Noah Vonleh has caused quite a stir with his recent claims. Before changing his Instagram bio to “Survivor,” the ex-NBA player claimed that he faced mistreatment from the Chinese Basketball Association’s Shanghai Sharks. He has also mentioned his sports agency, Pensack Sports. However, the legal team of the sports organization has made shocking claims that the athlete owes money to the sports agency. But there’s more to it. Before all the chaos, the ex-NBA player Vonleh played significant time in the NBA.

How much did he earn during this time? The Charlotte Hornets drafted him as the ninth overall pick. He inked a four-year rookie deal with the team, earning approximately $2,524,200, as per Spotrac. However, he played only four games before being assigned to the NBA Development League. This was after he underwent surgery for a sports hernia. 

He then joined the Portland Trail Blazers, where he had his longest tenure, earning nearly $7,913,280. His best game was in 2017 when he scored 11 points and grabbed 18 rebounds to lead the team to clinch a 100–92 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The next year, the team traded him to the Chicago Bulls, and later, he moved to the New York Knicks.

While playing for the Knicks, he made nearly $13,039,928. After brief stints with the Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, and Brooklyn Nets, he went on to play overseas for the Shanghai Sharks in 2021. He made another trip to the NBA for the 2022-23 season with the Boston Celtics. The next season, he was traded to the Spurs, where he was later waived.

Over his seven-year career spanning nine teams, Vonleh earned approximately $16.4 million, according to Spotrac. Afterward, for the 2023-24 season, he played for the Sharks. His contract ended in February 2024, but his financial battle with the team erupted shortly after. He claimed that the organization has yet to pay him his playoff bonus from the 2021-22 season and a portion of his salary from the 2023-24 season, as per TMZ.

What happened between Noah Vonleh and the Shanghai Sharks

Taking to Instagram, Vonleh shared troubles with the team. “They ( Shanghai Sharks ) still owe me my playoff bonus from 21/22 season. They also still owe me the remaining balance of my salary for the 23/24 season.” He also made other claims. As per TMZ, after the athlete’s claims, the organization insisted that these weren’t true and, in fact, that the player owes $235,000 to the agency in agent fees. The report claims that “Pensack Sports won an arbitration case.”

Attorney Mitch Schuster, who is representing Pensack Sports, claimed that the NBPA has also gotten involved to resolve the issue. However, not much has been done. However, Vonleh had already denied all the claims with a new argument. “Adam and Ben Pensack, if you win a case, why would you ask the arbitrator and FIBA to keep it confidential to protect your reputation? 🤔.” the former NBA player wrote in one of his social media posts. 

With both sides doubling down on their claims, the financial battle between Vonleh and Pensack Sports remains unresolved. Whether this dispute will escalate or find resolution remains to be seen.