During the 2018-2019 season, the NBA landscape shifted as several superstars commanded record-breaking salaries, setting new benchmarks for annual earnings. The highest paid NBA player in 2019 reflected both elite performance and long-term contract structures designed to secure top talent through the mid-2020s.
Below is a detailed snapshot of the top salary in 2019, including guaranteed value and key performance incentives that shaped team payrolls and cap planning.
| Player | Team | Annual Salary (2018-19) | Contract Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors | $40,231,758 | Supermax extension |
| Russell Westbrook | Oklahoma City Thunder | $41,358,814 | 2017 contract |
| Chris Paul | Houston Rockets | $38,506,482 | 2013 extension |
| LeBron James | Los Angeles Lakers | $37,436,858 | 2016 supermax |
| Blake Griffin | Detroit Pistons | $33,064,204 | 2013 extension |
Stephen Curry Elevates The 2020s Era
Stephen Curry’s contract extension in 2016 positioned him as the highest paid NBA player in 2019, combining a supermax deal with a history-making three-point record. The Golden State Warriors structured the deal to remain competitive while rewarding a player who transformed modern spacing and shooting.
His annual salary surpassed even veteran stars who signed earlier supermax agreements, highlighting a shift in valuation toward perimeter playmakers who generate spacing and volume scoring. Team payrolls around the league adjusted to account for this new ceiling, influencing trade discussions and draft strategies.
Russell Westbrook And Peak Payroll Commitments
While Curry topped the 2019 list, Russell Westbrook’s aggressive contract from 2017 also dominated conversations around the highest paid NBA player in 2019. The Oklahoma City Thunder committed heavily to Westbrook’s unique combination of speed, playmaking, and volume scoring, aligning incentives through performance bonuses.
Although Westbrook ranked near the top, many teams viewed his deal as more of an exception than a model due to the luxury tax implications and the difficulty of fitting similar contracts into a balanced roster.
Chris Paul And Veteran Supermax Structures
Chris Paul represented another pillar of high-end payroll, leveraging long-term supermax eligibility into a $38,506,482 annual salary with the Houston Rockets in 2019. His deal illustrated how teams value elite point-of-attack guards who can both control pace and mentor younger stars.
Even with significant salary, Paul’s consistency and leadership helped Houston remain competitive, demonstrating that the highest paid NBA player in 2019 often carried intangible benefits beyond box score numbers.
LeBron James And The Lakers Reset
LeBron James signed a reduced supermax contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, landing him among the highest paid NBA player in 2019 at $37,436,858. The move signaled a new era in Los Angeles and allowed the franchise to pursue additional role players around a generational talent.
Though earning slightly less on paper, LeBron’s influence on attendance, media rights, and global branding reinforced how marquee players shape franchise economics well beyond pure salary figures.
Key Takeaways For Navigating NBA Contracts
- Supermax extensions set a new salary ceiling that reshaped roster construction in 2019.
- Teams balanced luxury tax concerns with the competitive upside of signing or retaining the highest paid NBA player.
- Incentive-laden deals allowed stars like Westbrook and Curry to maximize earnings while rewarding on-court impact.
- Young franchises learned to plan multiple years ahead when pursuing or re-signing a top salary candidate.
- Player performance bonuses and no-trade clauses became central to negotiations around the highest paid NBA player status.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who was the single highest paid NBA player in the 2018-19 season?
Russell Westbrook held the top spot with a salary of $41,358,814, edging out Stephen Curry by a narrow margin on an annual basis.
Did the highest paid NBA player in 2019 receive a larger contract than in previous seasons?
Yes, both Curry and Westbrook signed extensions that raised the annual average, reflecting a league-wide trend toward larger and longer guaranteed deals for elite talent.
How did team payrolls adapt to having the highest paid NBA player in 2919?
Teams invested in creative cap management, including trades, two-way contracts, and reduced deals for veterans, in order to accommodate one or two max earners while maintaining roster depth.
Which factors determined the ranking of the highest paid NBA player in 2019 beyond salary alone?
Incentive structures, luxury tax implications, player options, and the overall market for broadcasting and sponsorship revenue influenced how teams approached these marquee contracts.