The NBA has always been a league where "epoch-defining talent" meets "cross-generational wealth." Although today's player contracts far exceed those of decades past, the shrewdest athletes have long transformed their fame and earnings into investments, endorsements, and business empires that continue to grow even after retirement. On September 5th Beijing time, US media reviewed the richest players in NBA history by position and their paths to wealth accumulation.

Point Guard: Magic Johnson, $1.5 Billion

Few athletes in any sport have achieved the level of off-court success that Magic Johnson has. During his career with the Lakers from the 1980s to early 1990s, his total salary was about $40 million—modest compared to today's max contracts. However, Magic's true fortune was built after his basketball career ended.

He founded the Magic Johnson Enterprises, creating a vast business empire with investments spanning movie theaters, Starbucks franchises, real estate, and professional sports teams. Johnson was an early investor in companies like Starbucks and TGI Fridays, earning substantial profits by selling shares in these businesses.

Currently, he owns stakes in MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, and MLS’s Los Angeles FC. His net worth is estimated at $1.5 billion, making him not only the richest point guard in NBA history but also one of the wealthiest athletes worldwide.

On the court, Magic won five NBA championships and was a three-time regular season MVP, cementing his status as one of the greatest playmakers in league history.

Shooting Guard: Michael Jordan, $3.8 Billion

Michael Jordan is not only one of the greatest athletes in sports history but also the wealthiest player ever produced by the NBA. His career earnings totaled approximately $94 million, and during his final two seasons with the Bulls, he was the highest-paid athlete worldwide.

Like Magic, Jordan’s wealth skyrocketed through savvy business ventures. His partnership with Nike created the iconic "Air Jordan" line, which still dominates the sneaker market today. Beyond footwear, Jordan accumulated wealth by acquiring equity—most notably the Charlotte Hornets; he bought the majority stake in 2010 for $275 million and sold it in 2023 for $3 billion.

Jordan’s net worth is estimated at $3.8 billion, making him the richest player in NBA history and a textbook example of financial planning after retirement for athletes.

Small Forward: LeBron James, $1.2 Billion

LeBron James is currently the only active NBA player who has joined the "billionaire club." Over 22 seasons, he has earned more than $530 million in salary, setting an NBA record. However, it is his business acumen that has propelled his wealth well beyond contract earnings.

LeBron co-founded SpringHill Entertainment, a production company behind popular shows like "The Shop" and movies such as "Space Jam: A New Legacy." His early investment in Blaze Pizza has grown into a nationwide chain. Additionally, he is deeply involved in endorsement deals with Nike, Pepsi, and Beats by Dre. Through partnership with Fenway Sports Group, James also holds minority stakes in the Liverpool FC soccer club and MLB’s Boston Red Sox.

On the court, LeBron is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a four-time champion, and four-time regular season MVP, solidifying his place among the greatest players ever.

Power Forward: Kevin Garnett, $120 Million

At the power forward position, Kevin Garnett remains the wealthiest retired player. In 1997, he became the first NBA player to sign a $100 million contract; over his 21-year career, he earned a total salary of $334 million, one of the highest in NBA history.

Today, Garnett’s net worth is estimated at $120 million—though this could have been higher if not for financial mismanagement and legal disputes with a former advisor. Nevertheless, he remains the wealth benchmark among retired power forwards.

However, Garnett’s top spot won’t last long. Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are poised to surpass him soon: Davis’s total earnings after fulfilling his current contract are expected to exceed $511 million, while Giannis has guaranteed salaries worth at least $459 million in the coming years. These superstars are set to redefine the wealth standards for power forwards.

Center: Shaquille O’Neal, $400 Million

Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most dominant players in basketball history, and with his unique personality and business savvy, he has built a fortune of around $400 million. During his 19-year NBA career, he played for six teams and earned over $292 million in salary.

What truly established his business empire were his post-retirement investments and partnerships. O’Neal’s portfolio is diverse, including ventures in restaurants, gyms, real estate, and media. He has been a longtime guest on the popular sports show "Inside the NBA" and serves as a prominent brand ambassador for multiple companies.

O’Neal’s wealth is as dominant as his on-court performance, proving that an athlete’s success can extend far beyond their playing days.

From Jordan’s Air Jordan line, Magic’s team ownership, LeBron’s entertainment empire, Garnett’s record-breaking contracts, to O’Neal’s branding triumphs, these players demonstrate that greatness in the NBA is not confined to the court. They set an example for future generations—while championships matter, financial foresight can also make you a legend.