Lowest-Paid Player On Every NBA Team In 2024-25

In the era of supermax contracts and heavy luxury tax bills, NBA teams rely heavily on value deals to balance their books. Whether an emerging young star still on a rookie contract or a veteran hanging around for the minimum, every team has at least one player earning the minimum NBA salary. 

Excluding two-way contracts, we’re diving into the lowest-paid player on every NBA team for the 2024-25 season. While their salaries may be small, some players make a difference on the court and there might be surprises on who comes up. 

Atlanta Hawks

Mouhamed Gueye – $1,891,857

Mouhamed Gueye has become a fan favorite for the Atlanta Hawks with his hustle and defensive instincts. A second-round pick in 2023 (No. 39 overall), Gueye has earned his minutes by excelling as a shot-blocker and a high-motor rebounder. While his offensive game is still developing, his willingness to run the floor and set screens fits perfectly with Trae Young’s pick-and-roll-heavy offense. Gueye is proving that sometimes the lowest-paid players can bring the most energy.

Boston Celtics

Torrey Craig – $779,820

A veteran known for his gritty defense and ability to knock down corner threes, Torrey Craig is the kind of glue guy every championship contender needs. While he’s not a high-volume scorer, his ability to defend multiple positions and hit timely shots can become crucial for the Boston Celtics with a long postseason ahead. At 34, Craig may not be in his prime, but his low-cost contract is a steal for a team with title aspirations.

Brooklyn Nets

Tyrese Martin – $635, 853

The Nets are getting great value out of Tyrese Martin, who is not on a big contract but is putting up 7.8 points per game. While the Nets are in a rebuilding phase, Martin has shown enough to make him an NBA-quality player and he could be in for the long-term plan for the team. 

Charlotte Hornets

Moussa Diabate – $957, 763

Moussa Diabate’s journey to the Hornets is a testament to hard work and resilience. The former second-round pick (No. 43 overall) is now carving out a niche as a high-energy big man who rebounds and protects the rim with tenacity. Diabate’s athleticism and length make him a good fit for the Hornets’ fast-paced system if he can get enough minutes. 

Chicago Bulls

Julian Phillips – $1,891,857

Julian Phillips has emerged as a role player in the Chicago Bulls’ rotation, with 53 games played. The second-year forward’s defensive prowess and ability to cut to the basket have made him a valuable asset. While his offensive game is still evolving, Phillips’ hustle and defensive versatility have given the Bulls much-needed energy off the bench during a challenging season.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Craig Porter Jr. – $1,891,857

Craig Porter Jr. has gone from an undrafted rookie to a reliable contributor for the Cavaliers. Known for his poise and IQ on the court, Porter has thrived as a backup guard, making the most of limited opportunities. He is averaging 9.4 minutes per game and is becoming a fan favorite for one of the NBA’s best teams. 

Dallas Mavericks

Jaden Hardy – $2,019,699

Jaden Hardy continues to develop into one of the Mavericks‘ most exciting young players. A scorer at heart, Hardy’s ability to create his own shot and knock down tough jumpers has made him a spark plug off the bench. At just 22, he’s a key piece for Dallas’ future (7.9 PPG this season) and already looks like a bargain on his rookie deal.

Denver Nuggets

Hunter Tyson, Jalen Pickett – $1,891,857

Hunter Tyson and Jalen Pickett have seamlessly blended into Denver’s winning culture. Tyson’s sharpshooting and rebounding from the wing have made him a reliable role player, while Pickett’s playmaking skills and defensive tenacity at the guard spot have earned him steady minutes. Both players epitomize the Nuggets’ knack for finding promising players late in the draft even if they are garbage-time players at the moment. 

Detroit Pistons

Bobi Klintman – $1,257,153

Bobi Klintman has appeared in three games for the Detroit Pistons this season and he is making over $1,000,000 this season as he develops his game. The 6’9″ small forward has the size to be impactful but we will see more of him if he gets his chances moving forward.

Golden State Warriors

Quinten Post – $438,920

Quinten Post holds the honor of being one of the lowest-paid players in the NBA right now, but his contributions to the Warriors go beyond his paycheck. The skilled big man has carved out a niche as a floor-spacing center with a high basketball IQ. While his minutes are limited, Post has impressed with his ability to make the most of his opportunities.

Houston Rockets

Cam Whitmore – $3,379,068

Despite being one of the higher-paid players on this list, Cam Whitmore is still a youngster on his first deal—and he’s living up to the hype for the Houston Rockets. The 2023 lottery pick has showcased his explosive athleticism and ability to score at all three levels. His development is a key part of Houston’s rise as a potential contender soon with an average of 9.7 points per game.

Indiana Pacers

Johnny Furphy – $1,850,842

Johnny Furphy is a bench player for the Indiana Pacers, providing a jolt of energy and shooting off the bench. Though he’s still finding consistency in terms of playing time with 7.1 minutes per game off the bench this season, Furphy has time to prove his worth. 

Los Angeles Clippers

Ben Simmons – $755,826

Ben Simmons might prove to be an excellent pickup by the Los Angeles Clippers, a team that always seems to find big names one way or another. Simmons has not been the same player who made three All-Star Teams, but he can still defend at a high level and use his all-around ability. Posting 6.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game this season, Simmons is on one of the best contracts in the NBA right now. 

Los Angeles Lakers

Alex Len – $743, 829

The Lakers recently signed Alex Len and the big man is hoping to battle Jaxson Hayes for the starting center spot, up until next season. The franchise will be looking for a new starting center in due time but Len is the guy to rely on for the rest of the season for the Purple and Gold. It is also interesting that Len will make less money than the second-lowest-paid player on the team, Bronny James.

Memphis Grizzlies

Jaylen Wells – $1,157,153

Jaylen Wells might be one of the contenders for Rookie of the Year and he’s making an impact for the Grizzlies. A crafty guard with a knack for scoring in bunches, Wells has proven himself as a reliable bench option with an average of 11.2 points per game. His quick first step and ability to finish through contact have given Memphis a spark, making him one of the best values on their roster.

Miami Heat

Keshad Johnson – $724,883

Keshad Johnson’s deal was converted to a standard contract this month and he hopes to become a defensive specialist who thrives in Erik Spoelstra’s system. Known for his athleticism and hustle, Johnson will have to earn his minutes with effort plays and gritty defense for the Miami Heat. 

Milwaukee Bucks

Tyler Smith – $1,157,153

Tyler Smith is a rookie with a lot of potential, and the Bucks are excited about what he brings to the table. A versatile forward who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions, Smith fits well alongside Milwaukee’s stars. While he’s still getting acclimated to the NBA level, his upside as a 6’11” stretch-four is evident.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Leonard Miller – $1,891,857

Leonard Miller might not be a familiar name to NBA fans, but hopes to find new life with the Timberwolves although he only has seven appearances so far. At 6’10”, Miller has the size to be a bench player for a title-contending team but we have to wait and see if he can form a role. 

New Orleans Pelicans

Antonio Reeves – $1,157,153

Antonio Reeves has emerged as a bright spot for the Pelicans in a difficult season. A sharpshooter with a quick release, Reeves hopes to one day become one of New Orleans’ most reliable floor spacers, but he has a ways to go to improve upon his 31.4% three-point clip. 

New York Knicks

Ariel Hukporti – $1,064,049

Ariel Hukporti is an intriguing bench player on the Knicks’ roster. The German center brings a mix of size and skill, making him a project worth developing. His ability to protect the rim and finish around the basket has given him a foothold in the rotation, and at 7’0″ tall, Knicks fans know who he is after 22 appearances. 

Oklahoma City Thunder

Jaylin Williams – $2,019,699

Jaylin Williams has become a fan favorite in Oklahoma City for his physicality and basketball IQ. Known for his charge-taking prowess and ability to bang in the post, Williams brings toughness to the Thunder’s young core. His low salary is a bargain for a player who contributes so much to OKC’s identity.

Orlando Magic

Caleb Houstan – $2,019,699

With 37 appearances this season, Caleb Houstan continues to show promise in his second NBA season. The former first-round pick (No. 32 overall in 2022) has found his rhythm as a three-and-D wing, although he aims to improve upon his 31.9% clip from deep. Still, the Orlando Magic can be happy with their 6’8″ small forward. 

Philadelphia 76ers

Justin Edwards – $425,619

The 21-year-old Justin Edwards has been a revelation for the Sixers, providing scoring punch and athleticism off the bench with an average of 8.2 points per game. As a rookie, Edwards has wasted no time making an impact with his ability to slash to the rim and knock down open looks. His development will be crucial as Philadelphia navigates a transitional phase that may or may not involve Joel Embiid or Paul George going forward.

Phoenix Suns

Oso Ighodaro – $1,157,153

Oso Ighodaro has quickly earned a reputation as a versatile and unselfish player for the Suns. His defensive instincts and willingness to do the dirty work have made him a coach’s favorite. While his offensive game is limited, his ability to defend multiple positions and crash the boards has solidified his spot in the rotation.

Portland Trail Blazers

Toumani Camara, Rayan Rupert – $1,891,857 

Toumani Camara and Rayan Rupert represent the Trail Blazers’ commitment to youth and development during their rebuild. Camara, a physical forward with a high motor, excels in defensive versatility and rebounding, while Rupert is a lengthy wing with defensive instincts and flashes of scoring touch. Hopefully, they can join the rebuild around Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.

Sacramento Kings

Markelle Fultz – $731,831

Markelle Fultz’s NBA journey has been a rollercoaster, and he hopes to make the most of his new opportunity with the Kings. While his role will be more limited than during his prime, Fultz hopes to provide Sacramento with solid playmaking and defensive effort off the bench after not playing an NBA game since last season. 

San Antonio Spurs

Charles Bassey, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jordan McLaughlin – $2,087,519

The Spurs are getting nice value from both Charles Bassey and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Bassey, a rugged rebounder and rim protector, anchors the paint on defense, while Mamukelashvili’s ability to stretch the floor and pass makes him a unique big man. Jordan McLaughlin is a 28-year-old veteran who will always be a reliable point guard from the bench. Together, they form a cost-effective and versatile frontcourt rotation for a team focused on development.

Toronto Raptors

Jamison Battle – $1,000,000

Jamison Battle is bringing three-point shooting to the table for the Toronto Raptors, nailing 42.3% from deep in 35 appearances. The 6’7″ swingman is averaging 12.6 minutes per game this season and hopes to get more reps on the court because he is a 23-year-old rookie who wants his chances. 

Utah Jazz

Isaiah Collier – $2,512,680

Isaiah Collier, the Jazz’s rookie point guard, has been a bright spot in an otherwise horrific season from a team record standpoint. A gifted passer with a natural feel for the game, Collier has shown flashes of becoming a lead playmaker. His ability to penetrate defenses and make creative plays (6.6 PPG, 5.8 APG) has injected hope into Utah’s rebuild.

Washington Wizards

Colby Jones – $2,120,693

The newly-acquired Colby Jones has a lot of potential and it is up to the struggling Wizards franchise to develop him. Jones averaged 1.1 points per game in 24 appearances for the Sacramento Kings but hopes to form a new role with the Wizards, a team that is tanking right now. 

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.