Stephen Curry is the Highest Paid Player in the NBA Next Season

When it comes to the financial hierarchy in the NBA — Warriors superstar Stephen Curry will be the highest paid player in the 2022-23 NBA season..

According to ESPN — Curry’s contract will have him earn $48 million. Interestingly, Warriors guard Klay Thompson is No. 10 on that list with him earning $40 million next season. Another note in that list of players is that Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook will be the second highest paid player in the NBA and Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James is third — with James earning $44 million next season. 

In July 2017 — Curry signed a $201 million, five-year extension which was the highest contract extension in NBA history until Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden signed a $228 million extension with the Houston Rockets at the time. 

It comes to no surprise that the greatest shooter the game has ever seen commands such a well deserving contract. Because of his injury history early in his career, Curry was unable to sign a max contract and was given a $44 million, four-year extension after his rookie contract. This aligned perfectly with the 2016 season when Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant infamously signed with the Warriors that offseason and created the greatest super team in NBA history. 

It took a while, but Curry got the contract extension that he deserved in 2017. Throughout his journey in the NBA, Curry was always the underdog and someone who flew under the radar. With his breakout season in 2013 and carrying the Warriors to their first championship in over 75 years in 2015, Curry has changed the game forever with his long-distance bombs and unselfish playstyle. 

While most superstars like James or Westbrook got their fair share, few forget that Curry had to wait for his turn and when he did — it came at the perfect time for the Warriors to make their mark on NBA history forever. 

Because of Curry’s unselfish nature, Curry has not yet demanded another extension or even expressed concern with his current financial situation. Besides his luxurious contract, Curry has a multitude of sponsorships that earn him $44 million alone — which is what James is currently getting paid in one season. 

In addition to being the face of the franchise, Curry is also the face of Under Armour basketball — as his Curry signature shoe line is now on its 10th edition. Curry’s deal with Under Armour gains him around $40 million. 

Needless to say, the greatest shooter the world has ever seen has finally gotten what he deserved. When a once-in-a-generational player plays for your franchise, you best treat that player well.

So far, the Warriors organization has been a top-notch example of how to please your superstars. Neither Curry, Thompson nor Warriors forward Draymond Green has ever complained about the financial situation and demanded a trade because of that. 

(Photo credit: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)