How Much Do Australia’s Top NBA Stars Earn?

Australia has a strong presence in the NBA, with several stars from the country making their mark in the top basketball league in the world.

Some of them are earning life-changing money, highlighting how far up the ladder they have climbed in the professional basketball ranks.

With that in mind we look at the salaries and futures of four of Australia’s hottest NBA commodities – Josh Giddey, Josh Green, Ben Simmons and Dyson Daniels.

Josh Giddey

This Melbourne-born point guard has wasted no time making himself a fan favourite with Oklahoma City Thunder.

The 21-year-old was a revelation in his rookie campaign, tallying 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game.

Giddey is the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double. He became the first player since Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson in 1961 to record three consecutive triple-doubles as a rookie. 

He has continued to deliver the goods during the current campaign, delivering 16.6 points, 6.2 assists and 7.9 rebounds per game.

Giddey has been entertaining on the court, thrilling the crowd with his signature no-look passes and playmaking. His unbelievable pass to Jalen ‘J-dub’ Williams against Detroit Pistons was a highlight reel moment.

His meteoric rise in the NBA will soon be reflected in his salary. He is still on a rookie contract worth $6,587,040, but he is due for a renewal that will see him get a massive pay raise.

A contract worth around $235 million over five years wouldn’t be out of the question for a player who will be a cornerstone of Thunder’s title bid this season.

Giddey’s efforts have not gone unnoticed in his homeland, with several online bookmakers in Australia cutting his teams odds in the outright market to win the championship.

They are as low as 13.00 on some of the best NBA betting apps – odds which fly in the face of the 19.00 on offer in numerous other betting jurisdictions worldwide. 

Josh Green

Dallas Mavericks star Josh Green is carving out a valuable role for himself. The Sydney native has not managed to win a starting berth, but his hustle and versatility make him a key contributor.

The 23-year-old provides defensive tenacity, reliable three-point shooting and can handle playmaking duties when needed.

Green recently inked a four-year, $41m contract extension with the Mavericks. This deal locks him up through 2028, giving him stability and the opportunity to further develop his game alongside Luka Doncic and the rest of the talented Mavericks roster.

His future looks secured in Dallas. He is tailor-made for their style of play, providing vital defensive screening and intensity.

It is hard to envisage him leaving unless someone comes calling with a much larger offer. He will be desperate to carve out a bigger role as the Mavericks look to make their championship case.

Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons’ career has been a story of ups and downs. The 2017/18 Rookie of the Year showed plenty of promise early on, making three All-Star appearances and All-Defensive Team selections.

However, his shooting woes, injuries and mental health struggles have raised questions about his long-term career in the NBA.

From breaking legendary records in the play-offs, the 27-year-old became a deer in headlights in key play-off situations, leading to criticism from teammate Joel Embiid and coach Doc Rivers.

Simmons responded by missing practice to force a move away. He was traded to the Brooklyn Nets and is yet to recapture his All-Star form.

Despite his struggles, Simmons is still under contract for a staggering $37m. Predicting what the future holds for Simmons is a tricky proposition for even the most gifted clairvoyant. 

His early performances indicate that there is a quality player, but his injury record, feud with the 76ers and woeful shooting are proving an insurmountable mountain for the Melbourne-born star.

If his struggles continue, there’s a possibility he could be traded for a player who better fits the team’s needs. Simmons’ future hinges on his ability to address his issues and rediscover his form.

Dyson Daniels

Dyson Daniels is the youngest player on this list. The 20-year-old Bendigo native was drafted eighth overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2022 draft. 

The talented point guard is still finding his feet in the NBA and will hope to establish himself as a starter in the team.

Daniels is still on his rookie $5,784,120 contract as he gets valuable minutes behind CJ McCollum in the Pelicans’ backcourt.

He is still adjusting to the NBA’s pace offensively, but his potential is undeniable. He has a contract that runs until 2026, giving the Pelicans enough time to develop him into a key player.

New Orleans will be eager to keep him long-term if he continues to improve offensively and defensively.

However, with Zion Williamson’s impending extension and other roster considerations, there’s a slight chance a trade could materialise if a team offers a substantial package.