As I sat courtside at the Crypto.com Arena last night watching Steph Curry drain yet another impossible three-pointer, it struck me how much the point guard position has evolved. We're no longer just talking about floor generals who distribute the ball - today's elite point guards are franchise cornerstones, cultural icons, and increasingly, the highest-paid athletes in basketball. The question that's been buzzing around NBA circles lately is simple yet fascinating: who are the highest paid point guards in the NBA this season?
Having covered the league for over a decade, I've witnessed the financial transformation of this position firsthand. When I started out, point guards were often the third or fourth highest-paid players on their teams. Today, they're frequently the ones signing those supermax contracts that make your eyes water. The money has become absolutely astronomical, reflecting how crucial these players have become to their franchises' success both on and off the court. I remember when $20 million per season seemed outrageous for any player - now that's almost entry-level money for starting-caliber point guards.
Let's dive straight into the numbers, because frankly, they're mind-blowing. Damian Lillard tops our list with his four-year, $176 million supermax extension that kicks in next season, putting his 2023-24 earnings at a cool $45.6 million. Right behind him is Stephen Curry at $43.8 million - though honestly, given what he's done for the Warriors franchise, he might be underpaid. What's remarkable is how these figures would have been unimaginable even five years ago. I was looking at some old salary caps the other day, and the entire 2003-04 Warriors payroll was less than what Curry makes this season alone.
The financial landscape for point guards reminds me of something boxing promoter Tom Gibbons recently said about superstar compensation: "A win here puts him in the stratosphere that he's bigger than anybody in boxing and a lot of sports in the world. This isn't a Las Vegas story. This is a worldwide story." That exact sentiment applies to today's elite NBA point guards. When Curry has a big game, it's not just a Bay Area story - it trends globally. When Lillard hits a game-winner, it dominates sports conversations from Portland to Shanghai. Their impact transcends their home markets, which explains why teams are willing to pay them stratospheric salaries.
What fascinates me about these contracts isn't just the numbers but what they represent. Teams aren't just paying for production on the court - they're investing in brand building, ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and global recognition. I've spoken with several team executives who admit privately that having a superstar point guard is the single best marketing asset an NBA franchise can have. They drive engagement, attract other talent, and become the face of billion-dollar organizations. The Oklahoma City Thunder are paying Shai Gilgeous-Alexander $33.4 million this season not just because he's an All-Star caliber player, but because he's become synonymous with their rebuild and future aspirations.
The international appeal factor can't be overstated. I've attended games in London and Paris where fans specifically bought tickets to see Curry or Lillard play. Their jerseys outsell those of players at other positions in markets as diverse as China, the Philippines, and Australia. This global recognition creates revenue streams that extend far beyond the basketball court, making these massive contracts smarter business decisions than they might initially appear. The Golden State Warriors' valuation has increased by over 300% since Curry's first MVP season - coincidence? I don't think so.
Looking down the list reveals some interesting patterns. Third on our list is Chris Paul at $30.8 million - still getting paid like a superstar despite being in the twilight of his career. Then comes Kyrie Irving at $30.5 million, though his situation in Dallas feels somewhat unstable to me. What's particularly telling is how many of these highly compensated point guards have either won championships or taken their teams deep into the playoffs. Success and salary increasingly go hand in hand at this position.
The salary explosion does raise questions about sustainability. I've heard concerns from some front office people about whether paying one player 35-40% of the salary cap makes it impossible to build a complete roster. The counterargument, which I tend to agree with, is that elite point guards elevate everyone around them in ways that players at other positions simply can't. They control tempo, create easy opportunities for teammates, and often serve as extensions of the coaching staff on the floor. Their value extends beyond traditional statistics.
What often gets lost in these discussions is how these contracts impact the next generation. When Ja Morant becomes extension-eligible, he'll likely command a similar supermax deal that could approach $50 million annually. The rising tide of point guard compensation lifts all boats, setting new benchmarks for what young stars can demand. I've noticed teams are increasingly willing to pay premium prices for point guards who can both score and facilitate, viewing them as two-way value creators.
As I reflect on the current landscape, it's clear we're witnessing the golden age of point guard compensation. These players have transformed from role players to centerpieces, and their paychecks reflect that evolution. The question of who are the highest paid point guards in the NBA this season reveals more than just numbers - it tells a story about how the game has changed, how value is assessed, and why certain players become worth their weight in gold to their organizations. The financial recognition finally matches their on-court importance, and honestly, it's about time.