Power forward has become an extremely important position because of how much it has evolved, and NBA salaries have evolved right alongside it. We have already gone through the highest-paid point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards for the 2026-27 NBA season.
\nNow, it’s time to head into the frontcourt, and the money gets serious.
\nWith the 2026-27 salary cap officially set at $164.961 million, several of the league’s best forwards are earning more than $50 million this season. The three players at the top of this list will each take home an eye-popping $58.46 million.
\nHere are the 20 highest-paid NBA power forwards for the 2026-27 season, ranked from No. 20 all the way to No. 1.
\n\n20. Josh Hart – $20,923,760\n
Josh Hart isn’t getting paid nearly $21 million because he puts up superstar numbers. He’s getting paid because of his value as a two-way player who does the dirty work necessary to win games. It showed during last season’s championship run with the Knicks.
\nHart has become one of the NBA’s ultimate glue guys, whose value becomes much clearer when you actually watch him over an 82-game season. He posted 12.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, and 0.3 BPG on 50.8% FG, 41.3% 3-PT FG, and 72.0% FT over 66 games.
\nFor a contender, $20.9 million for that kind of versatility is hardly outrageous. Hart won’t be the guy selling jerseys or taking 25 shots, but he can absolutely be the guy who makes the difference.
\n\n19. Miles Bridges – $22,826,087\n
Miles Bridges is an athletic forward who has a chance to rewrite his narrative with the Phoenix Suns next season. At nearly $23 million, his salary reflects a player with legitimate offensive talent who is still trying to prove he can impact winning.
\nHis athleticism has never been the question. When he’s aggressive and making smart decisions, he can look like a borderline All-Star. He averaged 17.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, and 0.4 BPG on 46.0% FG, 33.3% 3-PT FG, and 82.2% FT over 77 games last season.
\nThe next step is consistency. This salary isn’t superstar money, but it isn’t role-player money either. Bridges needs to prove to the Suns that he is a player worth holding onto for the foreseeable future as long as he stays focused on the court.
\n\n18. Naz Reid – $23,275,862\n
Naz Reid is one of the best examples of how valuable a modern big man can become. The former Sixth Man of the Year was solid last season, posting 13.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, and 1.0 BPG on 45.6% FG, 36.2% 3-PT FG, and 73.2% FT over 77 games (3 starts).
\nA little over $23 million feels like a significant number, but versatile big men aren’t cheap anymore. Reid has a chance to prove he can be a starting-caliber and small-ball center with the Charlotte Hornets next season as he starts a new journey.
\nThe challenge moving forward is turning that versatility into consistent production, but his combination of skill, size, and shooting makes him exactly the type of big the Hornets need.
\n\n17. Jabari Smith Jr. – $23,643,411\n
Jabari Smith Jr. has a ton of potential because his game has always seemed built for modern basketball. He’s long, athletic, capable of defending bigger players, and has a nice shooting touch. He posted 15.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, and 0.9 BPG on 45.0% FG, 36.3% 3-PT FG, and 77.5% FT over 77 games.
\nAt $23.6 million, Houston is paying for both what Smith is and what he can still become. He is only 23 years old, and if his offensive game continues expanding, this contract could eventually look like a bargain.
\nThe Rockets don’t need Smith to become a 25-point scorer overnight. They need him to become dependable, and if he reaches that level consistently, he’ll earn every dollar, and probably much more on his next deal.
\n\n16. Keegan Murray – $24,137,936\n
Keegan Murray is a solid piece to have on an NBA roster. He’s big enough to play forward, skilled enough to space the floor, and doesn’t need to dominate the ball to contribute. The Kings don’t have many options except keeping him.
\nAt just over $24 million, Sacramento is paying for a 26-year-old who should continue improving rather than one who has already reached his ceiling. He averaged 14.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, and 1.6 BPG on 42.0% FG, 27.7% 3-PT FG, and 77.6% FT over 23 games last season.
\nThe biggest question for Murray is whether he can become more aggressive offensively. The tools are there, and his salary will look completely reasonable for a player entering his prime if he can up his numbers a little bit.
\n\n15. Jaden McDaniels – $26,200,001\n
Jaden McDaniels doesn’t need to score 25 points to justify his contract. Minnesota pays him because he is an elite defensive wing and is a hard-nosed two-way player. His impact for the Timberwolves has been clear since he became a starter.
\nHe averaged 14.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, and 1.0 BPG on 51.5% FG and 41.2% 3-PT FG over 73 starts last season. At 25 years old, McDaniels has gotten better every season and his offense is especially improving with time.
\nAt $26.2 million, McDaniels is being paid like one of the league’s premier defensive specialists with enough offensive ability to stay on the floor in important moments. On a new roster with LaMelo Ball, McDaniels needs to step up to cover for the offensive stalwarts by his side.
\n\n14. Draymond Green – $27,678,571\n
Draymond Green‘s numbers have never told the full story, and they never will. You can look at his scoring average and wonder how he’s making nearly $28 million. Then you watch Golden State’s defense and realize exactly what he’s being paid for.
\nGreen held a defensive rating of 115.0 last season, posting 8.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, and 0.6 BPG on 41.8% FG, 32.6% 3-PT FG, and 70.2% FT over 68 games. Even at 36 years old, Green is one of the smartest defensive players of his generation.
\nThe Warriors are paying for experience, intelligence, and a championship resume that cannot be taught. Even if Green probably won’t influence winning this upcoming season since the roster is devoid of star talent outside of Stephen Curry, he will take home a nice pay check.
\n\n13. Jalen Johnson – $30,000,000\n
Jalen Johnson has earned his place among the NBA’s highly paid forwards because he has shown flashes of becoming a genuine two-way star. He’s athletic, powerful, and increasingly comfortable handling the ball and creating offense.
\nThirty million dollars is a major investment, but Atlanta is betting on growth. Johnson isn’t being paid strictly for what he’s already accomplished; he’s being paid because his skill set suggests there could be another level coming.
\nThe exciting part is that Johnson doesn’t fit neatly into one box. He can rebound, initiate offense, finish above the rim, and defend multiple positions. If his outside shot and decision-making continue improving, $30 million could eventually look like the price of doing business for a player with All-Star potential.
\n\n12. Aaron Gordon – $31,978,037\n
Aaron Gordon may be one of the best examples in basketball of a player figuring out exactly what he needed to become to win. He became a championship-level complementary player who does almost everything Nikola Jokic and Denver need.
\nGordon defends bigger wings, rebounds, and is very effective without the ball in his hands. He has also built chemistry with the Nuggets players over the past few seasons.
\nNearly $32 million is significant, but Denver knows what it has. Gordon is very good when healthy, averaging 16.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, and 0.3 BPG on 49.7% FG, 38.9% 3-PT FG, and 76.7% FT over 36 games. Gordon needs to fight to stay healthy because Denver desperately needs his production next season.
\n\n11. Julius Randle – $33,333,334\n
Julius Randle has always been a polarizing player because his game comes with ups and downs. But the Timberwolves couldn’t deal with his inconsistent shooting and defense last season, moving him to the Brooklyn Nets this summer.
\nAt $33.3 million, Randle is being paid like a legitimate second option, even if he is not that. He’s not a perfect player, but he can produce All-Star-level stretches (21.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG) and carry an offense when necessary during the regular season.
\nThe key for Randle next season will be finding the right balance. He doesn’t need to prove he can put up numbers; he’s done that. He just needs to be the best player on the Nets to earn his next big contract.
\n\n10. Jerami Grant – $34,206,898\n
Jerami Grant‘s journey from role player to highly paid scoring forward is one of the biggest surprises in recent years. He has worked himself into a player capable of scoring at all three levels and still defending at a high level.
\nAt more than $34 million, however, the expectations are naturally high. Grant is nearly 33, so his production will drop, but he still averaged 18.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, and 0.6 BPG on 45.3% FG and 38.9% 3-PT FG for the Trail Blazers.
\nStill, versatile 6’8″ forwards who can create their own shot are not exactly sitting around on the free-agent market. Grant’s salary reflects the premium the NBA places on two-way forwards.
\n\n9. Chet Holmgren – $41,240,250\n
Chet Holmgren is earning over $41 million because the Oklahoma City Thunder know how good their second-best player is on both ends of the court. Chet averaged 17.1 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, and 1.9 BPG on 55.7% FG and 36.2% 3-PT FG last season.
\nHolmgren can alter shots defensively and then pull the opposing center away from the basket on the other end. That combination creates a nightmare for teams and that’s why the Thunder remain title-contenders.
\nThe salary is massive, but that’s what happens when a young player is already All-NBA and All-Defensive-caliber. As the years go by, we expect Chet’s salary to keep going up.
\n\n8. Paolo Banchero – $41,240,250\n
Paolo Banchero is in an interesting position. He is one of the most criticized stars in the NBA heading into next season because he hasn’t developed a consistent jumper and has too many games where he is non-existent. He posted 22.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 5.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, and 0.6 BPG on 45.9% FG and 30.5% 3-PT FG.
\nThat offensive responsibility that comes with a $41.24 million salary is why he’s often asked to start plays for himself or his team. Orlando’s offense has to run through him, and that is an enormous responsibility for a young forward.
\nThe next stage of Banchero’s development is all about efficiency and winning. He needs to prove that he can still impact the game on both ends like a superstar player or risk being on one of the worst contracts in the league.
\n\n7. Scottie Barnes – $41,754,690\n
Scottie Barnes is being paid for versatility in its purest form. As the franchise player for the Toronto Raptors, Barnes has answered the call on both ends despite only being 25 years old. Barnes averaged 18.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, and 1.5 BPG on 50.7% FG and 30.4% 3-PT FG.
\nToronto has always believed Barnes possesses franchise-player potential, and this contract represents that belief. At nearly $42 million, the Raptors are betting that his all-around game will continue developing into something special.
\nIf he continues improving as a shooter and decision-maker, he could become one of those players whose impact goes far beyond the box score. Still, it is a bit surprising to see him rank this highly on the salary scale.
\n\n6. Pascal Siakam – $48,924,624\n
Pascal Siakam is nearly a $50 million player now, and considering what he has accomplished, that shouldn’t surprise anybody. He is an NBA champion, an excellent scorer, and one of the league’s best two-way forwards.
\nThe Pacers were very fortunate to acquire him two seasons ago, and it led to an NBA Finals berth. Siakam, despite the absence of Tyrese Haliburton, averaged 24.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, and 0.4 BPG on 48.4% FG and 35.8% 3-PT FG last season.
\nAt this salary, Siakam doesn’t have to be the best player on a championship team every night. But he absolutely needs to remain an elite-level option. The Pacers are paying for a proven All-Star who knows what winning basketball looks like, which is why they have high hopes for next season.
\n\n5. Jaren Jackson Jr. – $49,000,000\n
Jaren Jackson Jr. is making franchise player-level money, and we aren’t sure if he has proven enough on both ends to deserve it. He can be dominant defensively, winning DPOY in 2022-23, but his offense hasn’t exactly set the world alight.
\nNearly $49 million is superstar money, and that means expectations are no longer modest. Jackson needs to be the kind of player who can anchor a defense and deliver offensively when the game slows down. He is coming off a season averaging 19.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, and 1.4 BPG on 47.6% FG and 35.7% 3-PT FG.
\nStill, a player who can block shots at an elite level and still function comfortably on the perimeter is incredibly difficult to find. Hopefully, Jackson can stay healthy and start putting up All-Star-level numbers for a Jazz team with high hopes.
\n\n4. Evan Mobley – $50,105,628\n
Evan Mobley has reached the $50 million club because his potential is still enormous. Despite being an All-Star and two-time All-Defensive Team member with a DPOY trophy in his cabinet, Mobley has plenty more to improve on.
\nOffensively, Mobley has continued to grow into a more confident scorer and playmaker. He averaged 18.2 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, and 1.7 BPG on 54.6% FG and 29.7% 3-PT FG. He is growing into a double-double forward that already has elite defensive skills.
\nThe Cavaliers are paying Mobley like a franchise cornerstone because that’s exactly the role he has played. Alongside Donovan Mitchell, Mobley hopes to bring a championship to Cleveland in the upcoming seasons.
\n\n3. Anthony Davis – $58,456,566\n
Anthony Davis is still one of the most talented big men on the planet when healthy. Yes, his staying healthy is an anomaly, but the production he puts up cannot be ignored. Davis averaged 20.4 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, and 1.7 BPG on 50.6% FG and 27.0% 3-PT FG last season.
\nAt $58.46 million, Davis is being paid like the superstar he has been for much of his career. The only question is availability. The big man only played 20 games last season, and a combined 71 games over the past two years.
\nNext season will test how much the Wizards can rely on him as a centerpiece. But make no mistake: healthy Anthony Davis is worth superstar money. But if he doesn’t play at least 60 games, there is no way the big man will return to this list on a max deal.
\n\n2. Jayson Tatum – $58,456,566\n
Jayson Tatum‘s salary is the price of being a franchise player in the modern NBA. At 28, he is still firmly in his prime and the face of the famous Boston Celtics franchise. Despite recovering from a torn Achilles for most of the season, Tatum averaged 21.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 5.3 APG on 41.1% FG and 32.9% 3-PT FG over 16 games.
\nTatum has developed into a complete offensive weapon capable of scoring from everywhere while also using his size and athleticism to impact the game defensively. Boston’s expectations are championship-or-bust because Tatum is good enough to lead that kind of team.
\nAnd that’s the burden that comes with $58 million. Tatum has already proven he can handle that spotlight, and his salary reflects Boston’s belief that its championship window remains connected to him. Only one other player is earning as much money as Tatum (and Davis) at the power forward position.
\n\n1. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $58,456,566\n
Giannis Antetokounmpo is earning $58.46 million in 2026-27, and frankly, trying to determine whether he’s “worth it” feels like a pointless argument. When healthy, Giannis is a walking 30-point, double-digit-rebound threat who can destroy a defense singlehandedly. He averaged 27.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 5.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, and 0.7 BPG on 62.4% FG last season, albeit in 36 appearances.
\nHe is a former MVP, champion, and Finals MVP who has already accomplished almost everything an NBA superstar can accomplish. That is why the Miami Heat went all-in to acquire the two-way star who still is a top-five player in the world.
\nThat’s what $58 million buys you in today’s NBA: a chance to win it all by having the best two-way player on the floor. We hope Giannis can stay healthy to prove what he can do on a new team, because he might be one of the best leaders in the NBA as well.
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