The National Basketball Association (NBA) is home to athletes whose financial achievements are as staggering as their on-court records. Among the league's most notable veterans are point guard Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers and shooting guard Damian Lillard, recently with the Milwaukee Bucks and now with the Portland Trail Blazers. A deep dive into their wealth reveals the immense value generated by elite sports careers, combining salaries, endorsements, and smart investments.
Chris Paul's Financial Dominance in 2025
Chris Paul, a 12-time NBA All-Star, has built a formidable financial portfolio over nearly two decades in the league. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is a colossal $180 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His career earnings from NBA salaries alone have surpassed the $400 million mark, with specific figures around $404.5 million cited for the 2024-2025 season, cementing his status among the highest-paid players in history.
For the 2025-2026 season, Paul is on a one-year minimum contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, which guarantees him a salary of $3.6 million. However, a significant portion of his income flows from lucrative lifetime endorsement deals. He has longstanding partnerships with premium brands like Jordan Brand (Nike), State Farm, Panini, Tissot, and Spalding. These endorsements contribute an estimated $6 million to $10 million to his annual income.
On the court, Paul's career-high performance remains etched in history from the 2007-2008 season, where he recorded 43 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals in a single game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Damian Lillard's Wealth and Current Contract
Damian Lillard, a 9-time NBA All-Star known for his clutch performances, has also amassed significant wealth. In 2025, his net worth is estimated to be approximately $100 million. His career earnings from NBA salaries exceed $365 million, a figure that continues to grow with his current contract.
In July 2025, Lillard signed a new deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, a three-year contract worth $42 million. This agreement includes a player option for the 2027-2028 season. Notably, Lillard has opted out of playing the 2025-2026 season due to a severe injury. Despite this, his earnings for that year are substantial, reported to be around $70 million, which includes payouts from his previous contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Lillard's on-court prowess is highlighted by his phenomenal career-high of 71 points, scored against the Houston Rockets on February 26, 2023.
Comparing the Financial Playbooks of Two NBA Icons
The financial landscapes of Chris Paul and Damian Lillard showcase two successful models for wealth generation in professional basketball. While Paul's higher net worth reflects longer tenure and perhaps more diversified endorsement income, Lillard's lucrative recent contract and significant career earnings demonstrate the premium value placed on elite scoring talent.
Both athletes have moved beyond mere salary dependence. Their wealth is a hybrid of guaranteed NBA contracts, multi-million dollar brand partnerships, and personal investments. Paul's association with global brands like State Farm and Jordan, and Lillard's own major deals, underline how off-court marketability is integral to a modern athlete's net worth.
Their stories are not just about sports records but also about financial acumen, showing how NBA veterans leverage their fame into lasting economic power. As of 2025, Chris Paul and Damian Lillard stand as prime examples of how excellence in basketball translates into monumental financial success.
