Ten top NBA father-son duos with highest combined earnings
1. Joe and Kobe Bryant
Joe and Kobe Bryant hold the top spot as the most notable father-son duo in basketball. Before ending his career in Europe, Joe played for various NBA teams such as the 76ers, Rockets, and Clippers (known as the San Diego Clippers at the time). During the 1980/81 season, Joe earned $4.3 million ($16 million in today’s value) as a Clipper.
On the other hand, Kobe, a legendary figure and Hall of Famer, spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers and earned $30.5 million for the 2013/14 season. When adjusted for inflation, their combined earnings in 2023 amount to $55.7 million.
2. Dell and Steph Curry
Dell and Steph Curry take the second spot on the list. Dell, who played for multiple NBA teams, including the Charlotte Hornets, received a salary of $3.6 million ($6.9 million today) in the 1997/98 season.
His son, Steph Curry, a two-time MVP with the Golden State Warriors, currently earns $48 million per season. When you add up their salaries, it totals $55 million in today’s value.
3. Mychal and Klay Thompson
Mychal and Klay Thompson rank third on the list, just behind Klay’s teammate. Mychal, who played for teams like the Trail Blazers, Spurs, and Lakers, earned $1.8 million ($4 million today) during the 1991/92 season with the Lakers.
Meanwhile, Klay earned $40.6 million playing alongside Curry for the Warriors in the 2022/23 season. Together, their earnings amount to $44.6 million when adjusted for today’s value.
4. Arvydas and Domantas Sabonis
Arvydas and Domantas Sabonis, a father and son from Lithuania, claim the fourth spot. Arvydas, known for his career in Europe and the NBA (particularly with the Portland Trail Blazers), earned just over $11 million in the 2000/01 season.
Domantas, who currently plays for the Sacramento Kings, received $21 million for the previous NBA season. In 2023, their combined earnings will total $41 million.
5. Tim Hardaway Sr. & Jr.
Tim Hardaway Sr. and Jr., a father-son combo sharing the same name, rank fifth on the list. Tim Sr., who played for five NBA teams and was a five-time All-Star, had a contract worth $12 million during the 2000/01 season with the Miami Heat. Tim Jr., currently playing for the Dallas Mavericks, earned $19.6 million in the 2022/23 season. Together, their salaries add up to $40.8 million.
6. Scottie and Scotty Pippen
Scottie Pippen and his son Scotty take the sixth spot. Scottie Pippen, renowned as Michael Jordan’s wingman, earned $20 million ($33.4 million today) during the 2002/03 season with the Trail Blazers, following a period of being underpaid with the Chicago Bulls. Scotty, his son, had a two-way deal with the Lakers for the 2022/23 season, earning slightly over $500,000. Their combined wages will amount to $33.9 million in 2023.
7. Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins
Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins secure the seventhspot on the list. Mitchell earned $335,000 while playing for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1991/92 season, having joined as a free agent from the Houston Rockets. Andrew, the son, received $33.6 million from the Golden State Warriors in the 2022/23 season, resulting in a total of $33.4 million in combined earnings.
8. Gary Payton and Gary Payton II
Gary Payton and Gary Payton II, father and son, claim the eighth spot on the list. Gary Payton Sr., with a 17-year career and multiple All-Star selections, received just over $12 million from the Seattle Supersonics (now OKC Thunder) in the 2000/01 season.
Gary Payton II, who has played for the Golden State Warriors in two separate stints, earned $8.3 million in the 2022/23 season. Their combined earnings now amount to $29.85 million.
10. Rick and Jalen Brunson
Rick and Jalen Brunson claim the final spot in the top ten. Rick’s father played nine NBA seasons and had a $1 million contract with the Seattle Supersonics in the 2005/06 season.
Jalen, Rick’s 26-year-old son, currently plays for the New York Knicks and earned $28 million last season. Together, their combined season earnings amount to $29.3 million.
