In a sport where star power reigns supreme, two of the NBA’s top talents, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, have now earned the distinction of being the highest-paid players on a per-game basis in league history. Despite their vast potential and superstar status, injuries have limited their availability, pushing their earnings per game into unprecedented territory.
The Most Expensive Games in NBA History
As reported by HoopsHype, the list of the top 10 highest-paid players per game is led by Simmons and Embiid. Here’s how the numbers stack up:
- Ben Simmons: $446,791
- Joel Embiid: $437,598
- Zion Williamson: $425,415
- John Wall: $404,358
- Kristaps Porziņģis: $371,645
- Lonzo Ball: $365,382
- Markelle Fultz: $351,004
- Jonathan Isaac: $343,430
- Bradley Beal: $338,229
- Anthony Davis: $337,062
Both Simmons and Embiid have made headlines not just for their on-court prowess but for their hefty salaries, which reflect their importance to their respective teams—despite lengthy injury absences.
Ben Simmons: A Career Marked by Potential and Setbacks
Once hailed as one of the NBA’s most versatile young players, Ben Simmons has seen his career trajectory shift due to injuries and performance struggles. The 28-year-old is entering the final season of a five-year, $177.2 million contract that he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019, before his trade to the Brooklyn Nets.
Simmons has played in just 57 games over the past two seasons, including only 15 appearances in the 2023-24 campaign due to a lingering back injury. His current averages as a member of the Nets—6.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists—are a far cry from his All-Star-level production during his time with the 76ers. Despite these struggles, his contract ensures that each game he plays is incredibly costly for Brooklyn.
Joel Embiid: Dominance Tempered by Durability Concerns
Joel Embiid’s status as one of the NBA’s elite is unquestioned. The 2023 MVP is a seven-time All-Star and is widely regarded as the league’s most dominant big man. Despite his remarkable skill set, injuries have haunted Embiid throughout his career, preventing him from playing a full season. The 30-year-old has yet to play in 70 games in a single season since being drafted in 2014.
Nevertheless, Embiid’s on-court brilliance continues to shine. During the 2023-24 season, he averaged an astounding career-high 34.7 points per game. However, his limited availability, with only 39 games played, kept him from being eligible for MVP honors that year. Moving forward, the 76ers will hope that Embiid can manage his health more effectively as the team leans on emerging star Tyrese Maxey and newly acquired Paul George to share the load.
A Growing Trend of High-Earners With Low Availability
The presence of other injury-prone players like Zion Williamson, John Wall, and Lonzo Ball among the top earners per game highlights a growing concern in the NBA: the trend of players securing massive contracts only to struggle with injuries that limit their availability. Balancing a star player’s immense talent with their durability has become an increasingly delicate equation for teams.
In Simmons’ and Embiid’s cases, their respective franchises have had to cope with the reality that their massive contracts do not guarantee consistent on-court contributions. While both players are unquestionably talented, their health will continue to be a major storyline.
Can Simmons and Embiid Turn It Around?
For Ben Simmons, the 2024-25 season represents a final opportunity to rediscover his form and show that he can still be a valuable piece of a contending team. His contract ends after this year, and how he performs may determine his future in the league.
Joel Embiid, on the other hand, will continue to be the centerpiece of the 76ers, but questions about his durability persist. If he can stay healthy, there’s little doubt that he’ll remain one of the league’s most dominant forces.
As both players enter pivotal seasons in their careers, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid can finally deliver on the promise that made them two of the most highly compensated players in NBA history—on and off the court.
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