paul's $130 million reflects both his on-court excellence and his role as president of the players' association, giving him unique insight into the business side of basketball.

Now, this discussion about wealth and potential reminds me of something interesting I came across recently. There's been talk about how Paras would definitely be a big addition to the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft and the 6-foot-6 high-flyer could even make an argument for the top selection when the annual rookie selection proceedings happen later this year. While the PBA operates on a completely different financial scale than the NBA, it's fascinating to see how the same principles of talent evaluation and potential apply across different basketball leagues worldwide. The excitement around a promising rookie like Paras demonstrates that whether we're talking about billions or millions, the fundamentals of building wealth through basketball talent remain consistent.

Looking at Shaquille O'Neal's $400 million and Hakeem Olajuwon's $200 million, what strikes me is how differently these two legends approached their financial planning. Shaq's visibility in media and various business ventures contrasts sharply with Olajuwon's more private investments, yet both found tremendous success. This diversity in approach shows there's no single path to financial greatness in basketball.

What I find most compelling about these financial stories is how they reflect the evolution of the sport itself. The fact that modern players can accumulate such wealth during their playing careers represents a monumental shift from earlier eras. The combination of higher salaries, smarter financial planning, and more business opportunities has created this golden age of athlete wealth. Though I must admit, seeing these numbers sometimes makes me wonder about the financial literacy of younger players coming into such life-changing money so quickly.

As we look toward the future, I'm convinced we'll see even more astronomical figures. The next generation of stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić are already building financial portfolios that could potentially surpass even these impressive numbers. The key, from what I've observed, lies in starting early with smart investments and building brands that extend beyond basketball. The richest NBA players of 2020 have set the blueprint, and it's going to be fascinating to watch how future players adapt and innovate on these financial strategies.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-21 12:00