- Power forwards are no longer the old-school bigs who aren’t required to score and shoot the ball
- Some of the highest-paid NBA players occupy the power forward positions
- There are six power forwards making at least $30 million in the 2023-24 season
As the NBA’s landscape continues to evolve, so too do player salaries, reflecting the shifting dynamics of talent, team priorities, and market value. The 2023-24 season presents a fascinating glimpse into the financial standings of some of the league’s most prominent power forwards.
- Honorable Mentions
- Andrew Wiggins – $24,330,357
- John Collins – $25,340,000
- 10. Kyle Kuzma – $25,568,182
- 9. Julius Randle – $25,660,800
- 8. Jaren Jackson Jr. – $27,102,202
- 7. Jerami Grant – $27,586,207
- 6. Zion Williamson – $34,005,250
- 5. Kristaps Porzingis – $36,016,200
- 4. Karl-Anthony Towns – $36,016,200
- 3. Pascal Siakam – $37,893,408
- 2. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $45,640,084
- 1. Kevin Durant – $46,407,433
These players, known for their versatility, scoring ability, and impact on both ends of the court, have secured substantial contracts that place them among the highest earners in their position. Thanks to a mix of raw size and athleticism, power forwards are impacting the game far more than before.
In this article, we delve into the salaries and factors that have catapulted these power forwards into the upper echelons of the NBA’s payroll hierarchy. We have already seen how the best small forwards in the NBA are getting paid, but let’s focus purely on the four positions. From established stars to emerging talents, let’s explore the financial landscape of the highest-paid power forwards in the 2023-24 NBA season.
Honorable Mentions
Andrew Wiggins – $24,330,357
2022-23 Stats: 17.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Andrew Wiggins, a versatile forward known for his scoring prowess and athleticism, has been a prominent figure in the NBA landscape in terms of two-way wing play. During his time with the Golden State Warriors, he showcased his ability to contribute in various facets of the game, from scoring with his diverse offensive skill set to defending multiple positions with his athleticism and length. No surprise, he helped the team win the 2022 championship as the primary defender.
Wiggins’ role in the Warriors’ system was closely watched as the team underwent transitions and adapted to new challenges. His contract status with the Warriors was a point of interest, with the potential for changes based on team negotiations or contractual adjustments. Making a little over $24 million in 2024, Wiggins will continue to be one of the key players for the contending Warriors side.
John Collins – $25,340,000
2022-23 Stats: 13.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.0 BPG
John Collins, a versatile power forward renowned for his athleticism, scoring prowess, and rebounding abilities, earned his contract as a member of the Atlanta Hawks. While he was traded, Collins can bring his athleticism to push his ability to finish around the rim and score from mid-range. Collins’ presence on the boards, particularly on the offensive glass, provided crucial second-chance opportunities for his team.
His versatility allowed him to adapt to different roles on the court, showcasing his value in various lineup configurations. Most recently, Collins played a pivotal role in the Hawks’ impressive playoff run in 2021, which propelled the team to the Eastern Conference Finals. Even if he had a below-par season in 2023, he has a chance to boost his production with the Utah Jazz in the upcoming season.
10. Kyle Kuzma – $25,568,182
2022-23 Stats: 21.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Kyle Kuzma cracks the list as the 10th highest-paid power forward in the upcoming NBA season. He initially rose to prominence as part of the young core of the Los Angeles Lakers, contributing with his scoring prowess, willingness to rebound, and capacity to defend multiple positions. His quick impact as a rookie earned him an All-Rookie Team selection. Kuzma’s ability to stretch the floor as a forward and his knack for scoring from various spots on the court made him a valuable asset.
Notably, he experienced the pinnacle of success by being a member of the Lakers’ championship-winning team in the 2019-20 season. Since leaving the Lakers following the 2021 season, the forward has averaged at least 20 points per game per season and will be a long-term franchise cornerstone for the Washington Wizards going forward.
9. Julius Randle – $25,660,800
2022-23 Stats: 25.1 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 4.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Julius Randle’s place among the highest-paid power forwards in the NBA is well-earned. He had a standout season with the New York Knicks in the 2020-21 NBA campaign, earning him recognition as an NBA All-Star and a spot on the All-NBA Second Team by posting 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game while winning Most Improved Player.
Randle’s remarkable scoring versatility, including his ability to score in the post and from long range, made him a central figure in the Knicks’ success last year as well. Beyond scoring, his contributions extended to rebounding and defensive play, further solidifying his importance to the team. There aren’t many power forwards better than Randle right now and his $25.6 million salary seems very acceptable when compared to other players.
8. Jaren Jackson Jr. – $27,102,202
2022-23 Stats: 18.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 3.0 BPG
Jaren Jackson Jr. emerged as one of the promising young talents in the NBA in his second season as a two-way power forward. Jackson’s youth and potential were key considerations, with teams often investing in young players with the expectation of their continued development. His defensive impact, marked by shot-blocking and rim protection, added significant value, as elite defenders are highly coveted in the league.
No surprise, the Memphis Grizzlies retained him for the long term. Jaren Jackson Jr.’s ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting has brought a unique dimension to his game, aligning with the modern NBA’s emphasis on versatility. With superstar Ja Morant leading the way forward with the Grizzlies, Jackson Jr. can be the primary defensive star for the team as he captured the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award and will only get better.
7. Jerami Grant – $27,586,207
2022-23 Stats: 20.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Even if he is not an All-Star per se, Jerami Grant’s significant salary is a reflection of his versatile skill set and his value as a two-way player. He had established himself as an essential contributor to any team he has been on, starting with the Detroit Pistons. He is known for his scoring ability, defensive prowess, and versatility to play multiple positions on the floor. His capacity to impact both ends of the court made him a valuable asset to his team, and he had shown consistent improvement in his game.
This past season, the former No. 39 overall pick averaged 20.5 points per game on 47.5% from the field, 40.1% from three, and 81.3% from the free-throw line. The once defense-oriented forward has found a way to create his own shots and also spot up from three effectively, meaning his salary is fair for a versatile player in the modern NBA.
6. Zion Williamson – $34,005,250
2022-23 Stats: 26.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Zion Williamson, known for his incredible athleticism, explosiveness, and scoring ability, entered the NBA as the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and captivated fans with his incredible impact on a basketball game. Promoted to be the next face of the NBA, Williamson was always going to receive supermax money no matter how his career has turned out so far.
When healthy, Zion is in the conversation for being a top-3 power forward in the game but he has only played 114 games over four seasons which is not good enough for a superstar player. The explosive power forward is clearly heavy for his height (6’6”), and he must cut down or else he is at risk of not ever getting another max deal once his current one is met.
5. Kristaps Porzingis – $36,016,200
2022-23 Stats: 23.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.5 BPG
Even when he has struggled with injuries and health since his All-Star campaign with the New York Knicks, Kristaps Porzingis is among the highest-paid power forwards in the NBA. His significant salary reflects his status as a versatile big man with unique skills. Porzingis provides the ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, shot-blocking prowess, and overall defensive impact.
His combination of size and shooting ability made him a valuable asset on both ends of the court which is why the Boston Celtics decided to bring him on board and absorb his $36 million contract to create a Big Three alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. If Kristaps can average close to 20 points per game, he will be worth the money for Boston because a Finals appearance could be on the horizon.
4. Karl-Anthony Towns – $36,016,200
2022-23 Stats: 20.8 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 4.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Karl-Anthony Towns is often criticized despite being known for his scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and versatility. Towns is considered one of the top offensive talents among big men, with the ability to score both inside and outside the paint, including a reliable three-point shot. A sharpshooting big man demands this type of salary, especially when he is shooting 39.5% from three over his career.
Anthony Edwards seems to be the new franchise player for the Minnesota Timberwolves and that might see a change in Towns’ role in the offense next year. Regardless, the big man and former 2015 No. 1 overall pick will be making over $36 million in 2024 and his early impact in the NBA allowed him to earn maximum money by the time he is 27 years old.
3. Pascal Siakam – $37,893,408
2022-23 Stats: 24.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 5.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Pascal Siakam is one of the most versatile power forwards in the NBA and his notable salary reflected his status as a rising star in the league, having played a pivotal role in the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 NBA championship victory. Since then, Siakam’s appeal extended beyond his scoring prowess; he was known for his versatility on both ends of the court, showcasing defensive skills and positional flexibility.
In 2023, Siakam ended up making his second All-Star Team appearance by posting solid all-around numbers and it isn’t easy stopping the native Cameroonian from impacting the game on both ends of the court. Whether the Toronto Raptors decide to trade him or hold on to him for the long term, Siakam will be making over $37 million next year.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $45,640,084
2022-23 Stats: 29.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.4 BPG
Of course, Giannis Antetokounmpo would be a top-two power forward in terms of total cash paid during the 2024 season. Arguably the best two-way performer in the NBA, Giannis can bring superstar intangibles every night and is one of the most consistent players in the world. Whether it comes down to scoring, rebounding, or playing defense, Antetokounmpo always shows up and plays his heart out every night.
That makes the 2021 Finals MVP deserving of every penny he will earn in the upcoming season. The player is clearly good enough to be the leader of a championship team and the Milwaukee Bucks cannot afford to lose the player no matter what. This season is a massive one for Giannis and the Bucks because if they continue to falter early in the playoffs, there could be major changes coming.
1. Kevin Durant – $46,407,433
2022-23 Stats: 29.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.4 BPG
Finally, the highest-paid power forward in the world is Kevin Durant, former four-time scoring champion and current face of the Phoenix Suns. Durant is the highest-paid power forward because he is not only the best offensive player in the world in terms of all-around skills but also due to his impact on the court. Last season, despite dealing with drama with the Brooklyn Nets, Durant averaged 29.1 points and 6.7 rebounds per game on 40.4% from three.
These types of numbers are only possible if a player is a top-5 competitor in the world and based on skills, Durant absolutely is. No matter what anyone has to say about Durant and his inability to stay with one team, he is getting paid max dollars because there might not be a player who can score as effortlessly as him as he tries to capture his third NBA title with the Suns this upcoming season.
