NBA rookies entering the league in 2022 could conceivably earn more than $1 billion in player contracts alone based on the existing contract structures and project cap increases during the course of their careers.
A player drafted this year would make roughly $144 million over the first three years of his designated max extension, and then could sign another extension. In 2032, with a projected salary cap at about $200 million, he could sign a five-year, $403 million deal. When that contract runs out, there could be another three-year, roughly $287 million deal waiting.
Nine players made $20 million or more during the 2015-16 season, with Kobe Bryant topping the list at $25 million. Ten players are already set to make more than $50 million during the 2025-26 campaign.