​The 18 most shocking 76ers, NBA players and college basketball athletes making more than LeBron James in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.LeBron James wasn’t lying when he said he wanted to prioritize winning in free agency.While he could have made more money or played alongside closer friends elsewhere, James accepted a deal at the veteran’s minimum to get a fresh start with a 76ers team that looks like it can compete to win the East.At a salary of just $3.9 million next season, James is sacrificing in hopes of winning a championship. That sacrifice comes with an odd set of circumstances: by making less than $4 million, James’ salary ranks behind more than 290 other NBA players. Even some of college basketball’s highest-paid players are set to make more than James next season.Here are the 18 most shocking 76ers, NBA and college basketball players now making more money than James.MORE LEBRON JAMES NEWS:Why LeBron James took massive pay cut to sign with 76ersFirst look at 76ers projected lineup with LeBron JamesWinners, losers from LeBron James free agency decisionHow LeBron James joining 76ers impacts NBA odds76ers making more than LeBron JamesJames is set to be the eighth highest-paid player on the 76ers, trailing every other starter and new addition Anfernee Simons, but also these two unlikely players:Labaron PhilonSalary: $4.1 millionJames’ new teammate Labaron Philon has never stepped on an NBA floor, with the exception of the Summer League, but the No. 22 pick out of Alabama will come off the bench behind Tyrese Maxey making more than the 41-year-old legend at $4.1 millionDean WadeSalary: $9.7 millionA day before the 76ers acquired Jaylen Brown, it looked like their biggest acquisition would be former Cavaliers forward Dean Wade, who signed a four-year, $38.7 million deal. At just under $10 million per year, Wade will now be making more than double what James is making — even though James’ arrival likely squeezes him out of the starting lineup.Other NBA players making more than LeBron JamesThese players are among the more than 290 now making more than James on a per-year basis:Joan Beringer, TimberwolvesSalary: $5.1 millionA 2025 first-round pick, Joan Beringer averaged just 7.9 minutes per game for the Timberwolves in his rookie season, but he will make $1.2 million more than James next season. After all, the Timberwolves made Beringer untouchable this offseason for a reason.Sergio de Larrea, MavericksSalary: $4.1 millionWhen the Knicks drafted Spanish guard Sergio de Larrea, he wasn’t even expected to come to the NBA this season. A draft night trade later sent him to Dallas, and de Larrea is NBA-bound immediately on a deal that will pay him $4.1 million per year — $200,000 more than the NBA’s all-time points leader.Ousmane Dieng, BucksSalary: $5.8 millionFormer lottery pick Ousmane Dieng carved out a role for himself with the Bucks down the st