The short answer
NBA players usually keep about 43% to 58% of their salary after taxes and agent fees, and 10% of every check is also held in escrow. A $30 million season with the Lakers leaves about $12,962,504. The same $30 million with the Miami Heat leaves about $16,409,726, because Florida has no state income tax.
Numbers from the KeepMyCheck calculator using 2026 tax rules. Estimates, not tax advice.
NBA players play 41 road games, so they pay more jock tax than football players. They file tax returns in many states, plus Canada when they play in Toronto.
| $1,357,763, rookie minimum, Miami (Florida) | $783,154 (58%) |
| $1,357,763, rookie minimum, Los Angeles | $653,421 (48%) |
| $15,000,000, Dallas (Texas) | $8,227,792 (55%) |
| $15,000,000, New York Knicks | $6,929,143 (46%) |
| $30,000,000, Los Angeles Lakers | $12,962,504 (43%) |
| $30,000,000, Miami Heat | $16,409,726 (55%) |
Take-home after federal tax, Medicare, Social Security, state and city tax, jock tax on road games, and the agent. Before spending, advisors, or escrow.
Related questions
- How much does an NBA player make after taxes on a $30 million salary?
- About $12,962,504 with the Lakers living in California, or about $16,409,726 with the Heat living in Florida, before escrow and spending.