Throughout NBA history, championships often serve as the ultimate validation of a player’s skill and legacy. However, amidst the glittering rings and triumphant celebrations, there exists a cohort of remarkably talented athletes who, despite commanding staggering salaries and earning widespread acclaim, have never tasted the sweet victory of an NBA championship.
- 1. Damian Lillard – $451,772,802
- 2. Bradley Beal – $430,567,673
- 3. Karl-Anthony Towns – $408,197,035
- 4. Devin Booker – $392,390,165
- 5. Joel Embiid – $375,980,446
- 6. Chris Paul – $375,177,385
- 7. Jimmy Butler – $365,096,659
- 8. Paul George – $355,882,613
- 9. James Harden – $340,679,833
- 10. Russell Westbrook – $338,819,811
- 11. Rudy Gobert – $307,003,368
- 12. Zach LaVine – $302,806,997
- 13. John Wall – $276,483,708
- 14. Al Horford – $275,636,768
- 15. Gordon Hayward – $270,922,778
- 16. Mike Conley – $266,541,596
- 17. Carmelo Anthony – $262,523,093
- 18. DeMar DeRozan – $258,605,770
- 19. Blake Griffin – $258,432,713
- 20. Tobias Harris – $248,503,505
These players, with hundreds of millions in earnings, stand as testaments to the unpredictable nature of sports, where talent alone does not always guarantee the crowning glory. We have named the 20 highest-paid NBA players in history who have not captured an NBA title, and surprisingly, most of those players play today.
1. Damian Lillard – $451,772,802
Damian Lillard has been a force to be reckoned with since entering the NBA in 2012-13 as a Rookie of the Year. With his lethal scoring ability and ice-cold demeanor in clutch situations, Lillard has solidified his place among the league’s elite. Despite leading the Portland Trail Blazers to eight playoff appearances and earning eight All-Star selections (including this season with the Milwaukee Bucks), Lillard has yet to capture that elusive NBA championship.
One of his closest moments came in the 2019 Western Conference Finals, where his unforgettable series-clinching buzzer-beater against the Oklahoma City Thunder became an instant classic. Lillard’s unwavering loyalty to Portland and his unwavering commitment to excellence continued to define his illustrious career before he was traded this summer to the Bucks where he hopes to win a ring.
2. Bradley Beal – $430,567,673
Bradley Beal’s journey in the NBA has been marked by stellar performances and consistent growth. As one of the league’s premier scorers, Beal has established himself as a formidable force on the court. Despite his individual brilliance, Beal has yet to hoist the NBA championship trophy.
Throughout his tenure with the Washington Wizards, Beal has showcased his scoring prowess time and time again, often carrying the team on his shoulders and averaging at least 30 points per game on two occasions (2020, 2021).
His closest brush with a title came in 2017 when the Wizards reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Beal’s dedication to his craft and his unwavering determination make him a player to watch every time he steps onto the hardwood. Beal is hoping he can win his first title with the Phoenix Suns this season.
3. Karl-Anthony Towns – $408,197,035
Karl-Anthony Towns, with his unique blend of size, skill, and athleticism, has emerged as one of the most dominant big men in the NBA. From his early days as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft to his current role as the cornerstone of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Towns has consistently impressed with his versatile game.
Despite his individual accolades (four All-Star appearances) and impressive career statistics (23.0 PPG, 10.9 RPG), Towns has yet to experience the ultimate triumph of an NBA championship. In the 2018 playoffs, Towns led the Timberwolves to their first postseason appearance in 14 years, showcasing his ability to compete on the grandest stage. Towns hopes to make a deep playoff run this season alongside Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert.
4. Devin Booker – $392,390,165
Devin Booker’s rise to stardom in the NBA has been nothing short of remarkable. Since being drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2015 as the No. 13 overall pick, Booker has consistently showcased his scoring prowess and offensive versatility. Despite his individual brilliance, Booker has yet to secure an NBA championship.
However, his performance in the 2021 NBA Finals was a testament to his ability to perform on the biggest stage, as he led the Suns to the brink of glory with his scoring outbursts and clutch performances. With Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal by his side, Booker looks to add an NBA title to a resume that also includes four All-Star appearances and an incredible earnings report of over $390 million.
5. Joel Embiid – $375,980,446
Joel Embiid’s journey in the NBA has been characterized by his dominant presence on both ends of the court. The Philadelphia 76ers’ cornerstone, Embiid has established himself as one of the most dominant big men in the league. Despite battling injuries early in his career, Embiid has emerged as a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate.
His closest moment to winning an NBA title came in the 2018-19 season when the 76ers reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals before falling short to the eventual champion Toronto Raptors. With two scoring titles and an MVP trophy to his name, Embiid has proven he is worth over $370 million but a title still eludes him.
6. Chris Paul – $375,177,385
Chris Paul, often heralded as one of the greatest point guards of his generation, has left an indelible mark on the NBA throughout his illustrious career. With his exceptional court vision, defensive prowess, and leadership, Paul has consistently elevated every team he’s played for. Despite his impressive resume, including 12 All-Star selections and 11 All-NBA honors, Paul has yet to secure an NBA championship.
His closest opportunity came in the 2021 NBA Finals, where he led the Phoenix Suns to the brink of victory before ultimately falling short. Paul’s dedication to his craft and his ability to elevate those around him make him a perennial contender for championship glory, although time is running out for a future Hall of Famer who has made over $300 million in his career.
7. Jimmy Butler – $365,096,659
Jimmy Butler’s rise to prominence in the NBA is a testament to his relentless work ethic and competitive spirit. From his humble beginnings to his current status as one of the league’s premier two-way players, Butler has earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike. Despite his individual success, including six All-Star selections and five All-Defensive Team honors, Butler has yet to capture an NBA championship.
His closest moment came in the 2020 NBA Finals and the 2023 NBA Finals, where he led the Miami Heat to unexpected Finals appearances. Butler’s tenacity and leadership have made him a beloved figure in the basketball world, and his pursuit of championship glory remains a driving force in his career as he approaches 35 years of age.
8. Paul George – $355,882,613
Paul George, known for his smooth scoring ability and lockdown defense, has been a consistent presence in the NBA since entering the league. With nine All-Star selections and six All-NBA honors to his name, George has established himself as one of the most versatile players in the game. Despite his individual accolades, George has yet to win an NBA championship.
His closest moment came in the 2021 NBA Playoffs, where he led the Los Angeles Clippers to the Western Conference Finals. As he continues to have Kawhi Leonard and James Harden by his side, George needs an NBA title to prove he belongs in the Hall of Fame one day even if his earnings top $350 million.
9. James Harden – $340,679,833
James Harden’s offensive prowess and scoring ability have made him one of the most feared players in the NBA. From his early days with the Oklahoma City Thunder to his current tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers, Harden has consistently put up eye-popping numbers and earned numerous accolades, including MVP honors in 2018 when he averaged 30.4 points and 8.8 assists per game.
Despite his individual success, Harden has yet to secure an NBA championship. His closest moment came in the 2018 Western Conference Finals when his Houston Rockets fell just short of dethroning the Golden State Warriors, losing in a hotly contested seven-game series. Even as a first-ballot Hall of Famer who has made over $300 million, a championship ring could catapult his legacy to be among the 30 greatest players to have ever played.
10. Russell Westbrook – $338,819,811
Russell Westbrook’s electrifying style of play and relentless intensity have made him one of the most captivating players in the NBA. From his triple-double exploits to his ferocious rim attacks, Westbrook has left an indelible mark on the game. Despite his individual accomplishments, including an MVP award, Westbrook has yet to win an NBA championship.
His closest moment came in the 2012 NBA Finals when his Oklahoma City Thunder fell to the Miami Heat in a hard-fought series. Westbrook’s competitive fire and unmatched athleticism make him a force to be reckoned with on the court, and he is the greatest triple-double threat ever with 198 ahead of Oscar Robertson (181) and Magic Johnson (138).
11. Rudy Gobert – $307,003,368
Rudy Gobert’s defensive prowess and rim-protecting abilities have earned him recognition as one of the premier big men in the NBA. With three Defensive Player of the Year awards to his name, Gobert had anchored the Utah Jazz’s defense and established himself as a dominant force in the paint. Despite his defensive excellence, Gobert has yet to secure an NBA championship.
His closest moment came in the 2021 NBA Playoffs when the Jazz reached the Western Conference Semifinals before bowing out to the Los Angeles Clippers. As he is locked in a new era with the Timberwolves, Gobert is the favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year in 2023-24 and continues to make his bank account look in good standing.
12. Zach LaVine – $302,806,997
Zach LaVine’s explosive athleticism and scoring ability have made him one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA. From his high-flying dunks to his smooth perimeter shooting, LaVine has established himself as a dynamic offensive threat. Despite his individual brilliance, LaVine has yet to taste NBA championship success.
LaVine’s dedication to improving his game and his relentless drive make him a player with immense potential, and his quest for championship glory continues to fuel his determination. The question remains: which team can LaVine win a title with? So far, the answer is not the Chicago Bulls and it seems like it won’t be.
13. John Wall – $276,483,708
John Wall’s lightning-fast speed and playmaking ability have made him a standout point guard in the NBA. From his early days with the Washington Wizards, Wall had consistently dazzled fans with his flashy moves and court vision. Despite his individual accolades, including five All-Star selections, Wall has yet to secure an NBA championship. His closest moment came in the 2017 playoffs when the Wizards reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals before falling short.
It is unfortunate that the former No. 1 overall pick dealt with so many injuries, but that has not taken away from his guaranteed earnings which has made Wall a very rich figure in sports. Wall might never get a chance to play in the NBA since he is 33 years old with very bad knees, but we saw enough of him in his prime to remember fondly of his career.
14. Al Horford – $275,636,768
Al Horford’s versatility and basketball IQ have made him a valuable asset to any team he’s played for in the NBA. From his days with the Atlanta Hawks to his tenure with the Boston Celtics, Horford has consistently contributed on both ends of the floor. Despite his individual success and multiple All-Star selections, Horford has yet to win an NBA championship although he is the favorite this season with the Celtics.
His closest moment came in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals when the Celtics reached the brink of the NBA Finals but fell short against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Horford’s leadership and veteran presence make him a crucial component of any team’s championship aspirations, and his quest for a title continues as he continues building on his impressive accumulated wealth.
15. Gordon Hayward – $270,922,778
Gordon Hayward’s versatility and scoring ability have made him a valuable asset on the basketball court. From his early days with the Utah Jazz to his tenure with the Boston Celtics and subsequent move to the Charlotte Hornets, Hayward has consistently showcased his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Unfortunately, injuries have greatly limited Hayward’s career since his breakout campaign in 2016-17 when he made his first All-Star Team selection. Still, the swingman has managed to earn max contracts due to his days with the Jazz and that could make the player feel a little better about the last seven years of his career.
16. Mike Conley – $266,541,596
Mike Conley’s steady leadership and floor generalship have made him one of the most reliable point guards in the NBA. From his tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies to his current role with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Conley has consistently been praised for his ability to orchestrate an offense and make timely plays on both ends of the floor.
His closest moment came in the 2013 playoffs when the Grizzlies reached the Western Conference Finals before bowing out to the San Antonio Spurs. Conley’s professionalism and dedication to his craft make him a respected figure in the league, and his pursuit of championship glory remains a driving force in his career although his sheer consistency as a point guard made him earn over $250 million.
17. Carmelo Anthony – $262,523,093
Carmelo Anthony’s scoring prowess and offensive versatility have made him one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. From his early days with the Denver Nuggets to his stints with the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony has consistently been a force to be reckoned with on the offensive end of the floor.
A bonafide Hall of Famer with 10 All-Star selections and the 2012-13 scoring title, Anthony has yet to secure an NBA championship. His closest moment came in the 2009 Western Conference Finals when his Denver Nuggets fell short against the Los Angeles Lakers and it is sad that one of the greatest scorers of his generation won’t be able to retire with a championship ring.
18. DeMar DeRozan – $258,605,770
DeMar DeRozan’s smooth scoring ability and mid-range mastery have made him one of the most consistent performers in the NBA. From his early days with the Toronto Raptors to his current stint with the Chicago Bulls, DeRozan has consistently been a reliable offensive threat. Despite his individual success, including six All-Star selections and three All-NBA honors,
DeRozan has yet to secure an NBA championship. His closest moment came in the 2016 playoffs when he led the Raptors to the Eastern Conference Finals before falling short against the eventual NBA champion, the Cleveland Cavaliers. As DeRozan approaches 35 years of age, a ring would be the icing on the cake to an excellent career.
19. Blake Griffin – $258,432,713
Blake Griffin’s combination of athleticism, skill, and physicality has made him one of the most electrifying players in the NBA. From his early days with the Los Angeles Clippers to his tenure with the Detroit Pistons, Griffin has consistently wowed fans with his high-flying dunks and versatile scoring ability. No surprise, that made Griffin an extremely rich athlete.
Griffin was able to lead the Clippers into six postseason appearances, including a 2015 run that took the Houston Rockets to seven games in the second round of the playoffs. Despite being an excellent power forward, Griffin never really had a chance to win a championship even though he earned over $250 million in his career.
20. Tobias Harris – $248,503,505
Tobias Harris is often considered to be an overpaid player even if he is an excellent scorer who can also crash the boards and play defense consistently. The reason he is often criticized is because he is paid like a first or second option on an NBA team although he has never been more than a third option.
Regardless, the forward has cleared almost $250 million in his career which has spanned 13 seasons including this one. Harris has appeared in the playoffs six times, making runs with the Philadelphia 76ers although he has yet to play in an NBA Finals. With Harris set to be a free agent next season, there are questions being asked about how much the player is worth and if a long-term deal is suitable for a player approaching 32 years of age.
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