The 15 Richest NBA Players of All Time

By Amanda Sklarek

Richest NBA Players of All Time

Los Angeles Lakers VS Boston Celtics — Being a professional basketball player isn't the only occupation these athletes have been able to cash in on. From rapping to reality shows, these NBA players have a long resume of profitable endeavors. Here are the 15 richest NBA players of all time.

15. Amar’e Stoudemire - $95 million

Amar’e Stoudemire

15. Amar’e Stoudemire - $95 million

Amar’e Stoudemire — Stoudemire is currently a member of the New York Knicks, where he made a little over $ 18 million last season. Stoudemire has also acted in several television shows, launched his own clothing line and written children’s books.

14. Dwight Howard - $100 million

Dwight Howard

14. Dwight Howard - $100 million

Dwight Howard Houston Rockets — Howard is a center for the Houston Rockets. Dwight made a little over $ 21 million in the NBA alone last year. Not bad for a 28-year-old.

13. Ray Allen - $100 million

Ray Allen

13. Ray Allen - $100 million

Ray Allen Miami Heat — Allen’s salary has decreased over the years, earning only a little over $ 3 million last season, but he is still one of the most prosperous players currently in the league. Allen has also appeared in movies and served as a spokesperson for the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA programs.

12. Yao Ming - $120 million

Yao Ming

12. Yao Ming - $120 million

Yao Ming — One of the tallest men to ever put on an NBA jersey is also one of the wealthiest. The now retired center makes most of his money through endorsements. Ming has endorsed both Nike and Reebok and has been involved with Pepsi, Apple and Visa.

11. Dirk Nowitzki - $120 million

Dirk Nowitzki

11. Dirk Nowitzki - $120 million

Dirk Nowitzki Dallas Mavericks — This German-born player is one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history. He currently plays for the Dallas Mavericks and makes about $ 19 million a year.

10. Gary Payton - $130 million

Gary Payton

10. Gary Payton - $130 million

Gary Payton — Payton is now retired, but he is best known for being a member of the Seattle SuperSonics for 13 years. Payton has appeared in several movies including "White Men Can’t Jump", "Eddie" and "Like Mike". Payton is an advocate for bringing an NBA team back to Seattle, which he would like to be part of if one ever materializes.

9. Tim Duncan - $150 million

Tim Duncan

9. Tim Duncan - $150 million

Tim Duncan San Antonio Spurs — Duncan earned about $ 10 million last year. In Duncan’s spare time, he enjoys keeping low key and doing charity work.

8. Grant Hill - $180 million

Grant Hill

8. Grant Hill - $180 million

Grant Hill — Along with being an NBA star, Hill has acted in television shows, commercials and has even appeared in a music video. Hill has endorsed products such as Sprite. When Hill endorsed Sprite, he was part of an advertising campaign known as “Grant Hill Drinks Sprite.” It is Sprite’s longest-running advertisement to date. Grant has also been a spokesperson for McDonald’s.

7. Kevin Garnett - $180 million

Kevin Garnett

7. Kevin Garnett - $180 million

Kevin Garnett Brooklyn Nets — The 15-time All-Star earned a little over $ 44 million last year. Garnett currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets, and if he doesn’t end up retiring soon, his wallet is going to get even fatter.

6. Hakeem Olajuwon - $200 million

Hakeem Olajuwon

6. Hakeem Olajuwon - $200 million

Hakeem Olajuwon — Olajuwon is considered to be one of the most talented centers to ever step foot on a court. Since retirement, Olajuwon has opened a Big Man Camp, which teaches young players how to thrive in the post.

5. Kobe Bryant - $260 million

Kobe Bryant

5. Kobe Bryant - $260 million

Kobe Bryant trophies — Bryant has racked up millions from endorsement contracts. The two-time Olympic gold medalist has promoted several products and businesses such as Sprite, McDonald’s and Spalding basketballs. Add the wages made from these endorsements to his $ 30 million a year salary and you have yourself one affluent athlete.

4. LeBron James - $270 million

LeBron James Miami Heat

4. LeBron James - $270 million

LeBron James Cavaliers — Aside from being the greatest basketball player in the game right now, James is also the most well-off. James endorses businesses and products like Coca-Cola, State Farm and Nike. Between James’ endorsement checks and NBA salary, he could drop everything tomorrow and not have to work another day in his life.

3. Shaquille O’Neal - $350 million

Shaquille O’Neal

3. Shaquille O’Neal - $350 million

Shaquille O’Neal — Did you know that the four-time NBA champion used to rap? Shaquille -- or better known as “Shaq” -- released five studio albums. Besides rapping and owning the court, O’Neal has appeared in movies and dozens of television shows, including a reality show called Shaq VS. O’Neal has also appeared in several commercials for Pepsi, Reebok and IcyHot. One of his most recent ventures includes becoming minority owner of the Sacramento Kings.

2. Magic Johnson - $500 million

Magic Johnson

2. Magic Johnson - $500 million

Magic Johnson — The Hall-of-Famer has done everything from creating his own talk show to running his own record label. Johnson runs Magic Johnson Enterprises which includes subsidiaries such as Magic Johnson Theater and and Magic Johnson Entertainment. Johnson was also an NBA commentator for TNT for seven years. Needless to say, Johnson is one busy, rich man.

1. Michael Jordan - $1 Billion

Michael Jordan

1. Michael Jordan - $1 Billion

Michael Jordan — Jordan is not only the world’s most famous basketball player, but he's also the wealthiest. Jordan — who is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time — is also an entrepreneur. He is principal owner of the Charlotte Hornets and has also been a major spokesperson for popular brands such as Nike, Gatorade and Hanes. Jordan is the only billionaire athlete.

Amanda Sklarek is a Pittsburgh Penguins/NHL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandabukowski, “Like” her on Facebook or add her to your network on Google.

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