Who Were the Highest Paid NBA Players in 2020? Salary Breakdown Revealed

I still remember opening my first NBA paycheck back in the day—it felt like winning the lottery. But what we earned then pales in comparison to today’s astronomical figures. When I dug into the financial records for 2020, the numbers were staggering enough to make even a retired veteran like me do a double-take. Who were the highest paid NBA players in 2020? The salary breakdown revealed some fascinating patterns about how the league values different types of talent, and it’s not just about scoring averages or championship rings.

Let’s start with the obvious names. Stephen Curry topped the list with a jaw-dropping $43 million from the Golden State Warriors alone. That’s more than some entire teams paid their starting lineups a decade ago. Right behind him was Chris Paul, pulling in $41 million from the Oklahoma City Thunder—proof that elite point guards who can control the game’s tempo are worth their weight in gold. Then you’ve got Russell Westbrook at $38 million and LeBron James at $37 million, two players whose impact transcends statistics. I’ve always believed that players like LeBron don’t just earn their paychecks on the court; they’re franchises unto themselves, driving ticket sales, merchandise, and even regional TV deals. Seeing these numbers confirmed my long-held view: the NBA rewards those who shape the culture of the game, not just the box score.

But here’s where it gets interesting. The salary structure isn’t just about individual brilliance—it reflects how teams adapt to evolving playstyles. I was chatting with a volleyball coach recently, and she mentioned something that stuck with me: “It’s just probably the style of volleyball. It’s very different. Different hitters, everybody hits really different, everybody has a different skillset. Just adapting to that on the fly, that’s been the biggest challenge but it’s an exciting challenge.” That resonated deeply because the NBA is going through a similar transformation. Look at James Harden, who earned $38 million in 2020. His unorthodox step-back threes and foul-drawing artistry forced the entire league to adjust defensive schemes overnight. Or take Kevin Durant, who cashed in $37 million despite coming off an Achilles injury—teams are willing to bet big on unique skillsets that can’t be easily replicated. Adapting to these stylistic shifts is what separates good GMs from great ones.

Now, I’ve got to be honest—some of these contracts had me scratching my head. John Wall earned $38 million while rehabbing a major injury, and Blake Griffin pocketed $34 million despite clearly being past his prime. As much as I respect these athletes, it’s hard not to question the front-office logic here. In my playing days, longevity was prized above all else, but today’s league seems to overvalue potential and past reputations. That said, the financial landscape has changed so drastically that $30 million is almost the new baseline for All-Stars. When you factor in endorsements, the earnings are even more eye-watering. LeBron, for instance, likely doubled his on-court income through deals with Nike and Sprite, pushing his total earnings toward the $90 million mark. It’s a reminder that the question of who were the highest paid NBA players in 2020 isn’t just about salaries—it’s about total influence.

What does this mean for the future? Well, if 2020 taught us anything, it’s that hybrid players—those who can shoot, defend multiple positions, and create for others—will continue to cash in. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s $27 million that year already feels like a steal given his back-to-back MVP wins. Personally, I’d have loved to see more two-way specialists like Kawhi Leonard ($32 million) climb higher on the list, but the market still favors flashy offensive numbers. As the league speeds up and prioritizes spacing, I wouldn’t be surprised if the 2025 salary leaders are players we haven’t even heard of yet—ones who perfect the “on the fly” adaptation that defines modern basketball. So while Curry and LeBron dominated the 2020 earnings report, the next wave of stars is already rewriting the rules, and honestly? I can’t wait to see how it plays out.