13 Rich NBA Players Who Live Like Normal People – The Truth Behind It?
The Millionaire NBA Stars Who Still Live Like Regular People
In a world where NBA superstars sign contracts worth hundreds of millions and endorsement deals push their net worths into the stratosphere, you might expect them to live like royalty—mansions, luxury cars, and designer everything. But for some of the league’s biggest names, wealth hasn’t changed their everyday habits. In fact, their humble, down-to-earth lifestyles have become legendary.
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Kawhi Leonard: The King of Frugality
Let’s start with Kawhi Leonard. With a net worth of around $120 million, you’d think he’d be cruising in a fleet of sports cars. Instead, he’s famous for rolling around in his beloved 1997 Chevy Tahoe, which he’s owned since high school. Nicknamed “Gas Guzzler,” the old SUV is a symbol of Kawhi’s practical approach to life. Even after signing massive contracts with the Spurs and Clippers, Kawhi’s motto is simple: “It runs and it’s paid off.”
His frugality doesn’t stop there. During his Spurs days, he lived in a modest two-bedroom apartment. And when he lost a coupon book for free wings at Wingstop—one of his endorsement perks—he actually called the company to get a replacement. For Kawhi, it’s never been about flashy possessions; it’s about substance and staying true to his roots in Compton, California.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Family Man
Next up is Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek Freak. Despite being worth up to $250 million, Giannis is known as the “cheapest guy” in the NBA, according to former teammate Jrue Holiday. He’s been spotted bargaining at discount stores in New York City and insists, “I’m cheap for myself, but for my family, I give them more than I give myself.” Growing up as an undocumented immigrant in Greece, selling trinkets on the street to survive, Giannis learned early that money is best used to secure his family’s future—not to show off.
Jimmy Butler: From Homelessness to Humility
Jimmy Butler’s journey from homelessness in Texas to NBA stardom is well known, but his humility is just as remarkable. Worth nearly $100 million, Butler famously drives a Toyota Sienna minivan, not for style, but for practicality. During the NBA bubble, he charged teammates $20 for a cup of his French press coffee—what started as a joke turned into a real business, Bigface Coffee. Even as a top earner, Jimmy’s focus is on function, family, and smart investments, not excess.
Drew Holiday: Generosity Over Luxury
Drew Holiday, with a net worth of $100 million, stands out for his extraordinary generosity. In 2020, he donated his entire $5.3 million NBA salary to Black-owned businesses and nonprofits. He continues to give millions to community causes, living simply while using his wealth to make a difference. For Drew, frugality isn’t just about saving—it’s about enabling generosity.
Kevin Durant: The Quiet Investor
Kevin Durant, one of the NBA’s wealthiest active players, lives a surprisingly low-key life. He prefers gaming and investing in tech startups over Hollywood parties. Despite earning nearly half a billion dollars, Durant stays grounded, focusing on meaningful investments and simple pleasures. His humble beginnings in Maryland taught him the value of every dollar.
Carmelo Anthony: Coupon Clipper
Retired star Carmelo Anthony, worth up to $170 million, still clips coupons and shops at discount stores. Raised in Baltimore’s tough neighborhoods, Melo never forgot the lessons of scarcity. Even with a business empire spanning tech, wine, and fashion, he lives below his means and channels his wealth into philanthropy through the Carmelo Anthony Foundation.
Trey Burke: Budgeting for the Future
Trey Burke might not be as famous, but his financial discipline is legendary. As a rookie, he set a $5,000 monthly budget for himself despite a multimillion-dollar contract. Even after earning over $25 million, Burke avoids flashy purchases, focusing on family and long-term stability.
Tim Duncan: The Humble Hall-of-Famer
Tim Duncan, a five-time champion, earned over $240 million but was known for driving an old Porsche and shopping at Costco. He often took pay cuts to help the Spurs win, and his simple lifestyle was rooted in his upbringing in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Nikola Jokic: The Horse-Loving MVP
Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ superstar, signed the biggest contract in NBA history but prefers spending his summers racing horses in his Serbian hometown. He drives modest cars, avoids luxury, and treats basketball as just a job to fund his true passion—family and horses.
Steph Curry: Frugal Superstar
Steph Curry, with a net worth approaching a quarter-billion dollars, lives in a mansion but is known for biking around town and living simply with his wife and four kids. He invests in community causes and describes himself as “somewhere in the middle” when it comes to spending.
Andrew Bogut, David West, and Derrick Rose: Lessons in Discipline
From Andrew Bogut, who meticulously tracks every expense, to David West, who left millions on the table to chase championships and support social causes, and Derrick Rose, whose humble post-retirement life in Chicago reflects his southside roots—these players prove that wealth doesn’t have to change who you are.
In the end, these NBA stars show that true greatness isn’t about what you have—it’s about what you value. Whether it’s family, community, or simply staying grounded, their stories are a reminder that you can be rich and still live like a regular person.
