The NBA's 25 highest-paid players in 2026-27: Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic headline list

Lots of things change in the NBA on a year-to-year basis. But as the salary cap continues climbing, one thing also remains the same: players continue to earn historic amounts of money.

A decade ago, the NBA's highest-paid players were earning between $25 to $30 million in one season. Flash forward to the upcoming 2026-27 campaign, and that's about doubled, with the highest earner set to carry a cap hit north of $60 million.

While all of the highest-paid players for 2026-27 are recognizable names, some are helping their franchises more than others. 

Here's a look at the highest-paid players for the 2026-27 season and the largest current NBA contracts overall. 

MORE: Which NBA players are most likely to be traded this offseason?

NBA's 25 highest-paid players in 2026-27

Imagn Images

Based on figures from Spotrac, the player carrying the highest cap hit in 2026-27 is the same one who has done the same in every season since 2017-18: Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry.

Curry has continually been the highest-paid player in the NBA as he's aged with the Warriors, signing multiple extensions. Most recently, in 2024, he inked a one-year extension worth $62.58 million that kept him in Golden State through the upcoming 2026-27 season. However, beyond his upcoming age-38 season, Curry is then set to hit free agency next summer. 

Prior to his active extension, Curry was on a four-year, $215.35 million maximum extension with the Warriors. He has led the NBA in cap hit among players in every season since 2017-18. 

Other top earners for the 2026-27 season include the Nuggets' Nikola Jokic, new Miami Heat star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Celtics star Jayson Tatum.

Here's a look at the full leaderboard for NBA player cap hits in 2026-27:

Richest contracts in the NBA 2026-27

Apr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts to his score against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Meanwhile, as for the largest total value on an active NBA contract, the Boston Celtics' two stars are at the top of the list.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown own the two largest total NBA contracts, with Tatum's five-year, $313.9 million extension signed in 2024 being the most significant among all players. Because Curry's playing on just a one-year deal, despite leading all players in 2026-27 cap hit, he doesn't rank high among total contract value.

Other recent stars to cross the $200 million contract value threshold include Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.

Here's a look at the largest active NBA contracts by total value: