The player with the lowest paid NBA contract in league history is often a conversation starter for fans tracking how little some rookies actually earn. Understanding this record reveals the wide salary gaps at the bottom of professional basketball and how entry-level deals are structured today.
Below is a focused snapshot of the lowest paid player in NBA history, shown through career highlights, team details, and contract specifics that help explain how little some players earn early in their careers.
| Player | Season | Team | Salary | Games Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Woodburn | 2023–24 | Portland Trail Blazers | $16,461 | 2 |
| Brittney Griner | 2013 | Phoenix Mercury | $52,200 | 3 |
| Nick Fazekas | 2007–08 | Dallas Mavericks | $87,000 | 62 |
| Mike Dunleavy Jr. | 2002–03 | Golden State Warriors | $1,576,164 | 76 |
Record Breaking Rookie Pay In Modern NBA
How Low Can Rookie Contracts Go
Ben Woodburn holds the modern record for the lowest salary in a single season, earning just over sixteen thousand dollars in 2023–24. These tiny paychecks are usually injury related or stem from short, two way contracts designed to keep costs down for small market teams.
NBA Rookie Scale Rules Behind Minimal Pay
Rookie scale is tightly capped by the collective bargaining agreement, with picks in the later lottery and late lottery rounds earning the least. A late first or second round pick might sign for the minimum allowed under the scale, which fluctuates each season as the cap changes.
Career Context And Playing Time Limits
Short Stints That Shaped Earnings
Players like Woodburn and Griner appeared only briefly on the court, which directly influenced their earnings. Limited minutes and small sample sizes make it difficult to justify larger contracts, even when talent is evident.
Two Way And Hardship Deal Influence
Two way contracts allow players to split time between the G League and the NBA, keeping salaries low while giving teams flexibility. Injury hardship designations can push actual yearly pay even lower, as happened with record breaking seasons.
Historical Comparisons Across Decades
From Early Contracts To Modern Micro Deals
Decades ago, the lowest paid NBA player might still earn a decent sum by today’s standards, but relative purchasing power and league revenues have shifted dramatically. Historical minimums help frame how cheap entry level deals have become in real terms.
Role Playing Specialists And Minimum Salaries
Many role players spent parts of their careers on veteran minimum, which is higher than true rookies but still modest for established professionals. These deals reflect niche skills, limited bargaining power, and the constant supply of players willing to accept minimum terms.
Key Takeaways For Tracking Player Earnings
- Ben Woodburn holds the single season lowest paid NBA player record at $16,461 in 2023–24.
- Rookie scale, draft position, and injury design heavily influence how little a player can earn early.
- Two way contracts and hardship assignments are common pathways to extremely low salaries.
- Historical minimums were higher in real terms, but modern revenue sharing has expanded the gap.
- Limited court time makes it difficult for these players to justify larger contracts quickly.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is Ben Woodburn Actually The Lowest Paid NBA Player Of All Time
Yes, for a single season in the 2023–24 campaign, Ben Woodburn earned just $16,461, making him the lowest paid player in a recorded season in NBA history.
How Does A Player End Up With Such A Small Contract
Short term injuries, two way status, late round draft positioning, and limited on court opportunities can all contribute to salaries that remain at the very bottom of the league.
Are These Low Salaries Common Among International Players
International rookies can face similar low pay, especially when they are late picks or assigned to two way deals, but experience and overseas success sometimes help them reach higher salaries faster.
Do Players Ever Refuse These Minimal Offers
Some players decline minor league or low NBA offers to seek more playing time overseas or in other leagues, while others accept these deals as a necessary step toward longer term NBA stability.