It’s no secret that there are perks to being an NBA player. Be it the global following or the ability to play the game that you love as a career, there might be very few jobs more fulfilling than this one. But arguably the most life altering aspect of playing in the league is the money that comes with it. And if you are the best at what you do, the NBA stardom could even lead players to become billionaires, like it did to Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

So, as the next regular season looms closer, let’s take a look at the superstars who will take home the biggest pay check this year. And the list will surprise you!

1. Stephen Curry

Well, this one might not come as a shocker. For the last seven seasons, Steph has been the highest paid player in the league. And the story remains the same next season as he is set to make $55.7 million. With the impact he has had on revolutionizing the game and what he means for the Warriors franchise, he was also the first player ever to cross the annual salary mark of $40 million and $50 million. Pretty amazing feat for someone who was once the fourth highest paid player on his own roster!

Yes, as part of his rookie extension, he once signed a four-year $44 million deal because he was yet to prove that he was the best shooter in the world. However, he never viewed it as a setback, “One thing my pops always told me is you never count another man’s money. It’s what you’ve got and how you take care of it. And if I’m complaining about $44 million over four years, then I’ve got other issues in my life.” But the patience finally paid off as he will now be the season’s highest paid player for the eighth consecutive time.

2. Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid

Who is better, Embiid or Jokic? It seems like that has been the conversation ever since the two big men entered their prime. From battling for the coveted MVP trophy to comparing accolades, they have constantly been linked with each other for the last few years. Funnily enough, it looks like they also share a connection in the salary department as both superstars are set to make equal money this upcoming season, which amounts to $51.4 million. Sure enough, that makes them the co-spot holders for the second highest paid athlete next season.

While their annual salary is the same, it comes from two different contracts. In case of The Joker, he will now enter the second year of his five-year $276.1 million deal. Meanwhile, The Process is set to enter the second year of his four-year $213.2 million deal. Unless they sign another extension in the coming years, their salary will remain the same for the next two seasons. However, Jokic has one added year on his contract that will pay him $62.8 million during the 2027-28 season.

4. Kevin Durant

Well, we have entered that part of the list where one team is carrying the burden of multiple massive contracts. With Kevin Durant entering the third year of his four-year $194.2 million deal, he will bag $51.1 million in annual salary next season. Yes, the amount will be paid by the Suns. However, KD initially inked the contract three years ago while he was still a part of the Nets roster. But the very season the deal came into effect, he got traded to Phoenix.

Surely, some of you might be wondering if KD deserves this kind of money now that he is in the later stages of his career. But when you see his numbers, the salary makes perfect sense. Just this past season, he averaged an impressive 27.1 points and stayed healthy for most of the season, missing only seven games.

5. Bradley Beal

Here it comes! Possibly the biggest surprise on this list. Yes, KD is not the only guy on the Suns roster getting paid big bucks next season. Joining him is his teammate Bradley Beal who will make $50.2 million this upcoming season. Well, the deal was struck while he was still on the Wizards roster. Moreover, the first-year salary of his contract was paid by the Wizards. However, after he got traded to the Suns, the onus fell on them to pay Beal’s salary for the remaining four years.

Unfortunately, he has not been able to justify the numbers so far as he averaged only 18.2 points last season and was injured for the majority of games. But heading into next season, he has the chance to get back to his peak form and prove why he deserves the massive salary.

While these are the top five highest earners of next season, here are more notable names and where they rank:

Which name surprised you the most?