During the 1990s, basketball player salaries were significantly lower compared to today’s figures, even when adjusted for inflation. However, there were some notable exceptions that stood out amidst a generation of comparatively lower earnings.
A prime example of this disparity is Michael Jordan‘s contract during the 1996-97 season when he claimed his fifth NBA championship. That year, he took home over $30 million, which accounted for 3.75 percent of the overall salary budget for the NBA. If Jordan had played under those same conditions in the current environment, he would have earned nearly $200 million in the 2024-25 season!
Below is a list showcasing the most exceptional salaries in the NBA since 1990, based on the data available.
Unprecedented NBA Salaries
Actual salary: $30,140,000
Percentage of NBA salary expenditure: 3.75 percent
This percentage translates to approximately $196.6 million in the 2024-25 season.
Actual salary: $33,140,000
Percentage of NBA salary expenditure: 3.49 percent
This amount would equate to $183.2 million in the 2024-25 season.
Actual salary: $18,724,000
Percentage of NBA salary expenditure: 2.59 percent
This would equal about $135.5 million in the 2024-25 season.
Actual salary: $14,660,000
Percentage of NBA salary expenditure: 2.45 percent
In today’s terms, that salary would translate to roughly $128.4 million in the 2024-25 season.
Actual salary: $20,500,000
Percentage of NBA salary expenditure: 2.16 percent
This figure would amount to $113.3 million in the upcoming season.
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