From Undrafted to Unmatched: Kendrick Nunn Becomes Highest Paid Player in Europe After EuroLeague MVP Season Triumph

Kendrick Nunn’s basketball journey has never followed the conventional path — and now, it’s taken him somewhere no other American player currently stands: at the very top of European basketball’s salary ladder.

In April 2025, the former Miami Heat guard signed a groundbreaking three-year, $15 million contract extension with Panathinaikos, officially making him the highest paid player in Europe. It’s a crowning achievement that feels both astonishing and entirely earned for a player whose entire career has been defined by overcoming the odds.

Nunn’s ascent to European stardom is rooted in the grit and perseverance that initially took him from undrafted free agent to NBA standout. After not hearing his name called on draft night in 2018, Nunn began his professional career in the G-League with the Santa Cruz Warriors. Just one year later, the Miami Heat took a chance on him — and Nunn repaid their faith by erupting onto the scene during the 2019-20 NBA season.

That rookie campaign was something special. Nunn averaged 15.3 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game, shooting 35% from three and showing an uncanny ability to create his own shot. He won three Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month awards and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting behind only Ja Morant. Nunn’s fearless scoring gave the Heat a valuable offensive weapon, and he helped power Miami’s surprising run to the 2020 NBA Finals in the Orlando bubble.

But as quickly as Nunn had ascended, his trajectory began to wobble. The 2020-21 season was marked by inconsistency and a nagging injury. Miami ultimately allowed him to walk in free agency, and Nunn signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 2021. However, a bone bruise in his knee sidelined him for the entire 2021-22 season, and by the time he returned, he found himself lost in the shuffle on a Lakers team with shifting priorities and unstable rotations.

After short stints with the Lakers and Wizards, Nunn found himself without a guaranteed NBA role. Rather than wait for the phone to ring, he made a bold decision — he went to Europe.

Panathinaikos, the Greek basketball powerhouse, was quick to scoop him up. The move was initially seen as a temporary detour, a pit stop for a player looking to resurrect his NBA stock. Instead, Nunn used the opportunity to redefine himself. He didn’t just shine in the EuroLeague — he dominated.

In the 2024-25 EuroLeague season, Nunn was a revelation. He averaged 20.0 points, 4.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steal per game, helping Panathinaikos secure its first EuroLeague title since 2011. His ability to create offense from anywhere on the floor, coupled with his improved playmaking and defensive effort, elevated him to superstar status overseas. When the postseason lights got brighter, Nunn only raised his level of play, capturing the EuroLeague Final Four MVP in addition to his regular-season MVP award.

The European basketball world took notice — and so did Panathinaikos’ front office. Knowing they had a generational talent on their hands, the club offered Nunn a record-setting deal: three years, $15 million total. No other player in Europe earns as much annually, and the figure would rival or even surpass some NBA bench salaries. In a market where top-tier EuroLeague players typically command $2–4 million per year, Nunn’s $5 million annual salary is a seismic shift.

For Nunn, the extension isn’t just about money — it’s validation. It’s a reminder that betting on himself continues to pay off. In many ways, the deal represents something deeper: the recognition of a player who had to claw his way into the league, fell out of favor, but never lost the drive to compete at the highest level. Now, he’s not just surviving — he’s thriving.

The Panathinaikos fan base has embraced him with open arms. Greek fans are known for their passion and loyalty, and Nunn’s clutch shooting, fiery demeanor, and commitment to excellence have made him a cult hero in Athens. In a season filled with sellout crowds, signature performances, and dramatic playoff heroics, Nunn gave the club and its supporters exactly what they’d longed for: a return to glory.

His coach at Panathinaikos, Ergin Ataman, spoke glowingly about Nunn after the title win: “Kendrick is not just the best player in Europe — he is a leader, a warrior. He changed everything for us.”

NBA scouts have taken notice as well. Despite his new deal, there have already been whispers about potential interest from NBA teams down the line. However, the guaranteed salary, leading role, and championship-contending environment Nunn enjoys in Greece make it a tough offer to beat. Unless a clear NBA opportunity presents itself with the right role and respect, Nunn may choose to continue building his legacy in Europe.

There’s also the matter of legacy itself. Many American players have starred in Europe — from Mike James to Shane Larkin to Alexey Shved — but few have made as explosive an impact in such a short span as Nunn. His MVP season was the stuff of legend, and his future in Europe could redefine how elite American guards view international opportunities.

In today’s global basketball landscape, the lines between the NBA and the EuroLeague are more blurred than ever. With improved television exposure, stronger financial commitments, and competitive parity, Europe is increasingly a destination — not just a fallback. Kendrick Nunn’s deal could open the floodgates for more young American players to consider similar paths.

For now, though, Nunn isn’t focused on the future. He’s focused on defending his title, elevating Panathinaikos into dynasty status, and continuing to dominate every hardwood he steps on. After years of being overlooked, underpaid, and underestimated, Kendrick Nunn is exactly where he wants to be — on top.

From G-League gyms to the NBA Finals, and now to EuroLeague royalty, Nunn’s journey is one of basketball’s great modern odysseys. And as the highest paid player in Europe, he’s finally earned the recognition — and the reward — that his talent has long demanded.