LeBron James, now a veteran presence for the Philadelphia 76ers, will collect less than $8 million over the next two seasons, a figure that places him well below a growing list of peers who are set to earn more in the upcoming campaign.
An analysis of the 2023‑24 NBA salary landscape reveals that 292 players are projected to surpass James' earnings, underscoring a depth of talent and market value that extends far beyond the league's marquee names.
The salary comparison
Among those out‑earning the four‑time MVP are four former Alabama Crimson Tide standouts, each leveraging their collegiate pedigree into sizable contracts with their respective teams.
Brandon Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 draft, is slated to earn $15,104,626 this season, while Noah Clowney, selected 21st by the Brooklyn Nets, will receive $5,414,034. Collin Sexton, the eighth overall pick in 2018, has inked a two‑year agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $9,366,000, a deal that Zach Harper of The Athletic has described as a potential steal.
Keon Ellis, who spent two seasons with the Crimson Tide before moving on, rounds out the group with an $8,780,488 salary after signing a two‑year contract with the Nets.
What this means for the league
The concentration of former Alabama players in this high‑earning cohort reflects the program’s continued impact on professional basketball, as teams reward proven collegiate performance with lucrative deals.
As the salary ceiling expands, teams must balance roster construction with financial constraints, and the emergence of multiple high‑earning former college teammates adds a new layer to player movement dynamics.