Jamal Murray Dethrones Tobias Harris To Become Highest Earning Player Without An All-Star Selection

Jamal Murray has secured his place in NBA history as the highest-earning player ($380 million) without an All-Star selection after signing a massive contract extension with the Denver Nuggets. 

1. Jamal Murray - $380,609,005

2. Tobias Harris - $303,084,872

3. CJ McCollum - $281,115,908

4. OG Anunoby - $274,323,404

5. Cade Cunningham - $269,836,949

6. Evan Mobley - $260,902,037

7. Franz Wagner - $247,019,792

8. Jerami Grant - $241,921,660

9. Harrison Barnes - $220,981,290

10. Nicolas Batum - $209,118,357

Murray agreed to a four-year, $208 million extension, which will keep him with the Nuggets through the 2028-29 season unless traded. This extension adds to his current five-year, $158.2 million deal signed in 2019, bringing his total career earnings to a staggering sum.

Murray’s new contract makes him the top earner among players who have yet to be named to an NBA All-Star team. His $208 million extension elevates him above other notable non-All-Star players, such as Tobias Harris, who has earned $303 million, and CJ McCollum, with $281.1 million.

The Canadian point guard has flourished in Denver, particularly in the playoffs, where his partnership with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic has proved to be one of the league’s most formidable duos. Murray’s performances in high-pressure situations, including leading the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023, have solidified his status as a top-tier talent, even if he has yet to receive the official recognition of an All-Star nod.

Despite missing out on All-Star appearances, Murray’s impact on the Nuggets is undeniable. His scoring ability, leadership, and on-court chemistry with Jokic have made him an essential part of Denver’s success. The organization’s decision to offer such a lucrative extension is a testament to their belief in his importance to the team’s future.

As Jamal Murray continues to build his career, many believe it’s only a matter of time before he earns his first All-Star selection. If he can stay healthy and maintain his level of play, Murray may soon join the ranks of the league's top honors while continuing to enjoy one of the richest contracts in the NBA.

Will Jamal Murray Ever Make An All-Star Team? 

Jamal Murray’s chances of making an All-Star team are hindered by the fierce competition in the Western Conference, particularly among the guard positions. The West is loaded with elite talent, with players like Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen Curry, and Ja Morant likely to dominate All-Star votes due to their immense popularity and stellar play.

Even if you put fan popularity aside, the talent pool is still daunting. Guards such as De'Aaron Fox, Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, Kyrie Irving, and even James Harden, should he remain in the West, are perennial All-Star contenders. All of them bring their own unique set of skills and fan followings that make the All-Star selection a tough field for Murray to crack.

While Murray is undeniably one of the most impactful guards in the league, particularly during playoff performances where he has shined as a clutch player and a key piece in Denver's 2023 championship run, regular-season accolades like All-Star selections are typically more influenced by popularity and individual statistics. Murray, who thrives in team-oriented schemes alongside Nikola Jokic, may not get the same individual shine that some of his competitors do.

However, if Murray can maintain his health and continue his upward trajectory, a breakout regular season with eye-popping stats could boost his chances. Yet, given the fierce competition in the West, Murray’s path to an All-Star selection is challenging, though certainly not impossible.