When fans think of the highest-paid players in the history of the NBA, most point directly to stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. This makes sense, as these three players have had incredible success throughout their entire careers.
If I told you that Tobias Harris‘ career earnings are among the highest by an NBA player, you’d probably tell me I’m wrong. Yet, after signing a two-year, $31 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs this offseason, Harris’ career earnings have now surpassed $330 million, placing his career earnings above the late-great Kobe Bryant.
Harris’ Career Earnings
Harris will now earn $331.3 million upon the expiration of his contract. As mentioned, he will make more than Bryant, who made $323.3 million throughout his twenty-year career.
This information has fans scratching their heads as Bryant is one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. Harris, on the other hand, has never won any major NBA award. This includes never being named to an All-Star team or an All-NBA team.
So, how has Harris earned so much money through NBA contracts?
Harris Earns Huge Contract
One major factor in why Harris has earned so much during his NBA career is the fact that he came into the league right when salary caps grew tremendously due to massive new television broadcast deals. Also, despite not being a star, Harris has been a solid role player who fit well on the teams that signed him.
When factoring in the boom in salary cap growth, we can see how much today’s players make compared to players of the past. For example, Michael Jordan, who is arguably the greatest player in league history, made just $94 million through NBA contracts.
When looking at the top career earnings for NBA players, after signing his new contract with the Spurs, Harris finds himself in 30th place all-time in career earnings. This places Harris above Klay Thompson, Shaquille O’Neal, Carmelo Anthony, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tim Duncan, to name a few stars.
Harris is also the only player in the top 30 of career earnings who has never made an All-Star appearance. So, how did he earn so much money?
Harris may not be a star, but his numbers prove his worth. He has averaged over 19.0 points per game three times, including 20.0 points per game in the 2018-19 season.
For his career, Harris averaged 15.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. This includes a 7.9 rebounding average in the 2018-19 season.
The main reason why Harris has made so much money comes from his deal with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019. Harris signed a five-year, $180 million contract extension with the 76ers, which raised many eyebrows from fans at the time.
From the 76ers’ point of view, he was worth the money on many levels.
“We are in the unique position to contend now and we think this trade positions us well for the postseason,” Sixers general manager Elton Brand said at the time.
“Tobias is one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA and possesses an innate ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, while Boban [Marjanovic] and Mike [Scott] provide valuable skillsets, size and depth to our team,” Brand continued. “All three players bring high character to our locker room and we are excited about their fit alongside Joel [Embiid], Ben [Simmons], Jimmy [Butler] and our entire roster.”
The 76ers would not compete for a championship with Harris on the roster, but the respect he earned from their front office shows a little glimpse into why he continually earns large contracts.
Contracts Harris Earned
When Harris was drafted as a rookie by the Charlotte Bobcats in 2011, he was immediately traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. There he earned his first deal, which was a four-year, $6.82 million rookie scale contract.
Harris’ next contract was with the Orlando Magic, where he signed a four-year, $64 million deal. His massive $180 million contract with the 76ers came next, followed by a two-year, $52 million contract that was fully guaranteed with the Detroit Pistons.
Harris is now on his new deal with the Spurs, and this likely could be his last big deal, as he is turning 34 this July 15.
Harris’ career may never be remembered alongside the NBA’s greatest players, but his ability to ink huge deals is certainly among the best we’ve seen.
As Harris begins the next chapter of his career with the Spurs, he’ll look to add support to Victor Wembanyama. Who knows, maybe Harris will be the piece that lifts San Antonio to the championship in the near future.
