Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has made history by signing a groundbreaking contract extension this summer that positions him as the highest-paid player in NBA history under the current salary cap rules. Earning $68.1 million annually, Gilgeous-Alexander’s salary exceeds the combined payroll of the 2013–14 San Antonio Spurs, a legendary championship-winning team.
The 2013–14 Spurs roster, celebrated for its strength and cohesiveness, earned a total of $63.5 million that season. This team included iconic players such as Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, and Kawhi Leonard, and was led by head coach Gregg Popovich. Playing a team-first style, the Spurs dominated the regular season with 62 wins and went on to defeat LeBron James in the 2014 NBA Finals in five games.
The Contrast Between Past and Present Player Salaries
The Spurs’ 2014 salary structure now appears surprisingly modest considering their dominance. Tim Duncan, the team’s cornerstone, took home $10.4 million, while Tony Parker earned $12.5 million. Manu Ginobili, known for his veteran leadership off the bench, earned just $7 million. Their salaries reflected an era before the massive surge in NBA revenues, which at the time set the salary cap at $58.6 million.
When Kobe Bryant led the league in earnings then, his salary was over $30.4 million, with Dirk Nowitzki trailing at $22.7 million. Today, many high-performing role players such as Tyler Herro, CJ McCollum, and Jerami Grant receive salaries similar to or greater than those figures. Emerging talents like Jonathan Kuminga, Josh Giddey, and Cam Thomas are also pursuing deals exceeding $30 million annually.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Growing Financial Influence
In contrast, top-tier players have seen earnings soar beyond previous limits. Shai Gilgeous–Alexander alone is projected to earn $68.8 million in the 2028–29 season, surpassing the entire salary of the Spurs championship roster. Over the life of his contract, his total value is estimated to reach an astonishing $340 million.
This dramatic increase in pay illustrates the NBA’s economic transformation, driven by expanding media rights, global audience growth, and player branding. The league now operates within a superstar-driven market where elite players command salaries that once would have covered entire championship teams.
The Evolution of the NBA’s Economic Landscape and Its Impact on Players
The change marks a sharp contrast to just over a decade ago when full rosters earned around $60 million combined. Shai Gilgeous–Alexander’s rise from promising talent to marquee star exemplifies this shift. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s firm support of Gilgeous-Alexander highlights a new era for supermax contracts and signals evolving player valuation methods.
As the league continues to expand internationally and capitalize on new broadcasting opportunities, player compensation reflects both financial growth and the increasing importance of individual stars within the NBA ecosystem.