NBA: Top 7 NBA Players with a big fat paycheck in 2020-21

The cash-rich National Basketball Association player's contracts have only seen an upward trend. Top-flight players stand shoulder to shoulder among their counter-parts in the sporting world. Every year, the NBA contracts creates a buzz with exorbitant pricing of their players. 

Here's a list of the few on the top of the money pyramid.

1. Lebron James (Los Angeles Lakers)- $39.2 Million.

"The King" features early on the list, thanks to a 2 year, 85 million dollar extension deal with his current team. The Lakers rewarding him for his unrelenting ways on the court and his promise of getting the LA franchise a Championship. 

The team bestowed all the riches on James,  hoping the team can retain the title for another year or two. Besides, it's a known fact that Lebron brings in close to 50 million dollars through endorsements.

2. Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets)- $40.1 Million

Entering the 2020-21 NBA season fully healthy, Durant is made rich by his $164 million, four years signing with the Brooklyn Nets, a contract that runs through the 2022-23 NBA season. 

Durant, who missed the whole of last season owing to a torn Achilles, got the cash registers running after entering free agency and being lapped up by the Brooklyn Nets. With Kyrie Irving by his side, the Nets hope this is their season.

3. James Harden (Houston Rockets)- $41.2 Million

This All Star's fortunes skyrocketed after joining the Houston Rockets in 2012 after failed negotiations with his former team, Oklahoma City Thunder. 

In 2017, mid-year, Harden signs a 4-year extension for $160 million giving him a total of 6 years with the Rockets and a guarantee of $228 million, making this one of the biggest monetary contracts in NBA History. The Rockets, ensure that Harden continues to remain the face of the team with this enormous dealing.

4. John Wall (Houston Rockets)- $41.2 Million

Wall, signed a $171 million with Washington Wizards in 2017 and not playing a full season thereafter due to injury, drew a plethora of criticism from fans. He stays unperturbed by the opinions proclaiming loudly, "I deserve every share of the contract". Wall, along with the 2023 lottery-protected first-round draft pick, he was traded to the Houston Rockets for Russell Westbrook at the start of December, 2020.

5. Chris Paul (Phoenix Suns)- $41.3 Million

The veteran point guard rose among the money charts in the NBA from a 4-year maximum extension of $160 million. The deal ensures he is not trailing the best in the league. On November 16, 2020, the Thunder traded Paul and Abdel Nader to the Phoenix Suns for Kelly Oubre Jr., Ricky Rubio, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque, and a 2022 protected first-round pick.

6. Russell Westbrook (Washington Wizards)- $41.3 Million

Six seasons and $233 million (guaranteed) contract extension with the Thunder, saw Westbrook laughing all the way to the bank. 

The deal also includes player option through 2022-23. Russell, with "All-Star" like performances every game mostly featuring in the triple-double leaders, may have prompted the Oklahoma team to reward him for his services extensively. 

Russell was traded to the Houston Rockets for the 2019-20 NBA season shaking hands with his Thunder team mate. Hearsay has it that, Westbrook wanted an out due to differences with Harden. Westbrook was traded to the Wahington Wizards for John Wall and a 2023 lottery-protected first-round draft pick.

7. Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)- $43 Million.

Stephen Curry, sits comfortably ahead of everyone on the money table, courtesy a 5 year $201 million supermax extension. He is the first player in the NBA to sign over $200 million. Although Curry missed most of last season, he undoubtedly deserves much more after giving the Warriors, 2 back to back championships. He makes a bundle through eye-opening endorsement deals.

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