Malaki Branham has emerged from a storied high school program to carve out a role in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs. Since being picked 20th overall in the 2022 draft, he’s built solid scoring chops, carved out a reliable bench role and amassed multimillion-dollar earnings.
In this article, you’ll find his personal background, early and pro career highlights, family details, net worth and financial breakdown, plus his on-court numbers through the 2024-25 season.
Malaki Branham’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Malaki Branham |
| Date of Birth | May 12, 2003 |
| Age | 21 |
| Education | St. Vincent–St. Mary High School; Ohio State Univ. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Weight | 180 lb (81 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2022 |
| Net Worth | $14.2 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | See salary table below |
| Spouse | Single |
| Children | None |
| @malakibranham_ | |
| @MalakiBranham |
Early Career
Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, Branham starred at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, the same program that produced LeBron James. He pumped in 1,501 career points, led the Irish to Division II state titles in 2018 and 2021, and guided them to the Division I championship game in his sophomore season.
As a senior, he averaged 21.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game and scored 37 points in the 2021 title game. That season he earned Ohio’s Mr. Basketball honors, becoming the first SVSM player since James to capture the award.
ESPN ranked him No. 32 in the 2021 recruiting class and named him a Jordan Brand Classic selection (though the game was canceled). His blend of shooting, quick first step and defensive instincts made him a coveted one-and-done recruit.
Branham played one season (2021–22) for coach Chris Holtmann. He stepped into a starting role as a freshman in the Big Ten, showcasing his scoring versatility both off the dribble and from the perimeter. He logged key midrange jumpers, slashed to the rim and hit timely three-pointers, all while defending multiple positions.
His performance earned praise for poise and a strong basketball IQ, leading him to declare for the NBA draft after the year. Throughout that lone collegiate campaign, he demonstrated the foundation that would help him make an immediate pro impact.
Professional Career
Branham signed a four-year rookie scale contract with team options in years three and four. In his rookie year (2022-23), he appeared in 66 games, including 32 starts, and averaged just over 10 points per game.
He impressed with his midrange accuracy and shot-creation ability, posting 15.6 points per 36 minutes. He also showed defensive promise, using his 6 ft 4 in frame and quick hands to rack up steals.
Branham played in 75 games, serving as a combo guard who could shift between point and shooting guard roles. He improved his three-point percentage from 30% to nearly 35% and increased his assist rate, reflecting growth as a playmaker. His contributions helped steady the second unit and delivered key scoring spurts off the bench.
The 2024-25 campaign saw him continue to refine his shooting, hitting a career-high 40.5% of his threes while averaging 5.0 points in limited minutes. Though he didn’t start, he remained a reliable spark on offense and a solid team defender.
Through three seasons, he’s logged 3,445 minutes, averaged 15.7 points per 36 minutes, 4.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists, cementing his place as a developing rotation piece for a Spurs squad on the rise.
Charles Bassey’s Net Worth Details
Branham’s net worth is estimated to be $14.2 million as of 2025.
Contract
Malaki Branham signed a four-year, $14,177,433 rookie scale contract with the San Antonio Spurs on July 8, 2022, carrying $5,997,480 in guaranteed money at signing. The deal averages $3,544,358 per season and includes club options for the third (2024-25) and fourth (2025-26) years, both of which the Spurs have exercised, keeping him under team control through the 2025-26 campaign. He is set to become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2026.
Salary
Under his four-year rookie scale deal with the San Antonio Spurs, Malaki Branham’s base salary has increased each season, beginning at $2,925,600 in 2022–23, rising to $3,071,880 in 2023–24, then $3,217,920 in 2024–25, and reaching $4,962,033 in the 2025–26 club option year.
Career Earnings
| Season | Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2022–23 | $2,925,600 |
| 2023–24 | $3,071,880 |
| 2024–25 | $3,217,920 |
| 2025–26 | $4,962,033 |
| Total | $14,177,433 |
Endorsements
Branham has yet landed a major national shoe or apparel endorsement, choosing instead to focus on his development and local community engagements. He’s appeared at youth basketball camps sponsored by regional sports retailers and partnered with a San Antonio fitness studio for training content.
His modest social media presence and rising on-court profile have attracted interest from sports nutrition and lifestyle brands, setting the stage for more substantial partnerships as his NBA role expands.
Career Stats
| Season | GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 66 | 10.2 | 2.7 | 1.9 | 44.0% | 30.2% |
| 2023-24 | 75 | 9.2 | 2.0 | 2.1 | 43.2% | 34.7% |
| 2024-25 | 35 | 6.7 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 45.8% | 40.5% |
| Career | 176 | 9.1 | 2.2 | 1.8 | 43.9% | 33.6% |
FAQs
1. What was Malaki Branham’s college career like?
Branham started all but one game as a freshman at Ohio State in 2021–22, averaging 13.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and two assists per game. He shot 41.6 percent from three, earned Third Team All-Big Ten and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year before declaring for the 2022 NBA Draft.
2. How did the San Antonio Spurs select Malaki Branham in the 2022 NBA Draft?
San Antonio chose Branham with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft. He impressed scouts with his polished shooting touch, scoring IQ and defensive upside, which fit the Spurs’ development model.
3. What do advanced metrics reveal about Branham’s defense?
Defensive analytics place Branham among the league’s more challenged defenders. His Defensive Box Plus-Minus ranks near the bottom at –2.2, and opponents shoot over 57 percent when targeted. His negative Win Shares and Defensive Estimated Plus-Minus highlight areas for improvement.
4. What is the structure of Malaki Branham’s rookie-scale contract?
Branham signed a four-year rookie contract worth $14.18 million with guaranteed salary for the first two seasons and club options in years three and four. The Spurs exercised both options, keeping him under team control through the 2025–26 season.
5. How has Branham’s three-point shooting evolved in the NBA?
After shooting 30.2 percent from three as a rookie, he improved to 34.7 percent in his second season and then to a career-high 40.5 percent in 2024–25. His catch-and-shoot efficiency and corner triples have become reliable offensive weapons.
