The enduring friendship between NBA stars Klay Thompson and Kevin Love, spanning nearly 25 years, recently warmed fans' hearts through a nostalgic Instagram post by Love. Beyond the camaraderie, fans are often curious about how these two basketball legends stack up against each other in terms of financial success. As of 2025, their career paths have led to a significant disparity in their estimated net worth, shaped by massive contracts, long-term earnings, and lucrative endorsement portfolios.
Klay Thompson's Financial Dominance in 2025
Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Klay Thompson has built a formidable financial empire. His net worth in 2025 is estimated to be a staggering $140 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. A major contributor to this wealth is his current NBA contract. In July 2024, Thompson inked a three-year, $50 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks, guaranteeing him an average annual salary of about $16.7 million. For the upcoming 2025-2026 season alone, he is slated to earn a massive $33 million.
Beyond his salary, Thompson's income is supercharged by endorsement deals. He reportedly earns between $15 million to $20 million per year from partnerships with a suite of premium brands. His portfolio includes:
- Anta (sportswear)
- Panini and BodyArmor
- Gillette, Tissot, and Uber Eats
- Electronic Arts, Waiakea Water, and Bevel
When combining his career earnings from salary and endorsements, Thompson's total pre-tax earnings are estimated to have exceeded $350 million, solidifying his status as one of the NBA's wealthiest players.
Kevin Love's Steady Wealth Accumulation
On the other side of this friendly rivalry is Utah Jazz power forward Kevin Love. While his official net worth is not publicly disclosed, financial publications like Forbes estimate it to be in the range of $25 million to $26 million in 2025. Love's financial journey reflects a solid, long-term career in the league, now extending over 15 years.
His current NBA salary with the Utah Jazz is a significant $4 million. Love's journey to Utah involved a mid-2025 acquisition by the Jazz, where he signed a two-year deal. This followed a period with the Miami Heat, where he was entitled to an $8 million salary in 2023. His salary saw a dip to between $3.85 million and $4.03 million for the 2024-2025 season before his move to Utah in a trade involving players like John Collins and Norman Powell.
While his endorsement earnings are not as extensively documented as Thompson's, Love has also partnered with major brands, contributing to his net worth. His known deals include:
- Nike, State Farm, and Gatorade
- Panini trading cards
- Fitness brands like 361 Degrees and Upper Deck
Comparing the Financial Journeys
The net worth comparison between Klay Thompson and Kevin Love in 2025 highlights how different career trajectories and marketability impact an athlete's wealth. Thompson's financial lead is driven by a combination of higher peak salary years with the Warriors and Mavericks, and a more aggressive and diverse endorsement strategy targeting the international market, particularly with Anta.
Love's wealth, while substantial, reflects a different path. His earnings have been consistent over a long career, but without the same peak-value, max-contract years or the same volume of mega-endorsements. Both players, however, exemplify the tremendous financial rewards available to elite NBA talent who sustain their performance over more than a decade.
Their story is not just one of numbers but of a 25-year friendship that has weathered the highs and lows of professional sports. While their bank balances tell different tales, their legacy in the game and their bond remain priceless.
