Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and the players in the National Basketball Association (NBA) are among the highest-paid athletes in the world. In 2023, the top 10 most-paid basketball players in the NBA earned a combined total of over $500 million.

Here is a list of the 10 most-paid basketball players in the NBA in 2023, based on their annual salaries:

1. Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) - $47.3 million

Two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry is the highest-paid basketball player in the world, earning $47.3 million per year. Curry, who has led the Golden State Warriors to four NBA championships, is one of the most popular and marketable athletes in the world.

2. Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets) - $44.1 million

Two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant is the second-highest-paid basketball player in the world, earning $44.1 million per year. Durant, who has won two NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors, is one of the most talented and versatile players in the NBA.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) - $40.0 million

Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is the third-highest-paid basketball player in the world, earning $40.0 million per year. Antetokounmpo, who has led the Milwaukee Bucks to one NBA championship, is one of the most dominant players in the NBA.

4. James Harden (Philadelphia 76ers) - $43.1 million

Ten-time NBA All-Star James Harden is the fourth-highest-paid basketball player in the world, earning $43.1 million per year. Harden, who has won one NBA scoring title, is one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA.

5. Russell Westbrook (Los Angeles Lakers) - $47.0 million

Nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook is the fifth-highest-paid basketball player in the world, earning $47.0 million per year. Westbrook, who has won one NBA MVP award, is one of the most athletic and explosive players in the NBA.

6. Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers) - $40.9 million

Six-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is the sixth-highest-paid basketball player in the world, earning $40.9 million per year. Lillard, who has won one NBA scoring title, is one of the most clutch and exciting players in the NBA.

7. Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards) - $40.5 million

Three-time NBA All-Star Bradley Beal is the seventh-highest-paid basketball player in the world, earning $40.5 million per year. Beal, who is one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA, is the face of the Washington Wizards franchise.

8. Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) - $34.7 million

Four-time NBA All-Star Joel Embiid is the eighth-highest-paid basketball player in the world, earning $34.7 million per year. Embiid, who has won one NBA scoring title, is one of the most dominant centers in the NBA.

9. Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves) - $34.1 million

Three-time NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns is the ninth-highest-paid basketball player in the world, earning $34.1 million per year. Towns, who is one of the most versatile big men in the NBA, is the face of the Minnesota Timberwolves franchise.

10. Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors) - $37.9 million

Four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson is the tenth-highest-paid basketball player in the world, earning $37.9 million per year. Thompson, who is one of the best three-point shooters in NBA history, is a key player for the Golden State Warriors.