Dwight Howard has an estimated net worth of $120 million. Across his NBA career, he earned approximately $247 million in salary alone, in addition to an estimated $100 million from endorsements.
At the height of his career, Howard earned over $30 million per year, ranking among the highest-paid centers in professional basketball.
His wealth reflects not only his on-court dominance but also his longevity across nearly two decades in elite competition.
Career Overview: From High School Phenom To NBA Champion
Howard entered the NBA straight out of high school in 2004 and was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic.
He immediately made history as the youngest player to average a double-double for an entire season.
During his prime years in Orlando, Howard established himself as the league’s most dominant big man.
He led the NBA in rebounds five times and won three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards (2009–2011). In 2009, he powered the Magic to the NBA Finals.
Over 18 NBA seasons, Howard earned:
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8 All-Star selections
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8 All-NBA honors
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2 blocks titles
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2008 Slam Dunk Contest championship
He later played for multiple franchises, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Philadelphia 76ers.
In 2020, Howard captured his first NBA championship with the Lakers during the league’s Orlando “bubble” season.
After the 2021–22 NBA season, he joined the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan’s T1 League, where he earned MVP honors and an All-Star selection.
In 2025, he was inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy among basketball’s elite.
Contracts, Salary & Career Earnings
Howard’s financial decisions shaped much of his career narrative.
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Earned approximately $247 million in NBA salary
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Earned an estimated $100 million in endorsements
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Turned down a five-year, $118 million deal from the Lakers in 2013
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Signed a four-year deal with Houston instead
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Later rejected a $23 million extension with Houston
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Signed a three-year, $70 million contract with Atlanta
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Accepted a unique pay-per-day veteran deal with the Lakers in 2019
These moves reflect both peak earning power and later-career adaptability.
Early Life
Born December 8, 1985, in Atlanta, Georgia, Howard was raised in a deeply religious household with strong basketball ties.
He quickly emerged as the top high school basketball player in the United States. Forgoing college, he declared for the NBA Draft a decision that immediately paid off.
Playing Style & Career Impact
Across 1,242 NBA games, Howard averaged:
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15.7 points per game
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11.8 rebounds per game
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1.8 blocks per game
He is widely regarded as one of the most dominant rebounders and defensive centers of his generation.
Personal Life & Real Estate
Howard is a father of five children. He has also been involved in high-profile legal matters that attracted media attention, though charges in past investigations were ultimately dropped.
In real estate, Howard has invested heavily in luxury properties, including:
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A 14-acre Georgia estate purchased for $8.8 million
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A Gothic-style Florida mansion
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A Washington, D.C. penthouse
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A private farm near Atlanta
These holdings highlight his diversified approach to wealth beyond basketball.
FAQ
How many championships does Dwight Howard have?
He won one NBA championship in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Is Dwight Howard in the Hall of Fame?
Yes, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025.
How many Defensive Player of the Year awards did Dwight Howard win?
He won the award three consecutive times (2009–2011).
Did Dwight Howard skip college?
Yes, he entered the NBA directly from high school in 2004.
What teams did Dwight Howard play for?
He played for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Philadelphia 76ers.