Recently, HoopsHype compiled a list of the players with the highest salaries in the Miami Heat history. The Heat franchise is synonymous with dominant players like Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, and Chris Bosh. And while Butler is among the top 5, LeBron James is surprisingly lower on the list.

If one creates a list without checking the numbers, they tend to put Dwyane Wade at the top, followed by James at the second spot. But even this isn’t true as far as the numbers go.

Miami Heat legends with the biggest bag

Dwyane Wade, a Heat legend, is placed at number two as per HoopsHype’s list. Fans respect Wade for his pivotal role in forming the Big 3 in 2010 by giving up his significant salary to accommodate LeBron James and Chris Bosh. His financial earnings with the Heat could have been much higher.

Despite later maximizing his earnings with the Bulls, fans can’t undermine his contributions to Miami’s success. Throughout his illustrious 17-year career, Wade earned just under $200 million. He left an indelible mark on the team’s history with his impressive stats and championship rings.

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On the other hand, Shaquille O’Neal is at number six. Shaq, renowned for his dominance on the court, became the highest-paid player in the NBA when he joined the Heat. Though his stint with the team lasted merely three and a half seasons, his salary significantly contributed to his high placement on the all-time earnings list.

Interestingly, as per the compilation, Chris Bosh’s ranking at the top comes as a surprise. Among fans, the common assumption is that Dwyane Wade would be the highest-earning Heat player. Bosh’s tenure with the Heat was relatively short-lived, cut short during the 2015-16 season due to complications from a blood clot.

However, despite his career’s untimely end, Bosh continued to receive his full remaining salary with the Heat. This was happening even though they excluded the amount from their cap.

LeBron James is not in the top 5

The All-Time leading scorer ranking 10th on the list of high-paid athletes seems low given his enormous contributions to the Heat franchise. He joined the team for much lower pay, but the difference is not significant enough to move him up the rankings. Only 15% of his astounding $435 million in career earnings were generated while he lived in Miami.

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However, LeBron’s numbers for the Heat, including 26.9 points per game, 6.4 rebounds, 7.6 assists per game, and a 54.3% FG illustrate his huge impact on the team during that time. What’s even more surprising is that he earned these figures in just 4 seasons.

What’s your take on this? Was LeBron James underpaid in the Heat line-up? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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