Vernon Maxwell Net Worth: NBA Earnings, Endorsements, Business Ventures, and More

Vernon Maxwell has had a controversial life but he did not fail when it came to stepping on the hardwood. He might’ve played for 8 different teams, but he did not lack. Yep, not only did he display some impressive performances in the league but also won 2 championships.

Born on September 12, 1965, Maxwell showed signs of excellence on the court right from his high school days. If not our words, his Mr. Basketball of the State of Florida award should speak volumes about this. It may surprise some that he was also an all-state defensive back in football. But turns out, the NBA was his ultimate calling. While most aspects of his career are known, his finances remain a mystery. So let’s have a closer look at his net worth, league earnings, and more.

Vernon Maxwell’s NBA earnings

Over 13 seasons spanning the late 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, Maxwell’s fiery playing style—and equally fierce off-court demeanor—made him a player you simply couldn’t ignore. Thanks to his league earnings, as per Celebrity Net Worth, his net worth stood at $4 million by 2024. 

Maxwell’s story began at the University of Florida, where he played college ball from 1984 to 1988 under coach Norm Sloan. As a 6-foot-4 guard, he didn’t just play—he dominated. Thus leaving the school with 15 Gators team records. For two straight seasons, the 2x NBA champ averaged over 20 points per game, cementing himself as a star. But here’s the twist: those stats were erased.

Mad Max got caught in a scandal involving money from agents and a free trip to a basketball camp. It’s a tough pill to swallow for Gators fans, but it’s part of the rollercoaster that is the Mad Max story. Fast forward to the 1988 NBA Draft and he was picked 47th overall by the Denver Nuggets. But before Vernon Maxwell could settle in, he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs for a future second-round pick. His exact earnings in those first two seasons remain undisclosed.

But by the time he landed with the Houston Rockets in his third season, HoopsHype reports he pocketed $250,000 for the season. Fast forward a few years, and he hit his career-high payday during his final season with the Rockets, pulling in $1.83 million. The following 1995–96 season, however, brought another twist.

Maxwell joined the Philadelphia 76ers and earned $1 million for the year. But he also received $343,000 from the Rockets that season. Double-dipping? Well, not exactly. If anything, most likely just the quirks of NBA contracts. And then there’s the curious case of the New York Knicks.

HoopsHype reports Maxwell received $473,000 from the New York Knicks in his last season. This was even when he played his final season with the Dallas Mavericks. Confused? Let’s clear it up. Mad Max was set to join the Knicks, but their GM, Scott Layden, decided he wasn’t the right fit. However, because of his guaranteed contract, he got paid anyway. Thus closing his NBA earnings at $13.1 million.

Other potential sources of income that contributed to Maxwell’s net worth

When you think of Vernon Maxwell, his fearless plays and personality on the court probably come to mind first. But did you know his financial success isn’t just about his NBA contracts? The 2x NBA champ was smart about leveraging his popularity.

He struck endorsement deals with big names like Converse and Dr. Pepper. It’s no surprise—his dynamic energy made him the perfect fit to represent these iconic brands, bringing in a healthy boost to his income. And let’s talk investments.

While Maxwell has kept the details under wraps, he’s dabbled in real estate and other business ventures, as reported by Sporting Lad. This shows he wasn’t just playing for the moment; he was planning for the long game.

The 2024 debt controversy of Vernon Maxwell

NBA players share a special bond. To make it to the league, you’ve got to be one of the best in the world, and that journey creates a certain brotherhood. But what happens when that bond breaks? That seems to be the case between Maxwell and Vincent Askew. Mad Max recently took to social media to warn his NBA peers about lending Askew money, claiming he’s owed $10,000.

“I want all my NBA brothers to know one thing about this one n**a that’s in our fraternity… He ain’t sh*t,” Maxwell said in a fiery video. “If this n**a calls you and asks you for any type of money… [He] is lying… [His] name is Vincent Askew… Owes me $10,000. And I want my money.” 

It’s a bold accusation, but here’s the kicker–Askew reportedly made around $5.8 million during his NBA career. Adjust that for inflation, and you’re looking at $12.1 million. It is unclear what went wrong where though.

Now, $10,000 might seem like a drop in the ocean for someone like Mad Max, who reportedly has a net worth of $4 million. But, as the 2x NBA champ clarified, in his video, he’s going through a rough patch since his divorce among others. More than that, it’s about the principle of the thing rather than his $4 million net worth.