NBA Finals: A look at the highest-paid player in each Finals since 2000

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is undoubtedly the biggest and most popular basketball league in the world, with every aspiring young basketball player from around the globe eager to make it to the league one day.

In addition to its popularity, the NBA is also one of the richest sports leagues in the world, having witnessed a drastic increase in player salaries since the late 1990s. A major reason for the surge in salaries is the rise in league revenues and lucrative television deals.

NBA and Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan was the highest-paid player in the league during the 1990s, earning $2,500,000. One example that shows how much money has entered the NBA is Tyrese Haliburton, who currently earns $42,176,400.

With the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder currently taking place, here’s a look at the highest-paid players who competed in the NBA Finals each year since 2000:

Highest-Paid NBA Finals Players (2000–2025):

• 2000 – Shaquille O’Neal ($17,142,858)

   

• 2001 – Shaquille O’Neal ($19,285,715)

   

• 2002 – Shaquille O’Neal ($21,428,572)

   

• 2003 – Dikembe Mutombo ($16,105,264)

   

• 2004 – Shaquille O’Neal ($24,749,999)

   

• 2005 – Tim Duncan ($14,260,641)

   

• 2006 – Shaquille O’Neal ($20,000,000)

   

• 2007 – Michael Finley ($19,030,999)

   

• 2008 – Kevin Garnett ($23,750,000)

   

• 2009 – Kobe Bryant ($21,262,500)

   

• 2010 – Kobe Bryant ($23,034,375)

   

• 2011 – Dirk Nowitzki ($17,278,618)

   

• 2012 – Chris Bosh ($16,022,500)

   

• 2013 – Chris Bosh ($17,545,000)

   

• 2014 – Chris Bosh ($19,067,500)

   

• 2015 – LeBron James ($20,644,400)

   

• 2016 – LeBron James ($22,970,500)

   

• 2017 – LeBron James ($30,963,450)

   

• 2018 – Stephen Curry ($34,682,550)

   

• 2019 – Stephen Curry ($37,457,154)

   

• 2020 – LeBron James ($37,436,858)

   

• 2021 – Chris Paul ($41,358,814)

   

• 2022 – Stephen Curry ($45,780,966)

   

• 2023 – Jimmy Butler ($37,653,300)

   

• 2024 – Luka Dončić ($40,064,220)

   

• 2025 – Tyrese Haliburton ($42,176,400)

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