The 8 highest paid white NBA players in 2023

• The debate about the highest paid white NBA players is emotive and divisive
• There are studies indicating that white NBA players earn more compared to black players
• Some other studies indicate there is no pay disparity between these players

The debate about the highest paid white NBA players is emotive and divisive at the same time.

Truthfully, a concession on whether white basketball players earn more than black folks remains in limbo. However, there are studies indicating that white NBA players earn more compared to black players. On the other hand, some other studies indicate there is no pay disparity between these players.

A study by the National Basketball Players Association cites that white players earned an average of $6.2 million per year, while black players earned an average of $5.8 million per year. Further, the study indicated that white players had more chances as starters and played more minutes in each game. This is where the salary disparity comes in because black players play fewer minutes per game and most of them don’t make it to be starters.

Inversely, a study by the University of Pennsylvania indicates there is no difference in player pay between white and black players. The study analyzed data from the 2016–17 NBA season and discovered that white players made an average of $6.1 million annually while black players made an average salary of $6.0 million per year. With this background, here are the highest paid white NBA players.

NIKOLA JOKIC

Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic. Photo/The Cold Wire

The Denver Nuggets star earns a fortune from the NBA. His five-year deal with the Nuggets earns him a total of $276,122,630. His average annual salary is $55,224,526 and his basic salary is $47,607,350.

LUKA DONCIC

The Dallas Maverick star has an annual take home of $43,031,940. He agreed to a 5-year, $207 million contract deal after the 2020–21 NBA season. This deal kicked in after the 2021–22 season giving him an annual average salary of $43,031,940.

LAURI MARKKANEN

Lauri Markkanen is definitely among the highest paid white NBA. He agreed to a four-year, $67,470,906 deal with the Chicago Bulls, with a guaranteed $55,426,362 salary and an average annual wage of $16,867,727. Markkanen’s basic salary is $17,259,999 in 2023/2024 in addition to a cap hit and dead cap value of the same amount.

AUSTIN REAVES

Austin Reaves. Photo/Basketball Reaves

The Los Angeles Lakers star consented to a four-year, $53,827,872 pay deal with the Lakers. This deal comes with a guaranteed $53,827,872 of pay in addition to an average annual salary of $13,456,968. Reaves’ base pay is $12,015,150 for the 2023/24 season. His deal also includes a cap hit of $12,015,150 and a dead cap value of $12,015,150.

TYLER HERRO

Tyler Herro has a four-year, $120 million deal with the Miami Heat. It includes a $120 million guarantee and an average annual salary of $30 million. Herro’s base salary for 2023–2024 is $27,000,000, with a cap hit of $27,000,000 and a dead cap value of $27,000,000.  With a six-figure deal, he is undoubtedly among the highest paid white NBA players.

NIKOLA VUCEVIC

Nikola Vucevic renewed his contract with Chicago Bulls in the 2022/23 offseason for three years with a $60 million deal in play. The Bulls are looking for the same output and performance from him in the 2023/24 season given his huge payout.

He carries a lot of responsibility as the Bulls’ starting center, although he has the assistance and support he needs to succeed in that role. The Bulls should immediately return to the Eastern Conference playoff picture if Vucevic averages close to the same figures this season.

JOSH GIDDEY

Josh Giddey of Oklahoma City Thunder has a base wage for the 2023/2024 season. His take-home annually is $6,587,040, and he is playing a role on the Thunder roughly on par with that of everyone else. City tries to take those enormous first steps toward an NBA championship.

In addition to Chet Holmgren’s eagerly awaited return to the field after missing his whole rookie season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has become a superstar. With another player on the field who can score and put himself in a scoring position, Giddey’s ability to create plays will rise. As Oklahoma City seeks to make those enormous first steps toward an NBA title, he is one of the players to keep an eye on. Nevertheless, he is still among the highest paid white NBA players.

ALEX CARUSO

Chicago Bulls star Alex Caruso has an annual salary of $9,460,000. Over the years, Caruso has evolved into somewhat of a folk hero within the NBA. It’s unclear whether it’s due to his remarkable athleticism, his partnership with LeBron James, or his unwavering commitment to playing at full throttle that has propelled him to this revered status. Nonetheless, he has undeniably achieved this distinction.