In today’s National Basketball Association, contracts are often large and high-profile, with superstar contracts well in excess of $50 million per season. However, not every influential player achieves this level of financial recognition. Across the league, there are athletes who consistently outperform their contract value, providing teams with elite-level production, versatility, and contributions for relatively modest salaries. Identifying these players has become increasingly important in the modern NBA, where salary cap flexibility and roster depth can be the difference between the playoffs and a championship.
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A recent list compiled by EssentiallySports highlights the ten lowest-paid players in the league today. While they may not all be household superstars, each of these players plays a vital role on their respective teams. From sharpshooters who stretch defenses to defensive specialists who lock down opposing stars, these athletes often exceed their paychecks.
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Players like Deni Avdija and Payton Pritchard demonstrate how skill development and consistent performance can make a contract look like a good deal. Meanwhile, solid contributors like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Isaiah Joe continue to prove that value in the NBA isn’t always measured strictly by salary. In a league where efficient roster construction is crucial, these players represent an incredible return on investment for their teams.
As the NBA continues to evolve, with higher salary caps and an increased emphasis on versatile skill sets, identifying underpaid players can provide insight into how teams can maximize value and remain competitive.
1. Deni Avdija
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) waves to the crowd before the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Photo credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $14.3 million
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Avdija has quietly developed into one of the most versatile two-way forwards in the league. His combination of rebounding, playmaking and defensive versatility allows him to impact games even when he’s not scoring much. Players who can defend multiple positions while initiating offense are extremely valuable in the modern NBA. Considering his production and role expansion, the $14.3 million salary is a bargain compared to similar forwards who earn much more.
2. Payton Pritchard
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Game Center. Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $7.2 million
Pritchard has emerged as one of the league’s most reliable backup guards and a primary spark for the Boston Celtics. His shooting range stretches defenses, and he consistently provides energy and clutch shots during games. Guards who can score efficiently and off the bench usually get bigger contracts. His deal is worth just over $7 million, providing great value to a title contender.
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3. Nikhil Alexander-Walker
Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) scores on Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Photo credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $15.1 million
Alexander-Walker has developed into a high-level defensive back who can also provide a stable offensive ability. With the Atlanta Hawks (pictured), he brought perimeter defense, ball movement and timely scoring. Guards who can guard perimeter threats and contribute offensively at the same time are hard to find. His overall impact makes $15 million pale in comparison to other two-way backs in the league.
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4. Tim Hardaway Jr.
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) takes action against Utah Jazz guard John Konchar (55) during the second half at Delta Center. Photo credit: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $2.3 million
Hardaway Jr. has long been considered a microwave scorer who can change games with three-pointers. His ability to space the floor around his star players will be especially valuable to the Denver Nuggets. In today’s NBA economy, veteran shooters with playoff experience are rarely that cheap. At just $2.3 million, he’s one of the best low-cost scoring options in the league.
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5. Kelly Oubre Jr.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) reacts after the Miami Heat score in the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Photo credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $8.4 million
Oubre Jr. brings athleticism, explosiveness and strong wing defense to the Philadelphia 76ers. He can guard multiple positions while putting up 15-20 points on any given night. Two-way wings with this kind of physical attributes and scoring ability typically command larger contracts. His salary makes him one of the more valuable wings relative to his production.
6. Sam Houser
Boston Celtics forward Sam Houser (30) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Game Center. Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $10 million
Hauser has developed into one of the league’s most efficient three-point specialists with the Boston Celtics. His off-ball movement and elite shooting force the defense to stretch, creating space for his star teammate. High-volume shooters who consistently maintain elite efficiency are extremely valuable in modern offenses. $10 million is relatively small considering his impact on spacing the floor and winning.
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7. Ty Jerome
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome (2) reacts with guard Javon Small (10) during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum. Photo credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $8.8 million
Jerome has become a reliable point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies. He controls the rhythm well, shoots efficiently and rarely makes basketball mistakes. Backup point guards who can anchor the second unit and occasionally start are highly regarded throughout the league. His sub-$9 million salary represents great value considering his efficiency and reliability.
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8. Julien Champagne
San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagne (30) shoots during the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Moody Center. Photo credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: US$3 million
Champany has carved out a productive role as a young wing for the San Antonio Spurs. He provides scoring, hustle and improved outside shooting while fitting seamlessly into the team’s development schedule. Young rotation wings with upside tend to command higher salaries once they prove themselves. With only $3 million in capital, he is a very low-risk, high-return contributor.
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9. Dillon Brooks
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) during the first half against the Orlando Magic at Mortgage Game Center. Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $21.1 million
Brooks is one of the most physical perimeter defenders in the NBA and is always able to handle the toughest competition. With the Phoenix Suns, his defensive intensity and competitive edge set the tone for the roster. Elite defensive stoppers who can score in double digits are extremely valuable in the playoffs. Considering the rising cost of high-end wings, his salary looks like a bargain relative to the impact he brings.
10. Isaiah Joe
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) reacts during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Photo credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $12.3 million
Joe has become one of the most dangerous catch-and-shoot threats in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder. His quick release and long range make him the perfect partner as a playmaker to draw defensive attention. Excellent floor spacers can greatly improve a team’s offensive efficiency. His salary is relatively team-friendly considering how valuable shots are in today’s league.
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in conclusion
Boston Celtics forward Sam Houser (30) celebrates with teammates guard Payton Pritchard (11) and forward Oshaye Brissett (12) during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Photo Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
As the league continues to evolve, these underpaid standouts may soon see their value in future trades. Until then, they remain one of the best bargains in basketball, proving that smart roster construction often comes down to finding players that far exceed their salary.
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