The 20 Highest Paid NBA Players in the 2016-2017 Season
The process of hiring a coach or a manager is very different from hiring a player. Coaches are hired based on wins or ability to produce wins (sometimes ability to build teams even if they’re losing). However, tons of variables go into hiring and paying players. While ability and stats usually warrant the most money, so can a player’s ability to draw a crowd, fit in a specific role for the team, timing of his contract, and many others.
This year in the NBA, after a multi-billion dollar TV deal, salaries for 2016-2017 and beyond are going to be extremely high as compared to previous seasons.  The players who got to take advantage of this new deal fill up this list, so seeing guys like Stephen Curry not on here (or Lebron James not be #1) might be a surprise.
In any event, here are the players who will be earning the most money (salary) in the 2016-2017 NBA season:
Mike Conley Jr.
Conley is the son of Olympic gold and silver medalist triple jumper Mike Conley Sr. Conley has played with the Memphis Grizzlies since being drafted fourth overall in 2007 NBA draft. The veteran point guard recently signed the richest contract ever in NBA history with the Memphis Grizzlies that is worth $153 million. This lucrative contract will see him earn an annual average salary of $30,521,115. In 2016-2017 Conley will earn a base salary of $26,540,100.
James Harden
Born August 26, 1989 in Los Angeles, California James Harden is starting small forward/guard for the Houston Rockets. He started his career playing at Arizona State and was named All-American player of the year in 2009. In that same year Harden was selected with the third overall pick by Oklahoma City Thunder, a team which he helped reach the NBA finals in 2012 and was named NBA sixth man of the year. Harden’s contract ended in 2012 after negotiations with Oklahoma City Thunder failed, and he moved to the Houston Rockets. He is considered one of the most dangerous and skilled NBA players in the league (though his defense is terrible).  Harden’s base salary in 2016-2017 is $26,540,100 and following the recent contract of a 4 year deal with Houston Rockets of $ 118,103,446 will guarantee him an average salary of $ 29,525,862.
Al Horford
Alfred Joel Horford Reynoso was born on June 3, 1986 in Puerto Plata Dominican Republic.  Horford just inked a deal to play with the Boston Celtics. He is the son of former NBA player Tito Horford. He started his career at Grand Ledge high school and in 2004. During college at the University of Florida he became their 4th player to ever score 1,000 career points.
The Atlanta Hawks selected Al Horford with the third overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft. After 9 years in the league Horford now earns a base salary of $26,540,100. His current 4 year deal with the Boston Celtics is worth $113,326,228 and will guarantee him an average salary of $28,331,557. .
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Kyam Anthony currently plays small forward for the New York Knicks. He was born on May 29, 1984 in New York. Carmelo entered the 2003 NBA draft after his freshman season at Syracuse and was selected with the third overall pick by Denver Nuggets. During his stay at Denve,r Carmelo led the team to the playoffs between 2004 and 2010 every year (but they never made it far).  During this time the team two division titles. Anthony’s been named All-Team NBA six times and and All -Star nine times. On February 22, 2011 Carmelo moved to the New York Knicks and in 2013 led the Knicks to their first playoff series win since 2000.  Carmelo will earn a base salary of $24,559,380 in 2016-2017. Currently he in a contract with New York Knicks worth $124,064,681.
Kevin Durant
Durant is now a Golden State Warrior despite spending his last nine seasons with the Oklahoma City thunder. He’s a prolific scorer and excellent defender. He’s been an All-Star every year but a title has eluded him since joining the league. People say that’s why he left Oklahoma. We’re not going to get into that.  His 2 year contract with Golden State is worth $54,274,505, Durant is set to earn a base salary of $26,540,100. He’s estimated to have a net worth $120 million.
LeBron James
James is one of the most successful NBA players in History and perhaps the greatest small forward ever.  He has won three NBA championships in 2012, 2013 and 2016 and also won NBA’s most valuable player awards in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013.  After going number one in the draft as an 18 year old, James has pounded his way through the league and hasn’t slowed down since. After all of his drama of going to Cleveland, leaving for Miami, and coming back to Cleveland, James’s numbers and awards speak for themselves.  Numerous endorsement deals during his 13 years of experience have made James one of the wealthiest NBA players whose current salary is $22,970,500, but more amazing is his net worth which is said to be around $300 million and someday could eclipse $1 billion like Michael Jordan.
Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard is considered one of the best point guards in the NBA. An incredible shooter, he’s been the face of the Portland Trailblazers ever since Lamarcus Aldridge left for San Antonio. Lillard was named an NBA All-Star and NBA Rookie of the year during his first season and has been on a tear since.  After only four years in the league, Lillard cashed in big time. He signed a 5 year contract with Portland worth $139, 88,445 and this will see him earn a base salary of $24,328,425 and an annual salary of $27,997,689.  He currently has a net worth of $10 million.
Chris Bosh
Christopher Wesson Bosh was born on March 24, 1984 Dallas Texas. He joined the Toronto Raptors after being selected fourth overall in the 2003 NBA draft. While at Toronto he became a five-time NBA All-Star and has won a gold medal with the US national team in the 2008 Olympics. In 2010 Bosh left Toronto for the Miami Heat and in 2012 and 2013 he won NBA Finals defeating Oklahoma City and San Antonio Spurs. Chris signed a 5 year contract worth $118,705,300 with Miami Heat earning him a base salary of $ 23,741,060. He is estimated to be worth $50 million.
DeMar DeRozan
Demar Darnell DeRozan was born in August 7, 1989 in southern California and he was selected 9th overall in the 2009 draft, and joined the Toronot raptors. Demar’s career success started in high school when he took Compton High School to a second league championship before moving on to USC.  In 2016 Derozan earned his second all-star appearance as well as a huge showing in the playoffs which earned him a contract worth $139,000,000 with Toronto earning him a base salary of $24,173,913 and an annual average salary of $ 27,800,000. Demar’s net worth is estimated to be $22 million.
Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard was born in December 8, 1985 Atlanta Georgia. He plays center for the Atlanta Hawks and he is an eight-time All-Star, All-NBA team selection and a defensive player of the year. He has won Olympic gold in 2008 with the USA national team. Howard signed a 3 year contract worth $ 70,537,500 with Atlanta and will earn a base salary of $22,500,000 with an annual average salary of $23,512,500. Dwight’s net worth is $100 million.
Chris Paul
Christopher Paul plays point guard for the Los Angeles clippers and is considered by many to be one of the all-time greats at the position. Born in May 6, 1985 he was selected fourth overall in the 2005 NBA draft by the New Orleans Hornets. He was later traded to the Clippers in 2011. Paul is one of the most popular players and holds endorsements deals with companies like State farm and Nike. During his 11 years he has received numerous awards such as winning the NBA Rookie of the year award, two Olympic gold medals, nine NBA All-Star and eight All-Defensive teams.
Paul has a contract already signed with Los Angeles Clippers for 5 years worth $107,343,477 and will guarantee him an annual average salary of $ 21,468,695. Paul’s net worth is estimated to be $75 million.
Chandler Parsons
Chandler Parsons currently plays with Memphis Grizzlies after spending time with the Rockets and Mavericks. Born October 25, 1988 in Casselberry, Florida Parsons used to play for the University of Florida before being drafted by the Houston Rockets with the 38th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft. Parson won NBA All Rookie –second Team and in college was SEC player of the year in 2012 and AP honorable mention ALL- American 2011.
Chandler just signed with the Memphis Grizzlies for 4 years’ worth $94,438,523 which guarantees him an annual average salary of $23,609,639. In 2016-2017 season Chandler is entitled to earn a base salary of $ 22,116,750.
Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes was born in May 30, 1992 in Iowa. He played in North Carolina before being selected by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of 2012 NBA draft with the seventh overall pick.  Currently Barnes signed a 4 year contract with the Dallas Mavericks worth $94,438,525 and he is guaranteed to an annual average salary of $23,609,631. Barnes is estimated to be worth $8.5 million.
Hassan Whiteside
Hassan Niam Whiteside was born in June 13, 1989 in Gastonia and he is the center for the Miami Heat. Before being drafted 33rd overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2010 NBA draft Hassan used to play college basketball in Marshall. Whiteside burst onto the scene after bouncing around different NBA and NBDL teams. He had two breakout seasons with Miami which will earn him an annual average salary of $24,604,885. His 4-year deal is for $98,419,538. In the 2016-2017 season Whiteside will earn a base salary of $22,116,750 and his net worth $12 million.
Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr was born in January 17, 1982 in Chicago. Dwyane entered the league as the fifth pick in the 2003 NBA draft and was named All-Rookie team. As the team’s leader he steered the Miami Heat to their first NBA championship and was named 2006 NBA Finals MVP. In 2008 he led the USA in Olympics to win the gold medal. He also won two more NBA Championships with the Heat and is considered one of the best shooting guards in NBA history. Currently Dwyane is in a 2-year contract with the Chicago Bulls worth $47,500,000 with an annual average salary $23,750,000. He is estimated to have a net worth $ 95 million.
Bradley Beal
Born June 28, 1993 Bradley Beal was selected to join the Washington Wizards with the third overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft. In December of 2012 Beal was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the month. On April 3, 2013 Beal was named to the NBA All-Rookie first team and finished third in voting for the NBA rookie of the year award. Beal is in a 5-year deal with Washington worth $127,171,313 and his base salary is $22,116,750. His net worth is estimated to be $10.5 million.
Anthony Davis
Davis was selected first overall in the 2012 NBA draft by the New Orleans Pelicans. He was born March 11, 1993 in Chicago. Davis was a standout Freshman at Kentucky destined to be in the NBA. He is a three-time NBA All-Star and widely considered to be a top 5 player. Davis signed a 5-year contract worth $127,171,313 with the New Orleans Pelicans, and he stands to earn a base salary of $ 22,116,750. His net worth is $26 million.
Andre Drummond
Andre Drummond joined the Detroit pistons after being selected by Detroit in the first round with the ninth overall pick during April 22, 2012 NBA draft. Born in August 10, 1993 in Mount Vernon New York, he started his career at Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Connecticut becoming a top rated national basketball player. On May 14, 2013 the Detroit Pistons named Andre Drummond to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. He was named an NBA All-Star for the first time in 2016. Currently Drummond is one of the top rebounders in basketball. Drummond signed a 5-year contract on July 15, 2016 with Detroit Pistons worth $127,171,313 and he stands to earn a base salary of $22,116,750 and an annual average salary of $ 25,434,263. Andre’s net worth stands at $7.3 million.
Derrick rose is an NBA player of the New York Knicks and was born in October 4, 1988 in Chicago and raises in the Eagle wood area. Rose’s college years were played for the Memphis Tigers for only one year before being drafted first overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA draft. At 22 success followed him quickly as he was named the NBA Rookie of the year and he became the youngest player to win NBA’s most valuable award in 2011. However a series of tough injuries have hampered the star over the past few seasons and some say he’ll never be the same again. He’s hoping to revitalize his career in New York. Rose earns a salary of $ 21,323,252 which is part of a 5-year deal worth $94,314,380. He has an annual average salary of $18,862,876 and his net worth is $70 million.
Marc Gasol
Marc Gasol, brother to Paul Gasol, is a Spanish national born in Barcelona on January 29, 1985. He plays center for the Memphis Grizzlies and is considered to be a top 3 player at his position. He was drafted 48th overall in the 2007 NBA draft and went on to sign with the Memphis Grizzlies. He won the NBA defensive player of the year award in 2013 and he is also a two-time NBA All-star . Gasol is under contract with the Memphis Grizzlies for 5 years’ worth $113,211,750 and during 2016-2017 he will earn a base salary of $21,165,675 and an annual average salary of $22,642,350.
