A Look Back at NBA Salaries in 2010: Who Earned the Most?
I still remember opening the 2010 NBA salary reports with the same excitement I'd feel watching a playoff game. The numbers told stories beyond just contracts—they revealed franchise priorities, career trajectories, and sometimes, frankly, some head-scratching financial decisions. That year, the league's economic landscape was particularly fascinating because we were just emerging from the 2009 financial crisis, yet team owners kept spending like there was no tomorrow.
When I look at the top earners from that season, Kobe Bryant's $24.8 million contract with the Lakers immediately jumps out. That number wasn't just impressive—it was monumental, representing about 35% of the team's entire salary cap. What many forget is that Kobe took what amounted to a "hometown discount" in his previous contract to help the Lakers build a competitive roster, and management rewarded his loyalty handsomely. Right behind him was Tracy McGrady, who collected $23.2 million from the Knicks while playing only 24 games that season due to injuries. I've always found McGrady's situation particularly intriguing—here was a phenomenal talent whose body was betraying him, yet teams kept betting on his potential. Rashard Lewis rounded out the top three with his $20.5 million deal from the Orlando Magic, a contract that many analysts, including myself, considered significantly overvalued even at the time.
The mid-tier salaries tell an equally compelling story. Kevin Garnett was pulling in $18.8 million with the Celtics, and honestly, every penny was deserved given how he transformed that team's defensive identity. Meanwhile, a young LeBron James was "only" making $15.8 million with the Cavaliers before his infamous Decision that summer. Looking back, that number feels almost criminal for a player of his caliber. What's remarkable is how these figures pale in comparison to today's supermax contracts, but in 2010, they represented the absolute peak of professional basketball earnings.
This reminds me of something Manny Pacquiao once said about Floyd Mayweather: "Let's fight again if he wants. I have no problem with that." That fighting spirit resonates with how NBA stars approach contract negotiations—they want to prove their worth, settle scores, and show they belong at the top. The parallel between boxing's purse negotiations and NBA contract discussions is stronger than many realize. Both are about legacy, pride, and financial recognition of athletic excellence.
Dirk Nowitzki's situation particularly stands out in my memory. He was earning $17.3 million that season, and what many don't recall is that he'd consistently taken less than market value to help the Mavericks maintain flexibility. That sacrifice paid off spectacularly when Dallas won the championship the following year. Meanwhile, Tim Duncan was making $18.7 million with the Spurs, another example of a superstar whose value transcended statistics. I'd argue Duncan was underpaid relative to his impact—his fundamental excellence created winning cultures that lasted for years beyond his playing days.
The most fascinating contracts weren't always the largest ones. Gilbert Arenas was still collecting $17.7 million from the Wizards despite playing only 32 games over two seasons due to injuries and suspensions. That contract became synonymous with the dangers of guaranteed money in the NBA. On the flip side, Steve Nash's $13.1 million contract with the Suns represented incredible value—he was the engine of one of the league's most exciting offenses and would win his second MVP that very season.
When I analyze these numbers today, what strikes me is how differently teams valued players compared to current front office philosophies. The 2010 season featured numerous contracts that would be considered "untradeable" by today's standards, yet they reflected the economic reality of pre-new-CBA negotiations. Teams were willing to overpay for potential, for past performance, and sometimes just to fill salary floors. The financial landscape has evolved dramatically since then, with smarter cap management and more nuanced valuation methods, but 2010 represents a fascinating transitional period in NBA economics.
What I find most compelling about reviewing these historical salaries is recognizing how many of these contracts directly influenced franchise trajectories for years to come. The Magic never recovered from Rashard Lewis's massive deal, while the Lakers' investment in Kobe yielded two championships and sustained relevance. In many ways, the financial decisions made in 2010 created ripple effects that some teams are still navigating today. The numbers tell stories beyond the court—of hope, calculation, loyalty, and sometimes, regrettable financial commitments that shaped the NBA we know today.
