Who Were the Highest Paid NBA Players in 2020? Salary Breakdown Revealed
As I was analyzing the latest NBA salary figures for 2020, I couldn't help but reflect on that fascinating volleyball quote about different players having unique skillsets and styles. You know, that observation applies perfectly to the NBA landscape too. Every superstar brings something distinct to the court, and their compensation reflects not just their stats but their unique value to their teams. Let me walk you through what made 2020's highest earners so special and why their paychecks told such an interesting story about modern basketball economics.
When the numbers came out, Stephen Curry's $43 million contract with the Golden State Warriors absolutely stunned me - and not just because it was the league's highest salary. Having watched his journey from an underrated prospect to a transformative player, I've always felt Curry deserved every penny for revolutionizing how basketball is played. His gravitational pull on defenses creates opportunities that don't even show up in traditional stats. Right behind him was Chris Paul at $41 million, which many critics questioned given his age, but having seen how he transformed the Oklahoma City Thunder's culture and elevated young players, I'd argue he was worth every dollar. The way Paul controls games reminds me of that volleyball analogy - his particular skillset is so unique that teams must adapt their entire approach when facing him.
What really fascinated me were the contrasting styles among the top earners. Russell Westbrook's $38 million contract with Houston showcased the value of relentless athleticism, while James Harden's $38 million reflected his unprecedented scoring creativity. I've always preferred watching Harden's methodical dissection of defenses over pure athletic displays, but that's just my personal bias showing. The truth is, both approaches command maximum money because they work. LeBron James at $37 million represented yet another category - basketball IQ and leadership that transcends statistics. Having followed his career since high school, I'm convinced we're watching the smartest basketball player in history, and the Lakers were essentially paying for championship insurance.
The international players on this list particularly caught my attention. John Wall's $38 million while recovering from injury raised eyebrows, but having seen how his speed changes Washington's transition game when healthy, I understand the investment. Kristian Thompson's presence at $37 million - wait, let me correct that, it's actually Klay Thompson - demonstrates how crucial two-way players have become. His shooting and defense combination is so rare that Golden State paid him despite knowing he'd miss the entire season. That's faith in a very specific, valuable skillset.
Looking at these contracts collectively, what struck me was how teams are paying for distinct solutions rather than just talent. Kevin Durant's $37 million from Brooklyn despite his Achilles injury shows how franchises value proven playoff performers. I've always believed Durant's scoring versatility makes him worth the risk - there's simply nobody who can replicate what he does at his size. Meanwhile, Damian Lillard's $37 million represents the premium on clutch performance and loyalty in today's player movement era. As someone who values franchise players who build legacies in one city, I find Lillard's situation particularly satisfying.
The financial landscape revealed something deeper about team construction philosophies. Having studied NBA economics for years, I notice how the highest earners typically fall into three categories: franchise cornerstones like Curry, specialized weapons like Thompson, and culture-changers like Paul. What's interesting is how these roles are compensated differently across teams. For instance, Blake Griffin's $34 million with Detroit represented their bet on star power revitalizing a franchise, though personally, I've never been convinced his style ages well given his athletic dependence.
As we move down the list, players like Kyle Lowry at $34 million demonstrate how crucial leadership and intangibles have become in salary calculations. Having watched Lowry will Toronto to their championship, I'd argue his value exceeds his statistics - he makes everyone around him better in ways that analytics struggle to capture. Meanwhile, Paul George's $33 million with the Clippers highlights the modern premium on two-way wings, a trend I've noticed becoming increasingly important in today's positionless basketball.
Reflecting on these numbers, what stands out to me is how salary distribution has evolved. We're seeing fewer "max contract" players clustered together on superteams and more franchises investing heavily in their primary stars. This creates more parity and makes for more interesting basketball, at least in my view. The adaptation challenge mentioned in that volleyball quote - having to adjust to different superstar styles night after night - is exactly what makes the modern NBA so compelling. Each high-earner forces opponents into unique strategic adjustments, and that strategic diversity is ultimately what we're paying for as fans.
Ultimately, these salaries tell a story about value recognition in professional basketball. Teams aren't just paying for points and rebounds - they're investing in unique problem-solvers who force opponents to adapt. Having followed the league for decades, I believe we're in a golden age of superstar diversity, where different skillsets can all command top dollar if they produce wins. The financial commitment to these players reflects their ability to make their teams better in distinctive ways, creating the beautiful strategic complexity that makes basketball endlessly fascinating to watch and analyze.
