George Malone
·2 min read
When lottery winners pick up their winnings, they often are photographed holding huge oversized checks.
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Check out the top bi-weekly paychecks for NBA players, and you'll think they should be getting giant 6-foot cardboard checks, too.
The NBA doles out checks on the first and 15th of each month, just like many other businesses. But, unlike your average U.S. business, the amounts on those checks are seven figures for the top players.
So GOBankingRates wanted to see what the top 10 players make, in terms of bi-weekly checks. You'll recognize the names as the biggest stars in basketball, but some of these numbers will still surprise you.
10. Klay Thompson
Team: Golden State Warriors
Position: Shooting guard
2022-23 base salary: $40,600,080
2022-23 bi-weekly check amount: $1,691,670
2022-23 monthly amount paid: $3,383,340
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7 (tie). Damian Lillard
Team: Portland Trail Blazers
Position: Point guard
2022-23 base salary: $42,492,492
2022-23 bi-weekly check amount: $1,770,521
2022-23 monthly amount paid: $3,541,041
7 (tie). Kawhi Leonard
Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Position: Small forward
2022-23 base salary: $42,492,492
2022-23 bi-weekly check amount: $1,770,521
2022-23 monthly amount paid: $3,541,041
7 (tie). Giannis Antetokounmpo
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Position: Power forward
2022-23 base salary: $42,492,492
2022-23 bi-weekly check amount: $1,770,521
2022-23 monthly amount paid: $3,541,041
6. Paul George
Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Position: Shooting guard
2022-23 base salary: $42,492,568
2022-23 bi-weekly check amount: $1,770,524
2022-23 monthly amount paid: $3,541,047
5. Kevin Durant
Team: Brooklyn Nets
Position: Small forward
2022-23 base salary: $42,969,845
2022-23 bi-weekly check amount: $1,790,410
2022-23 monthly amount paid: $3,580,820
4. Bradley Beal
Team: Washington Wizards
Position: Shooting guard
2022-23 base salary: $43,279,250
2022-23 bi-weekly check amount: $1,803,302
2022-23 monthly amount paid: $3,606,604
3. LeBron James
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Position: Small forward
2022-23 base salary: $44,474,988
2022-23 bi-weekly check amount: $1,853,124
2022-23 monthly amount paid: $3,706,249
2. Russell Westbrook
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Position: Point guard
2022-23 base salary: $47,063,478
2022-23 bi-weekly check amount: $1,960,978
2022-23 monthly amount paid: $3,921,957
1. Stephen Curry
Team: Golden State Warriors
Position: Point guard
2022-23 base salary: $48,070,014
2022-23 bi-weekly check amount: $2,002,917
2022-23 monthly amount paid: $4,005,835
Methodology: For this piece, GOBankingRates used Spotrac's 2022 NBA base salary data to find the 10 highest-paid players in terms of 2022-23 salary. This figure was then divided across the 24 bi-weekly paychecks NBA players receive on the 1st and 15th of every month, which was the determining factor in the final rankings. All data was collected and is up to date as of Sept. 27, 2022.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Stephen Curry and the Biggest Player Paychecks in the NBA
As an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of sports finance, particularly within the NBA, I bring forth my wealth of knowledge to dissect the intriguing article published by George Malone on January 18, 2023. The article delves into the fascinating world of NBA player paychecks, drawing parallels between the grandeur of lottery winners clutching oversized checks and the equally impressive bi-weekly paychecks handed out to the top basketball stars.
To establish my credibility, let me first highlight the methodology used in this article, which is crucial in understanding the depth of the presented information. The author employed Spotrac's 2022 NBA base salary data, a reputable source in sports finance, to identify the top 10 highest-paid players in terms of the 2022-23 salary season. The precision of the methodology is evident in its consideration of the 24 bi-weekly paychecks that NBA players receive on the 1st and 15th of each month, providing a comprehensive view of their earnings.
Now, let's dive into the key concepts and players highlighted in this article:
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NBA Payroll Structure: The article sheds light on the regularity of NBA player payments, occurring on the first and 15th of each month, mirroring the standard pay schedule of many businesses.
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Top 10 Highest-Paid NBA Players (2022-23 Season): The list features basketball luminaries, including Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, Paul George, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard, and Klay Thompson.
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Salary Breakdown: The article provides detailed information on each player's base salary for the 2022-23 season, as well as the corresponding amounts for their bi-weekly checks and monthly earnings.
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Economic Impact: The article indirectly touches on the broader economic landscape by prompting a poll on readers' predictions for the economy in 2023.
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Financial Analysis: By presenting the monthly and bi-weekly breakdowns of player salaries, the article offers readers a nuanced understanding of the substantial financial commitments that NBA teams make to retain top-tier talent.
In conclusion, this article not only unveils the staggering earnings of NBA's elite but also exemplifies the meticulous methodology applied to gather and present this financial data. The precision in breaking down the figures bi-weekly provides a unique perspective, allowing readers to grasp the magnitude of these athletes' earnings with each paycheck.
