Jamal Murray Salary: Nuggets Guard Is NBA Playoffs' Biggest Star Despite $4M Pay

Jamal Murray is only getting paid $4 million this season despite being one of the best performers in the NBA playoffs. Is he one of the league’s underpaid superstars?

Murray is keeping the Denver Nuggets’ postseason hopes alive after being down 3-2 against the Utah Jazz in their Western Conference 1st round playoff series. The Nuggets forced a do-or-die Game 7 behind Murray’s 50 points in Game 6. The combo guard continues to torch Utah’s defense with scoring barrages of 50 points in Game 4, 42 points in Game 5 and reaching the half century mark again in the pivotal Game 6. He achieved these by scoring at least 25 or more by halftime in three games. The only player to achieve this feat was Allen Iverson in 2001, per CBS Sports.

After displaying an offensive onslaught never again seen in the league for almost two decades, one would think the former Kentucky Wildcat is one of the highest paid in his team. However, a report from Spotrac revealed that he is only paid $4.4 million this season. The average salary for an NBA player this season is $7.7 million.

But fans need not worry for the Nuggets superstar as he signed a lucrative $170 million max contract extension in 2019. According to Sports Illustrated, this means he will suit up for Denver until 2025. Aside from his NBA salary, the streaky shooter also earns money off sponsorships. He has deals with Adidas, Express, Lyft and Western Union.

Denver is hoping Murray and Nikola Jokic can form one of the most formidable duos in the league. The 23-year-old is engaged in a shootout against Jazz star Donovan Mitchell, with each recording several 50-point games between them. Murray’s total of 142 points in three successive playoff games has enabled him to join an elite company: only Michael Jordan and Jerry West scored more in three straight playoff games.

The Kitchener, Ontario native has always proven he can score, after averaging 18 points and five assists last season. However, critics see his defense as a possible flaw and his inconsistent production. By signing him to a max deal, the Nuggets have a clear message — they are giving the keys of the franchise to Murray despite his inconsistencies and flaws.

With the way he is playing and with Denver on the verge of a Conference Semifinal appearance, Murray has shut up his non-believers. If the Nuggets go on to beat the Jazz in Game 7, it will not be surprising if some of his haters turn into fans.