Brooklyn operates with approximately $165 million in payroll as the Nets rebuild after trading away their superstar core. Ben Simmons leads the roster at $40.3 million annually while younger players like Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton provide the foundation for Brooklyn’s post-Big Three era.
Cameron Johnson ($23.6M), Dorian Finney-Smith ($14.9M), and Dennis Schröder ($13M) form the veteran presence. Rookie Cam Whitmore ($4.9M) and second-year players Noah Clowney ($3.5M) and Jalen Wilson ($1.9M) represent Brooklyn’s investment in youth as the franchise transitions toward sustainable success.
Explore the Brooklyn Nets players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
| Point Guards | Shooting Guards | Small Forwards | Power Forwards | Centers |
| D’Angelo Russell | De’Anthony Melton | Cameron Johnson | Noah Clowney | Nic Claxton |
| Reece Beekman | Cam Thomas | Tosan Evbuomwan | Trendon Watford | Day’Ron Sharpe |
| Killian Hayes | Tyrese Martin | Maxwell Lewis | Drew Timme | |
| Tyson Etienne | Keon Johnson | Jalen Wilson | Dariq Whitehead | |
| Ziaire Williams |
Brooklyn Nets Top 10 Highest-Paid Players
| Player | Position | Salary | Contract Through |
| Ben Simmons | PG/PF | $40.3M | 2025 |
| Cameron Johnson | SF/PF | $23.6M | 2027 |
| Nic Claxton | C | $23M | 2027 |
| Dorian Finney-Smith | PF | $14.9M | 2025 |
| Dennis Schröder | PG | $13M | 2025 |
| Cam Thomas | SG | $23M | 2028 |
| Day’Ron Sharpe | C | $7.6M | 2028 |
| Cam Whitmore | SF | $4.9M | 2028 |
| Noah Clowney | PF | $3.5M | 2028 |
| Jalen Wilson | SF | $1.9M | 2027 |
Simmons earns $40.3 million in his contract’s final year after arriving in the James Harden trade. His production never matched the salary following back injuries and mental health struggles making this one of the NBA’s worst value contracts.
Johnson makes $23.6 million through his four-year, $94.5 million extension providing floor spacing. Claxton collected $23 million under his four-year, $97 million deal anchoring Brooklyn’s interior defense. Thomas earned $23 million through his extension after breakout scoring seasons.
Ben Simmons Contract Status and Net Worth
Simmons accumulated $188 million in career earnings building a $110 million net worth across Philadelphia and Brooklyn. His five-year, $177 million max extension signed in 2019 concludes after the season with Brooklyn unlikely to retain him.
Johnson earned $65 million creating a $38 million fortune across Phoenix and Brooklyn. Claxton collected $42 million building a $24 million net worth spent entirely in Brooklyn. Thomas accumulated $35 million creating a $20 million fortune as a second-round pick turned star.
| Player | Salary | Career Earnings (Est.) | Net Worth (Est.) | Key Endorsements |
| Ben Simmons | $40.3M | $188M | $110M | Nike (inactive) |
| Cameron Johnson | $23.6M | $65M | $38M | Nike |
| Nic Claxton | $23M | $42M | $24M | Under Armour |
| Cam Thomas | $23M | $35M | $20M | Puma |
| Dennis Schröder | $13M | $142M | $88M | Puma |
| Dorian Finney-Smith | $14.9M | $78M | $48M | Nike |
Schröder earned $142 million building an $88 million net worth across six teams spanning 12 seasons. Finney-Smith collected $78 million creating a $48 million fortune across Dallas and Brooklyn providing 3-and-D versatility.
Cam Thomas Extension: Nets’ Future Star Investment
Thomas earns $23 million through his three-year, $69 million extension signed in October 2024. The 23-year-old guard’s scoring ability—averaging 24.7 points per game—justified Brooklyn’s investment as their primary offensive creator.
His contract represents Brooklyn’s belief in building around young talent rather than pursuing expensive free agents. Thomas provides All-Star potential at below-max salary creating roster flexibility through 2028.
Whitmore makes $4.9 million as the 20th pick in 2023 after Houston waived him. His athleticism and defensive potential provide upside on a rookie-scale deal. Clowney earned $3.5 million developing as a stretch four.
Brooklyn’s Position Spending and Roster Balance
Brooklyn allocated $77 million to forwards—47% of total payroll. Johnson ($23.6M), Simmons ($40.3M), and Finney-Smith ($14.9M) lead wing spending reflecting modern NBA positional emphasis.
| Position Group | Total Spending | Top Earner | Salary |
| Forwards | $77M | Ben Simmons | $40.3M |
| Guards | $50M | Cam Thomas | $23M |
| Centers | $31M | Nic Claxton | $23M |
| Bench/Rotation | $7M | Keon Johnson | $2.1M |
Guards consumed $50 million with Thomas ($23M), Schröder ($13M), and Shake Milton ($3M). Centers cost $31 million with Claxton ($23M) and Sharpe ($7.6M) splitting rim protection duties.
Nets Best Value Contracts Providing Depth
Jalen Wilson earns just $1.9 million emerging as a rotation piece after going undrafted in 2023. His three-point shooting and energy provide bench value far exceeding his salary. Keon Johnson makes $2.1 million offering athletic perimeter defense.
Trendon Watford collected $2.6 million through his two-way contract before promotion. Brooklyn identifies undervalued players through analytics and G-League development creating sustainable roster depth during their rebuild.
Day’Ron Sharpe earned $7.6 million through his extension providing backup center minutes. His contract runs through 2028 securing frontcourt depth at below-market rates as Brooklyn manages Claxton’s injury history.
How Brooklyn Rebuilds After Trading Superstars
The Nets shed over $150 million in payroll trading Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden between 2022-2023. Brooklyn accumulated draft picks and young players prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term contention.
Simmons’ expiring $40.3M creates future flexibility. His departure opens max salary slot for potential 2025-26 free agent pursuit or extended rebuild timeline. Brooklyn avoids luxury tax penalties accepting losing seasons while developing Thomas, Claxton, and draft picks.
The franchise learned expensive lessons from their superteam era. Current roster construction emphasizes cost-controlled talent and team-friendly extensions avoiding max contracts for aging stars—a strategic shift from previous failed experiments.
FAQs
Who is Brooklyn Nets’ highest-paid player?
Ben Simmons earns $40.3 million in his final contract year after arriving in the James Harden trade, leading the Nets despite limited production due to injuries.
What is Cam Thomas’ salary?
Thomas makes $23 million through his three-year, $69 million extension signed in October 2024 after averaging 24.7 points establishing himself as Brooklyn’s primary scorer.
How much has Ben Simmons earned in his career?
Simmons accumulated approximately $188 million in NBA earnings building an estimated $110 million net worth across Philadelphia and Brooklyn despite recent struggles.
Does Nic Claxton have a long-term contract?
Claxton signed a four-year, $97 million extension in 2023 earning $23 million annually through 2027, securing Brooklyn’s starting center position long-term.
