- Allen Iverson won the 2001 MVP Award
- Iverson once made over $20 million in a season
- Iverson made a lot of money in his career but couldn’t afford a cheeseburger in 2013
Allen Iverson was one of the most exciting and dynamic players in NBA history. He was an 11-time NBA All-Star, a four-time scoring champion, and the 2001 NBA MVP.
- 1996-97 Philadelphia 76ers – $2,267,000
- 1997-98 Philadelphia 76ers – $3,128,640
- 1998-99 Philadelphia 76ers – $3,537,000
- 1999-00 Philadelphia 76ers – $9,000,000
- 2000-01 Philadelphia 76ers – $10,130,000
- 2001-02 Philadelphia 76ers – $11,250,000
- 2002-03 Philadelphia 76ers – $12,375,000
- 2003-04 Philadelphia 76ers – $13,500,000
- 2004-05 Philadelphia 76ers – $14,625,000
- 2005-06 Philadelphia 76ers – $16,453,125
- 2006-07 Denver Nuggets – $17,184,375
- 2007-08 Denver Nuggets – $19,012,500
- 2008-09 Detroit Pistons – $20,840,625
- 2009-10 Memphis Grizzlies/Philadelphia 76ers – $1,467,403
- Career Earnings – $154,770,668
- Next
- The Highest-Paid Players In The 1997-98 NBA Season: Michael Jordan’s Salary Was Worth More Than The Salary Cap
- Shaquille O’Neal’s Salary For Each NBA Season: Shaq Earned Almost $300 Million Over His Career
- Highest Salary By Season (1984-2026): Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, And Steph Curry Dominate The List
- Allen Iverson vs. David Stern: The Story Of How Stern And The NBA Ruined Iverson’s Career
- Breaking Down Allen Iverson’s Career: A Pure Scoring Assassin
Throughout his career, he signed several lucrative contracts, earning him millions of dollars in salary. But what was his salary breakdown for each season?
How much did he make in his best season? How about in his worst season? In this article, we will take a closer look at Iverson’s salary breakdown, season by season, to better understand how much he was making and how it changed throughout his career.
1996-97 Philadelphia 76ers – $2,267,000
Stats: 23.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 7.5 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
When Allen Iverson was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the first overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, expectations were high. In college, Iverson played at Georgetown for two years.
Iverson holds the school record for career scoring average with 23.0 points per game. He also won the Big East Defensive Player of the Year award in each of his seasons at Georgetown.
Once selected by the 76ers, Iverson signed his first NBA contract, a rookie deal. This deal was for 3 years and $8,932,640. In Iverson’s rookie season, he earned $2,267,000.
This wasn’t a bad deal at all for a rookie, and Iverson proved to the 76ers that he was worth every penny. Iverson won the Rookie of the Year Award after averaging 23.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 2.1 steals per game.
The 76ers didn’t see a lot of success with Iverson, as they only won 22 games in the 1996-97 season. Still, this was an improvement over their previous season, which saw the 76ers win just 18 games.
Overall, Iverson’s rookie season gave Philly fans a glimpse into the future and that the 76ers had a star in the making. As for Iverson, he was proving that one day he’ll earn a top contract in the league.
1997-98 Philadelphia 76ers – $3,128,640
Stats: 22.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.2 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Allen Iverson’s earnings went up in his sophomore season, and so did the 76ers wins. Philadelphia went 31-51 in the 1997-98 season, and Iverson earned $3,128,640 for the season.
The one thing that did not increase during Iverson’s second season was his scoring average. The former Georgetown star averaged 22.0 points per game, which was 1.5 points per game less.
Still, Iverson was effective on the floor and was slowly becoming the 76ers number one option. Iverson shared the ball with another rising star, Jerry Stackhouse.
The 76ers decided to focus solely on Iverson and made a bold decision halfway through the 1997-98 season. Philadelphia traded Stackhouse to the Detroit Pistons, and the true Iverson era began.
1998-99 Philadelphia 76ers – $3,537,000
Stats: 26.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 4.6 APG, 2.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG
The 1998-99 NBA season was a breakout year for Iverson. Even with the season shortened to 50 games, thanks to a lockout. And the fact Michael Jordan retired, again, Iverson didn’t let that faze him.
In fact, Iverson took full advantage of not having Jordan in the league. Jordan famously won 10 scoring titles, including all 10 in a row, when you count his full seasons played.
So, with no Jordan, the scoring title was up for the taking. Iverson was the one who leaped up and grabbed it, averaging 26.8 points per game.
This may have been the first scoring title of Iverson’s young career, but it certainly wouldn’t be the last. On top of Iverson’s individual success, The Answer, as Iverson would be known, led his team to the playoffs for the first time in his career.
The 76ers finished the lockout-shortened season with a 28-22 record. They entered the playoffs as the sixth seed and faced the third-seeded Orlando Magic.
Iverson was ready to showcase his talents in the postseason, and he didn’t shy away. The Answer averaged 28.3 points, 6.0 assists, and an incredible 4.0 steals per game in his first playoff series.
Iverson led his 76ers to a 3-1 series victory over the Magic. Even though the 76ers would be swept by the Indiana Pacers in the semi-finals round, Philadelphia knew they had a star on their hands.
They knew this even before the lockout 1998-99 NBA season started. On January 26, 1999, Iverson signed a six-year, $70.9 million max rookie contract extension.
Yes, Iverson had arrived, and he was the future of the Philadelphia 76ers. Soon, he’d be the future of the league.
1999-00 Philadelphia 76ers – $9,000,000
Stats: 28.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.7 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Iverson’s rookie extension kicked in for the 1999-00 season, and this saw his salary get bumped to $9,000,000. After winning the scoring title and his first playoff series, Iverson was hungry to make more “firsts”.
Iverson did this by making his first All-Star team, playing in the 2000 All-Star Game. There, Iverson shined, leading the game in scoring with 26 points while adding 9 assists.
Unfortunately, Iverson’s East lost 137-126. The loss got rid of the chance of Iverson winning the All-Star Game MVP, but he’d get other chances.
As for the team, Iverson led the 76ers back to the playoffs. Once again, they lost to the Indiana Pacers, this time in six games.
2000-01 Philadelphia 76ers – $10,130,000
Stats: 31.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 2.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
The 2000-01 NBA season would go down as the best in the career of Allen Iverson. For starters, he had his first season earning at least $10 million, and he’d win his second scoring title thanks to his 31.1 points per game average.
Iverson also won the first steals title of his career after he averaged 2.5 steals per game. The Answer was proving he could play on both sides of the ball.
Iverson won his first All-Star Game MVP after leading the East back from a 21 deficit to win 111–110. The Answer was what Iverson was for the East, scoring 15 of his 25 points in the final nine minutes of the game.
Iverson led the Philadelphia 76ers to the best record in the Eastern Conference at 56-26. As for Iverson, he won his first and only MVP award.
Iverson was the NBA’s biggest star at this point in the league. When he led his 76ers to the NBA Finals to face the league’s other two biggest stars, all eyes were watching.
The 76ers faced the powerhouse Los Angeles Lakers, who were led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Philadelphia was not given a chance to win the series and would fall to LA in five games.
Still, Iverson gave one of the best performances in NBA Finals history. It was Game 1, and Iverson led the 76ers to their only win in the series.
One of the most iconic images from the series and in NBA history is Iverson’s step-over of Tyronn Lue.
Sadly, for Iverson, this would be the only time he’d lead his team to the NBA Finals. Still, he would give many more incredible performances while earning a lot of money.
2001-02 Philadelphia 76ers – $11,250,000
Stats: 31.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 2.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG
In the follow-up season to winning the MVP, Iverson had another great year, winning his third scoring title at 31.4 points per game. Iverson won his second straight steals title as well, with his career-high average of 2.8 steals per game.
The 76ers stumbled through the 2001-02 season, winning just 43 games. Iverson would find himself back in the playoffs, but things didn’t go the way he wanted.
The 76ers were knocked out in the First Round by the Boston Celtics. Philadelphia lost the series 3-2 to Boston.
2002-03 Philadelphia 76ers – $12,375,000
Stats: 27.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.5 APG, 2.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Despite putting up 27.6 points per game, Iverson failed to win the scoring title. He did win his third consecutive steals title with an average of 2.7 steals per game.
As a team, the 76ers recorded a 48-34 record to reach the playoffs as the fourth seed. Iverson would lead the 76ers over the New Orleans Hornets in six games in the First Round.
The 76ers would fall in the semi-finals to the Detroit Pistons, losing the series in six games. Things in Philadelphia were starting to look bleak as after the season, their legendary head coach, Larry Brown, left the team.
2003-04 Philadelphia 76ers – $13,500,000
Stats: 26.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.8 APG, 2.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Iverson had problems all season despite earning over $13 million to play basketball. He feuded first with new head coach Randy Ayers, and then after Ayers was fired, he feuded with interim head coach Chris Ford.
On the court, Iverson performed well, averaging 26.4 points, to go along with 6.8 assists and 2.4 steals per game. The team, however, didn’t find success.
The 76ers won just 33 games and missed the playoffs for the first time since the 1997-98 season. Overall, a lackluster season for Iverson.
2004-05 Philadelphia 76ers – $14,625,000
Stats: 30.7 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 7.9 APG, 2.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Iverson was back on top in the 2004-05 season. Well, at least in the scoring race. The Answer won his fourth and final scoring title with his 30.7 points per game average.
The 76ers struggled once again in the season, winning 43 games. They would make the playoffs as the seventh seed to face the Detroit Pistons.
In the playoffs, the 76ers wouldn’t get far, as they lost to the Pistons in five games. Iverson’s frustration with the 76ers was starting to boil over.
2005-06 Philadelphia 76ers – $16,453,125
Stats: 33.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Iverson had the best scoring season of his NBA career. He averaged 33.0 points per game, yet he didn’t win the scoring title; Kobe Bryant averaged 35.4 points per game.
Iverson also had a veteran extension that he actually signed in 2003 but didn’t kick in until the 2005-06 season. This extension was for $76.7 million over four years.
Even with this good news, Iverson and his 76ers struggled once more. Philadelphia finished with a 38-44 record, missing the playoffs once again.
2006-07 Denver Nuggets – $17,184,375
Stats: 26.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
The Iverson era in Philadelphia would come to an end after 15 games in the 2006-07 season. Iverson requested a trade for various reasons, including disagreements with the 76ers coaching staff.
The Answer was a member of the Denver Nuggets, teaming up with Carmelo Anthony. The two helped the Nuggets win 45 games in the season while reaching the playoffs as the sixth seed.
Iverson played well next to Anthony, averaging 22.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in the playoffs, but it wasn’t enough. The Nuggets lost 4-1 to the San Antonio Spurs.
2007-08 Denver Nuggets – $19,012,500
Stats: 26.4 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 7.1 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG
In his first full season with the Nuggets, Iverson helped Denver win 50 games. Despite winning 50 games, Denver reached the playoffs as the eighth seed.
This put them in a matchup against Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers, and it wasn’t close. LA swept Denver 4-0. This essentially ended Iverson’s career in Denver.
2008-09 Detroit Pistons – $20,840,625
Stats: 17.5 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG
The 2008-09 season was bittersweet for Iverson. The good part was Iverson had the highest-paid season of his career. He earned over $20 million.
The bad part was on the basketball court. Iverson would play only three games for the Nuggets before being traded to the Detroit Pistons.
On the Pistons, Iverson struggled to find a role on the team. The 2008-09 season would be the first of Iverson’s career that he’d average less than 20 points per game.
2009-10 Memphis Grizzlies/Philadelphia 76ers – $1,467,403
Stats: 13.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
The 2009-10 season would be the last for Iverson in the NBA. First, Iverson signed with the Memphis Grizzlies as a free agent.
This didn’t go well, as Memphis used Iverson as a bench player. Iverson would play three games with the Grizzlies before having his contract terminated, making $437,609. This was by mutual agreement.
Iverson would return to Philadelphia on a contract worth $1029,794 and play in 25 games for the 76ers. Overall, Iverson averaged a career-low in points, 13.8, and clearly, he wasn’t the same player he once was.
Iverson left the 76ers on February 22, 2010, for personal reasons. He would not return to the 76ers that season, and no team would give him a chance, making 2009-10 the last time we’d see Iverson in the NBA.
Career Earnings – $154,770,668
Career Stats: 26.7 PPG, 6.2 APG, 3.7 RPG, 2.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Allen Iverson’s influence can still be felt today. Many current NBA players credit him as an inspiration and role model, both on and off the court. His tenacity and passion for the game continue to resonate with fans and aspiring athletes worldwide.
As for the money, Iverson has missed on the world of massive NBA contracts that we see today. Still, Iverson made $154,770,668 over the course of his 14-year career, which isn’t bad at all.
Of course, Iverson would have money problems over the years. This includes not having enough money to buy a cheeseburger back in 2013.
Iverson has bounced back from this desperate state of life. And when the former MVP turns 55, he’ll receive a $32 million trust, thanks to the lifetime deal he signed with Reebok in 2001. Iverson is currently 48 years old.
Let’s hope Iverson will be responsible with the money he receives from Reebok. Hopefully, he doesn’t spend it all, as he did his NBA fortune.
