Steph Curry demanded a rare 'LeBron James clause' in his NBA contract as part of his journey to becoming the NBA's top earner.
The Golden State Warriors superstar remains the highest-paid player in the NBA, but even he has not been able to secure a powerful clause. It comes amid the top earner's list for 2025 being revealed this week.
Back in 2017, Curry became the first NBA player in history to sign a $200 million supermax contract, cementing his status as one of basketball's biggest faces. But according to reports, he also pushed for a no-trade clause, which would have given him the right to veto a move to another team.
Such clauses are rare in the NBA, as they allow players to dictate their own future, regardless of team decisions. Despite his legendary status, the Warriors turned him down.
Advert
Currently, the only players in the league with a no-trade clause are the LA Lakers star LeBron James and Phoenix Suns shooting guard Bradley Beal.
Who will be the biggest NBA earners in 2025/26?
Curry sits comfortably at the very top of the salary charts for next season.
According to beinsports, he is set to earn nearly $60 million next season, reinforcing his status as league's best paid player.
The four-time NBA champion, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters ever, continues to chase another title with the Warriors.
Just behind him are two former MVPs Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic, who are set to pocket $55.2 million next year.
Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers star was crowned NBA MVP in 2023, but he is yet to lift a championship with his franchise.
He is locked into a huge contract with the 76ers, which is worth a guaranteed $176 million over the duration of his contract.
Jokic has already made his mark in history having won the NBA Championship in 2023 with the Denver Nuggets.
The Serbian star, who has been the NBA's MVP on three occasions, continues to be one of the sport's biggest figures. Although James remains one of the most recognisable faces in the NBA, he is no longer one of the sport's biggest earners.
Despite speculation over a potential move away from the Los Angeles Lakers, he ultimately committed his future to the Lakers.
Next season, he is set to earn a comfortable $52.6 million, although that leaves him several million behind the biggest names.
The figures highlight the vast wealth at the top of the NBA.
Although Curry never secured the Lebron no-trade clause that he desired, he will be well compensated for his contributions next season.
Topics: Basketball, LA Lakers, Lebron James, NBA, Steph Curry
James Taylor