The NBA’s 2026-27 salary cap shows a clear pattern among its highest-paid players: longevity and elite experience. Ten players earned maximum contracts this season, each with at least nine years in the league. Young stars like Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards will eventually join them, but for now, the max money is reserved for veterans who have proven their worth over time.
The High Salaries and Their Stories
Jimmy Butler leads the list at No. 10 with a $56.8 million salary for the season. Butler signed a two-year, $111 million extension with the Golden State Warriors in February 2025, but both sides face uncertainty after Butler suffered a torn ACL in January. At 36, his return to elite form could determine whether the Warriors have enough offensive talent to win a playoff series. Before his injury, he averaged 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game.
Devin Booker earns $57.1 million, ranking him eighth on the list. Despite his aesthetically pleasing game and volume scoring, Booker’s efficiency has raised questions about whether his upcoming extension truly reflects his value. The two-year max deal will pay him an estimated $64.7 million in 2028-29 and $67.9 million in 2029-30 with a player option. The Phoenix Suns lack the draft assets to surround him with sufficient supporting talent for a deep playoff push.
Karl-Anthony Towns also makes $57.1 million, landing him in the middle of the pack. His contract situation remains fluid, with the New York Knicks reportedly offering a four-year, $200 million extension, while he’s eligible for a deal worth as much as $276 million. If Towns declines his $61.0 million player option for 2027-28 and enters free agency, he could command near-max money elsewhere, though the Knicks will likely negotiate something between their offer and his maximum.
Stars in Philadelphia and Boston
Jaylen Brown earns $57.7 million after the Boston Celtics traded him with three years left on his five-year, $285 million contract. The Celtics faced criticism for this move, especially when considering Brown will make $65.6 million in 2028-29 during his age-32 season. His on/off ratings have never been impressive, suggesting the C’s anticipated his contract aging poorly. Leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a title run could silence critics.
Joel Embiid makes $58.0 million, sharing headlines with Brown in “worst contract” discussions. The 32-year-old center has played just 96 games over the past three seasons due to injuries. If healthy for the playoffs, the Sixers have championship potential; if injured again, he’ll return to those “worst contract” lists with upcoming salaries of $62.6 million in 2027-28 and $67.3 million in 2028-29 with a player option.
Jayson Tatum earns $58.5 million, having returned from a torn Achilles tendon to post 16 strong games last season. Anything less than MVP-level production this year will disappoint. His contract continues growing: $62.8 million in 2027-28, $67.1 million in 2028-29, and $71.4 million in 2029-30 with a player option.
Anthony Davis also makes $58.5 million after a turbulent few years. He signed a three-year, $175.4 million extension with the Los Angeles Lakers in August 2023, then was traded to the Dallas Mavericks before it began, and later landed with the Washington Wizards. Davis seeks another major payday, but the Wizards prioritize cap space for their young core, making a massive new deal unlikely.
Giannis Antetokounmpo earns $58.5 million with a guaranteed contract and a $62.8 million player option in 2027-28. While a shocking departure would be unexpected, Heat fans remain nervous until he signs long-term. Antetokounmpo cannot sign a four-year extension until Jan. 6, leaving the team to rely on a dominant start to secure his commitment.
Nikola Jokić tops the list at $59.0 million. Like Antetokounmpo, he could become a free agent next offseason, though he’s stated he’ll re-sign with the Denver Nuggets “if they want me.” The Nuggets definitely want him. Jokić faces a strategic decision: extend now for a four-year, $276 million deal, or decline the player option and potentially unlock a five-year offer exceeding $355 million as a free agent.
Stephen Curry will lose his position as the NBA’s highest-paid player after this season.
Contract Crossroads for Veterans
Anthony Davis finds himself at a critical juncture in his career. After being traded from the Lakers to the Mavericks and then to the Wizards, he enters free agency with the expectation of securing one final major contract. The Wizards’ focus on building through their young core means they likely won’t match whatever deal Davis commands, leaving him to prove his value on the court for whichever team offers him the richest extension.