Ever wondered how much an athlete with an NBA championship to his name and a successful media career ends up making by the time he’s in his 40s? Well, Kendrick Perkins‘ near decade and a half long career might not have been as stellar as many others, but his presence in the league for all these years reflects he did enough to keep those paycheques coming.
During his time in the league, the 2008 NBA champ suited up for four different teams, earning millions. And even after hanging up his NBA sneakers, Perk dived headfirst into to TV industry. So let’s have a closer look at where the former Boston Celtics star stands financially after all these decades of work.
Kendrick Perkins’ net worth in 2025 and how his NBA earnings contributed
As of 2025, Perk’s net worth stands at an estimated $28 million, according to reliable sources like Celebrity Net Worth. And a large portion of this wealth came straight from the hardwood. During his 14 seasons in the NBA, Perkins raked in roughly $57.8 million in salary alone. That’s a hefty paycheck for someone who was never the face of a franchise, but his consistency and physical presence were clearly valued.
The bulk of that money came during his time with the Boston Celtics and the Oklahoma City Thunder, teams where he truly hit his stride and signed his most rewarding contracts. So, let’s rewind to where it all started. Perkins entered the league in 2003, drafted by the Boston Celtics. Over seven seasons in green, he collected about $17.7 million. And who can forget the 2007–08 season, that was when the Celtics captured the championship, with Perkins aiding the defense. Not a bad way to set the stage for financial success. But the real payday came in 2011.
After a trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Perkins found himself in the middle of a highly competitive roster and signed a four-year deal worth $36 million. That deal alone helped him earn approximately $29.4 million during his time with OKC.
His next stop? A brief trade to the Utah Jazz in 2015. Although he didn’t stay on the roster long, the numbers worked in his favor. Thanks to contract obligations and guarantees, he still walked away with around $8.7 million.
Apr 11, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Kendrick Perkins (21) reacts in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Then came a short run with the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2015–16 season, where he added roughly $1.5 million to his bank account. Lastly, he had two small stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers—one in 2014–15 and another in 2017–18. Combined, those added about $450,000 to his earnings.
While Perkins may not have pulled in superstar salaries, his steady role as a dependable big man helped him stack up nearly $60 million in career earnings. That financial cushion has no doubt been a key pillar in his ventures after basketball.
Kendrick Perkins’ earnings from endorsements, sponsorships, and media Career
When you think of NBA players cashing in on endorsements, Perkins might not be the first name that comes to mind—and there’s a reason for that. Unlike many of his All-Star peers, Perk hasn’t had the kind of flashy deals that dominate headlines. Still, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t made his mark in the endorsement world.
In January 2024, fans saw Perkins front and center in an ESPN BET advertising campaign. The spot, called Big Man, was a sports-betting ad produced by ESPN itself, and it made perfect sense. After all, Perkins has become one of the most recognizable faces on the network. As ESPN BET’s official sportsbook rolled out, using one of their own on-screen personalities only added to the authenticity.
That said, if you’re wondering whether Perkins ever had a signature sneaker or a major shoe deal during his playing days, the answer is no. And when it comes to apparel endorsements, his income has always been on the modest side. So, beyond that ESPN BET spot, there just hasn’t been a huge wave of endorsements. No wonder Perkins poured himself into his media career to keep those millions coming.
After calling it a career in 2018, Perkins didn’t skip a beat before diving into the world of sports broadcasting. Starting in 2019, he quickly became a familiar face on ESPN shows. These days, he’s a staple on NBA Countdown, ESPN, and ABC’s go-to pregame show for national games. He also plays a major role on NBA Today, breaking down everything from standout players to major headlines.
Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
Perkins’s unfiltered and often fiery takes have made him a standout. And love him or not, ESPN certainly sees his value. No wonder that in May 2021, he inked a multi-year extension that bumped his annual pay to around $2 million. Then, in October 2024, he signed another extension, cementing his place in the spotlight a little while longer. However, there is still more to the ex-Celtics star’s financial success.
A closer look at Kendrick Perkins’ business ventures and investments
When Perk talks about building security off the court, he’s not just throwing around buzzwords: over the past few years, the former NBA big man has stepped into the business world with a clear focus, especially when it comes to empowering young athletes. One of his most notable ventures? NILLY, a platform launched in 2024 that’s turning heads across the sports and financial world.
Perkins co-founded NILLY alongside Wall Street veteran Chris Ricciardi. As ESPN reports, the platform provides college athletes with cash up front in exchange for a cut of their future name, image, and likeness (NIL) earnings. Picture this: a student-athlete could get anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 upfront. In return, NILLY and its investors receive 10 to 50 percent of that athlete’s NIL revenue for as long as seven years.
It’s a bold move—one that Perkins says gives players “financial security” they wouldn’t otherwise have. And investors seem to agree. According to Sports Business Journal, NILLY secured $10 million in funding by late 2024, with the potential to scale up to $200 million. But it hasn’t all been praise. Reports from ESPN and CBS News point out that some critics liken these upfront payments to predatory loans. Their concern? Young athletes could be taken advantage of.
Perkins, however, has pushed back, standing firm on the idea that it helps “reduce financial stress for athletes” by offering guaranteed money. Beyond NILLY, however, Kendrick Perkins hasn’t made major waves in the public business scene. He’s not tied to any well-known franchises or widely endorsed brands, aside from his link to ESPN BET. Still, managing to stand at $28 million when much wealthier athletes have faced bankruptcy speaks volumes about his financial acumen.
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