Written By: Melanie Garber from NBAFCPRADIO.COM
An NBA player’s value is a reflection of a number of factors – many of which are tracked in a box score. But possibly the biggest factor leading to value that isn’t tracked in a box score is his salary.
Steph Curry is (arguably) the best player in the NBA right now – not only did he just win consecutive MVP awards but he also finished 4th in the voting for Most Improved Player. It’s pretty unbelievable that a reigning MVP would even be considered for the MIP award. But what makes Curry even more obscenely valuable is his salary. The reigning MVP who led the Warriors to a historic 73-9 record was paid only $11.37M for the 2015-16 season. Yup, that’s right – he’s making only $11M. To put this in perspective, Kobe Bryant was the highest paid player this season, and he made $25M. LeBron James made $23M, Kevin Durant and Dwyane Wade each made $20M. Even Klay Thompson made $15.5M. There were 34 players in the NBA this season making at least $15M. Steph Curry ranked 65th on the salary list.
Oh, and he’s only getting $12.11M for next season. Curry’s 4 year/$44M contract is considered the biggest bargain in the NBA. Timing really is everything.
