Mac McClung has officially solidified his status as the king of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, but the real headline isn’t just his incredible leaping ability—it’s how his dunk contest earnings have outpaced his actual NBA salary.
After winning his third straight dunk contest at the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend, McClung’s total prize money from the event now stands at $310,000, which is more than double his career NBA earnings of $132,101.
McClung, currently playing for the Orlando Magic’s G-League affiliate, the Osceola Magic, has become a household name despite having limited NBA playing time. The 6’2″ guard has only appeared in five NBA games since 2021, including a brief stint this season where he played just five minutes and recorded two assists and a rebound. However, his highlight-reel dunks have made him a recognizable figure far beyond the G League, making him a fan favorite in the dunk contest.
While McClung’s NBA career has been sporadic, his ability to dominate the dunk contest has earned him a payday that most G-League players could only dream of. The NBA awards $100,000 to the winner of the contest each year, meaning that with three straight victories, he has accumulated a total of $310,000 in dunk contest earnings alone. That’s nearly three times his official NBA salary.
However, the $132,101 reported by Spotrac only accounts for McClung’s standard NBA contracts and does not include the money he has earned from two-way deals. McClung has signed three two-way contracts over the years—with the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, and now the Orlando Magic.
Under the current NBA collective bargaining agreement, two-way contract players make 50% of the NBA rookie minimum salary, which comes out to around $500,000 per season. Given that he has had multiple two-way deals, McClung’s actual career earnings in the NBA are estimated to be over $1.5 million, even if he has spent most of his time in the G League.
Even with those additional earnings, McClung’s dunk contest winnings remain a significant chunk of his basketball income, especially considering that a standard G-League player earns just $40,500 per season. His success has also led to endorsement opportunities with brands like Puma, Raising Cane’s, and Coinbase, adding to his growing net worth.
While McClung’s dunking prowess is undeniable, the bigger question is whether he can parlay his All-Star Weekend fame into a lasting NBA career. He remains a productive player in the G League, averaging 17.4 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game, though his outside shooting has dipped to 25.6% from three-point range. His athleticism and explosiveness make him a dynamic player, but his future in the NBA remains uncertain.
For now, McClung continues to be the biggest name in dunking, and with three straight victories, he has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest dunk contest performers of all time. If he never plays another NBA game, he’ll still be remembered for making history above the rim—and getting paid handsomely for it.
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