The Richest NBA Player By Position

Few athletes in any sport have been as successful off the court as Magic Johnson. The Los Angeles Lakers legend earned about $40 million in career salaries during the 1980s and early 1990s, a figure that pales compared to today’s max contracts. But Magic’s real fortune came after basketball.

He built Magic Johnson Enterprises, a sprawling business empire with investments in movie theaters, Starbucks franchises, real estate, and professional sports teams. Johnson was an early investor in companies like Starbucks and TGI Fridays, flipping those stakes for enormous profits. 

Today, he owns stakes in the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), and Los Angeles FC (MLS). His estimated net worth sits at $1.5 billion, making him the wealthiest point guard of all time and one of the richest athletes ever.

On the court, Magic was a five-time NBA champion, three-time MVP, and one of the greatest playmakers in league history. Off the court, he redefined what it meant to be a businessman-athlete.

Shooting Guard – Michael Jordan ($3.8 Billion)

Michael Jordan isn’t just one of the greatest athletes of all time; he’s also the wealthiest athlete the NBA has ever produced. Jordan’s career earnings from playing salaries totaled around $94 million, with his final two seasons on the Chicago Bulls making him the highest-paid athlete in the world at the time.

But like Magic, Jordan’s wealth ballooned through business. His partnership with Nike birthed the Air Jordan line, which still dominates the sneaker market. Beyond shoes, Jordan built wealth through investments in ownership, most notably with the Charlotte Hornets, which he bought majority control of in 2010 for $275 million and sold in 2023 for $3 billion.

With an estimated net worth of $3.8 billion, Jordan is the richest NBA player in history and a true blueprint for financial dominance post-retirement.

Small Forward – LeBron James ($1.2 Billion)

LeBron James is the only active NBA player to join the billionaire club while still playing. Through 22 seasons and counting, James has earned over $530 million in career salaries, the most in NBA history. But his business savvy elevated him far beyond contract money.

LeBron co-founded SpringHill Entertainment, a production company behind shows like The Shop and films such as Space Jam: A New Legacy. He invested early in Blaze Pizza, which exploded into a national chain, and he’s been heavily involved in endorsements with Nike, Pepsi, Beats by Dre, and more. He also became a part-owner of Liverpool FC and the Boston Red Sox through his ties with Fenway Sports Group.

On the hardwood, LeBron is the all-time scoring leader with four championships and four MVPs, cementing his spot as one of the greatest ever. Off it, he’s ensured his financial legacy will be just as legendary.

Power Forward – Kevin Garnett ($120 Million)

At the power forward spot, Kevin Garnett still leads the pack as the richest retired player in the position. Garnett became the NBA’s first player to sign a $100 million contract back in 1997 and went on to earn a massive $334 million in salaries over his 21-year career, which remains one of the largest totals in NBA history.

Today, Garnett’s net worth is estimated at $120 million, though that figure could have been higher if not for financial mismanagement and legal battles with former advisors. Still, he remains the benchmark among retired power forwards.

However, Garnett’s reign won’t last much longer. Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are set to surpass him soon thanks to their current contracts. Davis is projected to have earned over $511 million by the time his deals are done, while Giannis is guaranteed at least $459 million over the next few years. Both superstars are on pace to reset the financial standard for the position.

Center – Shaquille O’Neal ($400 Million)

Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most dominant forces in basketball history, has parlayed his personality and business sense into a fortune worth roughly $400 million. Shaq earned over $292 million in NBA contracts, playing for six teams across his 19-year career.

But his post-playing ventures have made him a business empire of his own. O’Neal owns a sprawling portfolio that includes restaurants (Papa John’s, Five Guys, and Krispy Kreme franchises), gyms, real estate, and media. He’s been a staple on Inside the NBA, one of the most successful sports shows ever, and is a popular pitchman for brands like Icy Hot, The General, and Gold Bond.

Shaq’s wealth, much like his game, is larger than life. He embodies the idea that athletes can thrive far beyond their playing careers.

From Jordan’s Air Jordans to Magic’s ownership stakes, LeBron’s entertainment empire, Garnett’s record-setting salaries, and Shaq’s branding brilliance, these players prove that NBA greatness extends beyond the hardwood. They’ve set the standard for future generations, showing that while championships matter, financial foresight can make you just as legendary.