It was an exciting offseason for the NBA as big trades occurred among teams, creating new powerhouses in the league. Below are some of the most lucrative contracts according to ESPN's list involving individual players this season.
1. Kobe Bryant. Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers is set to earn $23,500,000 in the 2014-2015 NBA season, making the 36-year-old veteran the highest paid in the league. In a report by Forbes.com, the guard signed an extension contract for two years with the Lakers in November 2013, valued at $48.5 million.
2. Amar'e Stoudemire. The New York Knicks big man is set to rake in $23,410,988 in the current season.
3. Joe Johnson. The shooting guard of the Brooklyn Nets is set to earn $23,180,790. In a report by BrooklynGame.com, Johnson signed a maximum contract with the Atlanta Hawks for six years in 2010, valued at $123.7 million. After two years, the Nets traded him to play with Deron Williams.
4. Carmelo Anthony. New York's scoring machine recently signed a five-year deal which will make him $22,458,401 richer in the present season. In an ESPN report, his new contract with the Knicks is $5 million less than the maximum. He reportedly agreed to a lower amount to allow the team more financial flexibility. Carmelo's five-year contract is valued at $124 million but includes a no-trade clause and early termination option after the fourth year.
5. Dwight Howard. The Houston Rockets center is to earn $21,436,271.
6. Chris Bosh. After re-signing with the Miami Heat, the center will bring home $20,644,400 for the 2014-2015 NBA season. In a report by USA Today, Bosh landed a maximum contract with the Heat valued at $118 for five years.
7. LeBron James. The superstar chose a lower salary by moving back to the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, he remains as one of the highest paid NBA players in the season with $20,644,400. Players like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard continue to earn income off the court through endorsements for companies like Nike and McDonald's in the same report by Forbes.com.
8. Chris Paul. The Los Angeles Clippers point guard will earn $20,068,563.
9. Deron Williams. The Brooklyn Nets point guard will rake in $19,754,465 based on a report by ESPN.com. Together with Joe Johnson (No. 3), the two comprise a huge portion of the Nets' salary cap.
10. Rudy Gay. The small forward of the Sacramento Kings will earn $19,317,326 in the current season.
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