Of course no one should feel sorry for Michael Jordan because he’s not on this list. He earned $90,235,000 in his best-of-all-time career (not including the waves of cash from endorsements). But there are dozens of players who have earned more than MJ, including names like Eddie Jones, Damon Stoudamire, Steve Francis, Michael Redd, Erick Dampier, Lamar Odom, Jalen Rose, Mike Bibby, Shawn Marion, Marcus Camby, Kenyon Martin, Brian Grant, Scottie Pippen, Antonio McDyess and on and on. Here are the top earning players in NBA history.
1. Kevin Garnett – $315,372,398
Garnett joins baseball’s Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees as the only professional athlete in North American sports to eclipse the $300 million mark. “K.G.” was the benefactor of two contracts worth more than $100 million during his 19-year career. He has made at least $20 million seven seasons in his career, including $28 million in 2003-2004 with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
2. Shaquille O’Neal – $292,198,327
Kobe’s longtime running mate with the Lakers—and sometimes adversary—played 19 seasons in the NBA with six different teams. In 1995, he signed as a free agent with the Lakers for $120 million over seven years. Shaq made at least $20 million nine years, including $27.7 million in his first year with the Miami Heat in 2004.
