The narrative of the traditional big man fading into basketball history has been completely overturned. In today's NBA, centers are not merely surviving; they are the league's dominant forces, commanding the most eye-watering paychecks. The evolution from ground-and-pound post players to multifaceted offensive engines has made a generational talent at the five-spot the ultimate asset, a fact starkly reflected in the salaries for the 2025-26 season.
The New Era of the Point-Center
Gone are the days when a center's role was confined to rebounding and protecting the rim. The modern elite big man is a versatile weapon, often acting as the primary playmaker, a floor-spacer who can shoot from deep, and the central hub of his team's attack. This dramatic shift in skill set and responsibility is directly linked to the staggering financial investments teams are making in the position. The following five players exemplify this trend, dominating both the hardwood and the payroll.
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: $55.2 Million
The Serbian maestro, Nikola Jokic, is the undisputed benchmark for the modern center. His current season salary of $55.2 million is part of a monumental $276 million supermax contract. A three-time MVP, Jokic shatters every conventional limitation of his position with his extraordinary passing, ball-handling, and basketball IQ. This season, he is averaging a near triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11.0 assists per game while shooting a remarkable 60.5% from the field. His salary is a direct testament to his role as the irreplaceable focal point for the Nuggets on both ends of the court.
2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers: $55.2 Million
Joel Embiid matches Jokic at the top of the earnings chart with an identical $55.2 million salary this season. His financial standing is backed by a 4-year, $213 million extension, with another $193 million extension set to begin in 2026. When healthy, Embiid is arguably the most physically dominant force since Shaquille O'Neal, combining a scoring champion's touch with formidable defensive presence. He remains a perpetual 22.6 points-per-game threat, making his contract a reflection of his status as a franchise-defining pillar.
3. Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks: $54.1 Million
The blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks in early 2025 for Luka Doncic was a seismic event. In Dallas, Davis is playing under the 3-year, $175 million extension he signed in 2023, earning $54.1 million this season. This investment is a bet on his unique blend of defensive versatility and efficient scoring. The 2020 NBA champion is currently putting up 20.1 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, shooting 58.1% from the field.
4. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks: $53.1 Million
Karl-Anthony Towns, now with the New York Knicks, commands a $53.1 million salary this year as part of his $220 million supermax deal. While his defense is sometimes questioned, teams pay for his 'unicorn' factor—an elite seven-foot shooter with polished post skills. This season, KAT is averaging 21.9 points and 11.7 rebounds while hitting 36.6% of his three-point attempts. His compensation is deemed apt for a player who stretches defenses like a guard.
5. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat: $37.1 Million
Completing the top five is Miami Heat's defensive anchor and culture carrier, Bam Adebayo. He is earning a base salary of $37.7 million this season under his 5-year, $163 million contract. Adebayo's value stems from his exceptional two-way play. He is currently averaging 17.7 points and 9.7 rebounds on 46.2% shooting. His financial future is even brighter, with a new 3-year, $166 million extension signed in 2024 that will see his salary jump to $49.8 million in 2026-27.
Investing in the Engine of Modern Offenses
The financial data for the 2025-26 NBA season sends a clear message: the center position is more valuable than ever. Teams are willingly allocating maximum resources to secure big men who are the literal engines of their systems. From Jokic's playmaking genius to Embiid's sheer dominance and the unique skills of Davis, Towns, and Adebayo, these salaries are not just for size, but for transformative basketball talent. The era of the high-priced, high-impact center is in full swing, redefining team building and on-court strategy across the league.
