Career Earnings: NBA Legends vs. Today’s Stars

Steve Nash and Luka Doncic

The two maestros of Dallas’ franchise over the last 20 years. Steve Nash — the whimsical point guard out of Canada (by way of South Africa), and Luka Doncic — the bruising bull of a ballhandler from the country of Slovenia. Both are high basketball I.Q. players with an unassuming ruthlessness on the court. Nash was a two-time MVP, and as such cashed in quite well. He accumulated $146 million throughout his lengthy career with the Suns, Mavs, and Lakers.

Doncic is just starting his journey as an NBA superstar. At 23 years old, he just signed his rookie extension — paying him an approximated $247 million by the time he turns 27. At that point, he’ll be eligible for the supermax deal. Assuming Doncic stays healthy, he looks like a surefire bet to bank at least half a billion by the conclusion of his playing career.

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Kevin Garnett and Karl-Anthony Towns

When Kevin Garnett signed a massive contract extension with the Timberwolves in 1997, it made him the highest paid player in the league. At the time, Garnett’s six-year, $121 million extension was the richest long-term contract in sports history. As it turned out, Garnett was well worth the deal as he ended up earning 15 All-Star nods and the league MVP in ’04. Over his illustrious career, Garnett earned a reported $343 million in salary.

Following stints with the Celtics and Nets, Garnett returned to Minnesota in 2014 where he began serving as a mentor for two No. 1 overall picks – Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. The latter of which is still with Minnesota, and is already one of the most decorated players in the team’s history. Towns’ upcoming extension will kick in following the 2024 season. When it ends, Towns will have earned $406 million over his career.

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