Every NBA Team’s Most Underpaid Player For The 2024-25 Season

As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, every team boasts at least one player delivering exceptional value relative to their contract. These underpaid gems often fly under the radar, providing crucial contributions that propel their teams to success without the fanfare or paycheck of their superstar counterparts. Who are the most underpaid players for each NBA team this season? Let’s dive in and uncover the hidden bargains fueling the league.

Atlanta Hawks – Jalen Johnson ($4,510,905)

Jalen Johnson has emerged as a critical piece for the Atlanta Hawks, providing versatile forward play (16.0 PPG, 8.7 RPG) that exceeds his modest salary. With his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, Johnson has shown flashes of brilliance, especially in his defensive assignments and rebounding prowess.

Despite his significant contributions, Johnson’s salary of just over $4.5 million stands out as a bargain. In a league where versatile forwards are highly sought after, Johnson’s ability to impact games without a hefty price tag gives the Hawks a financial advantage. As he continues to develop, his value relative to his contract only stands to increase since he is only 22 years old.

Boston Celtics – Jayson Tatum ($34,848,340)

Jayson Tatum’s inclusion on this list may seem surprising given his substantial salary, but when considering his superstar impact, his contract is a relative steal since many other superstars and top 10 players in the world are making $40 million at a minimum. Tatum has solidified himself as one of the premier players in the NBA, consistently delivering All-NBA level performances and leading the Celtics deep into the playoffs.

Following his championship run with the Celtics in 2023-24, his scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility make him indispensable to Boston’s success (26.9 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 4.9 APG). Luckily for the superstar, Tatum will make over $50 million over the next two seasons and will clear $60 million in 2027-28 which puts him above everyone else so his “underpaid” status won’t last very long.

Brooklyn Nets – Cam Thomas ($4,041,249)

Cam Thomas has quickly become a scoring dynamo for the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing his ability to put up points in bunches after averaging 22.5 points per game in 2023-24. His knack for creating his own shot and scoring efficiently has made him an essential part of the Nets’ bench unit. With a scoring average that rivals some of the league’s top sixth men, Thomas provides a significant offensive boost at a fraction of the cost.

Earning just over $4 million, Thomas is an underpaid gem in the Nets’ rotation. His scoring outbursts have been crucial in numerous games, providing a spark that often shifts momentum. In a market where scoring guards can command upwards of $18 million or more, Thomas’ production at his current salary is an incredible value for Brooklyn.

Charlotte Hornets – Nick Richards ($5,000,000)

Nick Richards has quietly developed into a reliable interior presence for the Charlotte Hornets. His rebounding (8.0 RPG), shot-blocking (1.1 BPG), and efficient scoring around the rim have made him an invaluable player off the bench. Richards’ growth has been instrumental in solidifying the Hornets’ frontcourt rotation, providing consistent effort and impact in limited minutes.

With a salary of $5 million, Richards’ contributions far exceed his paycheck. Centers with his defensive capabilities and rebounding prowess typically earn much more, making Richards one of the league’s best value contracts, especially considering he will make $5 million in 2025-26 as well.

Chicago Bulls – Coby White ($12,000,000)

Coby White has carved out a niche as a dynamic scorer (19.1 PPG) and playmaker (5.1 APG) for the Chicago Bulls. His ability to come off the bench and provide instant offense, coupled with his improved decision-making, has made him a critical component of the Bulls’ backcourt. White’s versatility allows him to play both guard positions, making him a valuable asset in various lineups.

At $12 million, White’s contract represents great value for the Bulls. His scoring and playmaking ability would command a higher salary on the open market, particularly given his growth and consistency as he finished second in the race for Most Improved Player.

Cleveland Cavaliers – Evan Mobley ($11,227,657)

Evan Mobley has rapidly established himself as a cornerstone (15.7 PPG, 9.4 RPG) for the Cleveland Cavaliers alongside Donovan Mitchell with his elite defensive skills and versatile offensive game. His ability to guard multiple positions, protect the rim, and contribute offensively has made him one of the most promising young big men in the NBA.

Even though Mobley signed a 5-year, $224,238,150 deal to keep him in Cleveland, he is still underpaid for 2024-25. His underpayment underscores the Cavaliers’ fortunate position of having a potential franchise player on a rookie-scale contract for one more year.

Dallas Mavericks – Dereck Lively II ($5,014,409)

Dereck Lively II has quickly become a fan favorite for the Dallas Mavericks due to his high energy and defensive acumen. As a rookie, Lively has shown great promise as a rim protector and rebounder, providing the Mavericks with much-needed interior defense (8.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG). His athleticism and hustle play a crucial role in the Mavericks’ efforts to control the paint and provide second-chance opportunities.

At just over $5 million, Lively’s contract is a bargain for the Mavericks. Young big men with his defensive potential are highly valued, and his ability to impact games defensively at such a low cost gives the Mavericks financial flexibility for at least two more seasons.

Denver Nuggets – Christian Braun ($3,089,640)

Christian Braun has been a revelation for the Denver Nuggets, providing excellent perimeter defense and efficient three-point shooting (38.4%) off the bench. His versatility on both ends of the floor has made him an invaluable player in the Nuggets’ rotation, capable of guarding multiple positions and knocking down key shots.

Since Denver lost Bruce Brown, Jeff Green, and Reggie Jackson in the past two seasons, Braun’s hustle and basketball IQ have quickly endeared him to both teammates and coaches. Earning just over $3 million, Braun’s contributions far exceed his modest salary and it won’t be long until he signs for at least $10 million per season.

Detroit Pistons – Jalen Duren ($4,536,840)

Jalen Duren (13.8 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 2.4 APG) has established himself as a dominant force in the paint for the Detroit Pistons. His rebounding, shot-blocking, and physicality have made him a key player in the Pistons’ frontcourt rotation. Duren’s ability to control the boards and protect the rim provides the Pistons with a defensive anchor, and his offensive game continues to develop, making him a more complete player.

At just over $4.5 million, Duren’s salary is a steal for the Pistons. His production and potential as a young center would command a much higher price in the current market. Duren’s contract allows the Pistons to benefit from his impact while they search for any way to try to be competitive going forward.

Golden State Warriors – Jonathan Kuminga ($7,636,307)

Jonathan Kuminga has shown flashes of brilliance for the Golden State Warriors, combining athleticism with a developing skill set that promises future stardom. He had a breakout season in 2023-24, averaging 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game and a $10,240,287 qualifying offer in 2025-26 doesn’t do this justice.

With a salary of just over $7.6 million, Kuminga’s value is undeniable. Young forwards with his upside and defensive capabilities are highly coveted, and his current contract provides the Warriors with significant financial value but it might not be long before he signs a max contract with his current team (or elsewhere if he gets traded).

Houston Rockets – Alperen Sengun ($5,424,654)

Alperen Sengun has become the best player for the Houston Rockets with his skilled post-play and high basketball IQ after posting 21.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game last season. His ability to score efficiently around the basket, coupled with his passing skills, has made him a unique offensive weapon. He has yet to sign an extension with the Rockets that could be as much as $225 million.

At $5.4 million, Sengun’s salary is remarkably low for his production. Centers with his offensive skills and playmaking ability typically earn much more, making Sengun’s contract one of the best values in the league because he has a $7,621,638 qualifying offer in 2025-26.

Indiana Pacers – Andrew Nembhard ($2,019,699)

Andrew Nembhard has been a revelation for the Indiana Pacers, providing steady playmaking and defensive intensity from the guard position. His ability to control the pace of the game and facilitate the offense (9.2 PPG, 4.1 APG) has made him an indispensable part of the Pacers’ rotation.

Earning just over $2 million, Nembhard’s contract is an absolute steal. Guards with his playmaking skills and defensive capabilities typically command higher salaries close to $20 million per season, making his current deal an incredible value for the Pacers. Of course, the player won’t be underpaid for long as he will make $18,102,000, $19,550,160, and $20,998,320 following the 2024-25 season.

Los Angeles Clippers – Derrick Jones Jr. ($9,523,810)

Derrick Jones Jr. will bring his high-flying athleticism and defensive versatility to the Los Angeles Clippers, providing valuable minutes off the bench. His ability to guard multiple positions and finish above the rim makes him a unique asset for the Clippers. Jones’s energy and hustle play a crucial role in the team’s defensive schemes and transition offense.

At just over $9.5 million, Jones’ contract is a bargain for the Clippers. His defensive impact and athleticism provide significant value because the forward was instrumental for the Dallas Mavericks making the Finals in the 2023-24 season after averaging 8.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game on 34.3% from deep.

Los Angeles Lakers – Austin Reaves ($12,976,362)

Austin Reaves has emerged as a crucial piece for the Los Angeles Lakers, providing consistent scoring and playmaking from the guard position. Reaves’ growth as a player has been instrumental in the Lakers’ backcourt depth, and he deserves more money. In 2023-24, the shooting guard averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game over 82 games. 

At nearly $13 million, Reaves’ contract is a significant value for the Lakers. His production and clutch performances would typically command a higher salary, especially given the premium on skilled guards in today’s NBA. At this rate, it could be safe to say that Reaves won’t be accepting his $14,898,786 player option in 2026-27.

Memphis Grizzlies – GG Jackson II ($1,891,857)

GG Jackson has quickly made an impact for the Memphis Grizzlies with his energy and defensive prowess as he posted 14.6 points per game in 46 appearances. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively has made him a valuable player off the bench.

Jackson’s hustle and athleticism have provided a spark for the Grizzlies, making him a key part of their rotation and a player deserving more than a minimum deal. Jackson’s contributions at such a low salary provide the Grizzlies with significant financial flexibility, enhancing his underpaid status as the team hopes to contend with Ja Morant.

Miami Heat – Jaime Jaquez Jr. ($3,686,067)

Rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. became an important player for the Miami Heat, providing strong defense and efficient scoring. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on offense has made him a valuable part of the Heat’s rotation. Jaquez’s high basketball IQ and work ethic have endeared him to the coaching staff and teammates alike.

Earning just over $3.6 million, Jaquez’s contributions far exceed his salary and that is obviously because he is a rookie. Playing 75 games averaging 11.9 points per game for a title-contending team and earning under $4 million means the Heat needs to do as much as they can to maximize its title window around Jimmy Butler.

Milwaukee Bucks – Bobby Portis ($12,578,286)

Bobby Portis continues to be a crucial contributor for the Milwaukee Bucks, bringing energy, rebounding, and scoring off the bench (13.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG). His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and provide tough interior defense has made him an invaluable part of the Bucks’ rotation. Portis’ intensity and hustle play a significant role in the Bucks’ success.

At over $12.5 million, Portis’ contract is a great value for the Bucks. His production and versatility would typically command a higher salary, particularly given his importance to the team’s success. No doubt, the big man will reject his $13,445,754 player option in 2025-26 for a more lucrative long-term deal.

Minnesota Timberwolves – Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($4,312,500)

Nickeil Alexander-Walker has emerged as a key player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, providing scoring and playmaking from the guard position as he averaged 8.0 points and 2.5 assists per game last season. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate the offense has made him a valuable asset for the Timberwolves although he will be a free agent after the 2024-25 season.

Earning just over $4.3 million, Alexander-Walker’s contract is a steal for the Timberwolves. Guards with his scoring and playmaking ability typically command much higher salaries, making his current deal incredibly valuable. As Alexander-Walker continues to develop and refine his game, his contributions will only become more significant and he could be difficult to retain considering the Timberwolves have three max players right now.

New Orleans Pelicans – Herb Jones ($12,976,362)

Herb Jones’ ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses has made him an invaluable part of the Pelicans’ rotation. Jones’ high basketball IQ and work ethic have endeared him to the coaching staff and teammates alike. He also averaged 11.0 points per game while making the 2023-24 All-Defensive First Team which was an amazing honor for him.

At nearly $13 million, Jones’ contract is a significant value for the Pelicans. His defensive impact and versatility would typically command a higher salary, especially given the premium on elite defenders in today’s NBA. Jones will make $13,937,574 and $14,898,786 until 2026-27 which means he will continue to be underpaid.

New York Knicks – Jalen Brunson ($24,960,001)

Jalen Brunson has become the heart and soul of the New York Knicks, providing leadership, scoring, and playmaking from the point guard position. The shocking fact that Brunson is making almost half as much as players on his level are is a testament to his dedication to winning. By him taking less, the Knicks have built a near-superteam by adding Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby.

At nearly $25 million, Brunson’s contract is a bargain for the Knicks. Brunson’s contributions far exceed his paycheck, making his current deal a great value for New York and Knicks fans should be forever grateful for what their best player (28.7 PPG, 6.7 APG) is doing for the team right now and going forward until 2027-28.

Oklahoma City Thunder – Alex Caruso ($9,890,000)

Alex Caruso was brought in to provide defensive intensity and high basketball IQ to the Oklahoma City Thunder, hoping to provide valuable minutes after averaging 10.1 points and 3.5 assists per game last season. His ability to guard multiple positions and make smart plays on both ends of the floor has made him a key part of the Thunder’s rotation.

At just under $10 million, Caruso’s contract is a great value for the Thunder. His defensive impact and versatility provide significant value, particularly in a league where versatile defenders are highly prized. The All-Defensive guard will be a free agent after 2024-25 meaning he won’t be underpaid for long.

Orlando Magic – Jalen Suggs ($9,188,385)

Jalen Suggs has shown great promise for the Orlando Magic, providing scoring (12.6 PPG), playmaking (2.7 APG), and defensive intensity (1.4 SPG) from the guard position as he made the All-NAB Defensive Second Team this past season. Suggs’ defensive versatility and ability to guard multiple positions further enhance his value to the team and he is still waiting on a contract extension that could pay $100 million.

Guards with his scoring and defensive ability typically command much higher salaries, making his current deal incredibly valuable. As Suggs continues to develop and refine his game, his contributions will only become more significant as the Orlando Magic look to make noise in the Eastern Conference.

Philadelphia 76ers – Tyrese Maxey ($35,147,000)

Tyrese Maxey has rapidly ascended to star status for the Philadelphia 76ers, providing explosive scoring (25.9 PPG) and playmaking (6.2 APG) from the guard position. His ability to create his own shot and score efficiently has made him one of the most dynamic young players in the league.

Winning Most Improved Player in 2023-24, Maxey’s production and impact make his contract a relative bargain. Comparing Maxey to other players on his level means the point guard could demand close to the $51 million Paul George will get paid going forward in Philadelphia.

Phoenix Suns – Tyus Jones ($3,003,427)

Tyus Jones will bring steady playmaking and defensive acumen to the Phoenix Suns, providing valuable minutes as potentially the new starting point guard. His ability to control the pace of the game and facilitate the offense (12.0 PPG, 7.3 APG) will make him a key part of the Suns’ rotation.

Jones’ high basketball IQ and leadership have quickly endeared him to both teammates and coaches and he is somehow only earning just over $3 million in 2024-25. The point guard deserves at least $10 million per season so the Suns better make use of their new underpaid floor general.

Portland Trail Blazers – Shaedon Sharpe ($6,614,160)

Shaedon Sharpe has shown great promise for the Portland Trail Blazers, providing scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility from the guard position (15.9 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.9 APG). His ability to create his own shot and facilitate the offense has made him a valuable asset for the Blazers and he will be on a team-friendly deal until 2025-26 with a qualifying offer worth $11,264,377 in 2026-27.

Earning just over $6.6 million, Sharpe’s contract is a steal for the Blazers. Guards with his scoring and playmaking ability typically command much higher salaries, making the 21-year-old’s current deal more than valuable.

Sacramento Kings – Keegan Murray ($8,809,560)

Keegan Murray has quickly established himself as a versatile forward for the Sacramento Kings after posting 15.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on offense has made him a valuable part of the Kings’ rotation and he deserves a max deal soon.

At nearly $9 million, Murray’s contract is a significant value for the Kings. The former No. 4 overall pick’s continued development and impact make his current deal a bargain, considering the Kings will accept his $11,144,093 team option in 2025-26.

San Antonio Spurs – Victor Wembanyama ($12,768,664)

Obviously, Victor Wembanyama is on a rookie deal but that doesn’t make it less apparent that he is underpaid. Until the Frenchman signs a long-term supermax deal, he will be underpaid. He had one of the best rookie campaigns in recent memory, averaging 21.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, and he deserves at least three times his current salary.

Wembanyama has $13,376,695 and $16,868,013 in team options over the next two seasons after 2024-25 and a qualifying offer worth $23,615,218 in 2027-28. After that, it will be scary to imagine the amount of money the Frenchman will be making considering salaries keep going up every year.

Toronto Raptors – Scottie Barnes ($10,130,980)

Scottie Barnes has quickly established himself as the face of the Toronto Raptors, averaging 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game last season. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on offense has made him a valuable part of the Raptors’ rotation.

At just over $10 million, Barnes’ contract is a significant value for the Raptors, for now. The All-Star will make $38,661,700, $41,754,636, and $44,847,572 respectively over the next three seasons following 2024-25 so he won’t be underpaid for too long on a rookie deal.

Utah Jazz – Walker Kessler ($2,965,920)

Walker Kessler has quickly made an impact for the Utah Jazz with his energy and defensive prowess (8.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.4 BPG). His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively has made him a valuable player off the bench. Kessler’s hustle and athleticism have provided a spark for the Jazz, making him a key part of their rotation.

At just under $3 million, Kessler’s contract is a steal for the Jazz. His defensive versatility and potential to develop into a more complete player make his current deal incredibly valuable considering he has a team option worth $4,878,938 in 2025-26 and a qualifying offer worth $7,064,703 in 2026-27.

Washington Wizards – Saddiq Bey ($6,333,333)

Saddiq Bey hopes to become a key player for the Washington Wizards, providing scoring and defensive versatility from the forward position. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and guard multiple positions could make him a valuable asset for the Wizards.

It might be tempting to say Kyle Kuzma is underpaid since he is making $25 million as a fringe Alll-Star, Bey’s contract is a significant value for the Wizards considering he posted 13.7 points per game in 2023-24. Forwards with his scoring and defensive capabilities typically command much higher salaries, and he is at least one positive for the struggling Wizards franchise.