The Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Brooklyn Nets... are among the strongest as they have the highest-paid stars in the league. Accordingly, few would be surprised they have the highest salary in the NBA.
- Utah Jazz (161 million USD)
With high-paid stars like Rudy Gobert, Jordan Clarkson, and Donovan Mitchell, it's no surprise that the Utah Jazz's salary fund is among the best in the tournament. But their investment paid off when this team won the Western Conference with a 72 percent win rate last season. The Jazz has the most wins out of the NBA's 30 teams during the regular season in 2020/21. Unfortunately, they were unable to advance far in the playoffs.
- Milwaukee Bucks (162 million USD)
Over $30 million is given to Jrue Holiday, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Khris Middleton each season. The salary fund for only these three stars accounts for more than 100 million dollars. As a result, the Bucks developed a "bulky" salary fund. Last season, however, their investment was rewarded with a championship.
- Los Angeles Lakers (164 million USD)
In addition to paying high salaries to three superstars, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis, the Lakers do not spend significantly on the rest of their roster. The Lakers have reduced the salary fund's burden by removing Alex Caruso and Dennis Schroder and bringing in a series of low-wage older players. As a result, in the 2021/22 season, this wealthy team is only ranked eighth in terms of salary costs.
- Washington Wizard (167 million USD)
Despite pushing away Westbrook, who had been paid more than $ 30 million, the Washington Wizards are still financially strapped. Bradley Beal is supposed to earn $ 34 million in the 2021/22 season, with other players earning between $ 10 and $20 million. The Wizards don't have many high-paid stars, but they do have a lot of players who make between $10 and $20 million per year. As a result, the Wizards' total salary is still at 167 million dollars.
- Dallas Mavericks (170 million USD)
The Dallas Mavericks have added to their salary cap by signing Kristaps Porzingis to a massive contract. When they renew Luca Doncic, which the Mavericks will have to do sooner or later, they will be able to break the "ceiling" even further.
- Los Angeles Clippers (171 million USD)
The Los Angeles Clippers, a team with no history, were forced to pay high salaries to attract stars. That is why, in the 2021/22 season, they were ranked 5th in terms of salary fund. They have Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, two players who make over $30 million per season on average.
Meanwhile, under terms of the agreement, both stars will receive an additional 23 percent of their salary in the 2021/22 season, bringing the total increase in the contract to 23 percent. Four more Clippers players will earn $10 million or more this season. All of this places this team among the NBA's top five salary funds.
- Minnesota Timberwolves (172 million USD)
Surprisingly, the Minnesota Timberwolves are consistently among the highest-paid players, despite their poor performance. The Minnesota Timberwolves finished third from the bottom of the standings last season. It is frustrating for Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell, who earn more than $30 million a year with the Timberwolves.
- Boston Celtics (172 million USD)
The Celtics, like the Timberwolves, were a little disappointed when they paid a lot of money but didn't get much in return. The Celtics don't have anyone earning more than $30 million, but there are a lot of average-paid players. That's why, with $172 million in salary funds, they're the NBA's third-largest team.
- Brooklyn Nets (180 million USD)
The Nets' No. 2 ranking is undeniable because the trio Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving cost this team over $100 million in salary alone. Not to mention they want to renew with their three stars this year, raising the earnings by about 20% for each. As a result, the Nets' salary fund will grow even more. The Nets may be the best-paid team in the NBA by the end of the season.
- Golden State Warriors (187 million USD)
The Golden State Warriors will spend $187 million on the salaries of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and after-stars Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins in the 2021/22 season. Warriors are the NBA team with the most players earning at least $ 30 million per year (4 people).
The Warriors' salary is made up entirely of these players, who account for 80% of the total. With such high salary expenses, it's clear that the Warriors are also hoping for similar results.
The NBA season in 2021-22 is expected to start on time with new regulations to combat the threat of COVID-19.
The tournament is less intense on enforcing distancing procedures or the wearing of masks. Instead, it persuades players to get a COVID-19 vaccine to ensure 100 percent safety.
According to recent official information, the NBA has reached a 90 percent vaccination rate among players, but the remaining 10% group causes major "headaches" for tournament organizers.
Until now, the NBA has not enacted a rule requiring all players to be immunized. However, two cities: New York and San Francisco, require home players to complete enough vaccination to play.
Thus, Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors and Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets are in this predicament.
Wiggins applied to the NBA last weekend for a religious exemption from vaccinations. However, the NBA is unable to assist the players in "getting around the law" as this regulation is set by the local government.
Wiggins and Irving can only play at home with the COVID-19 vaccine.
