Overview

Carmelo Anthony is a retired American professional basketball player who played 19 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on May 29, 1984, in Brooklyn, New York, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. Anthony’s career highlights include being a ten-time NBA All-Star and a six-time All-NBA Team member. He won an NCAA championship as a freshman in 2003 while playing college basketball for the Syracuse Orange, and was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. He also captured three Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012, and 2016) playing for the U.S. national team. Drafted third overall by the Denver Nuggets in 2003, Anthony also played for the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers. He announced his retirement from the NBA on May 22, 2023, after earning more than $262 million in salary alone.

What Is Carmelo Anthony’s Net Worth?

Carmelo Anthony, a celebrated former professional basketball player in the United States, boasts a net worth of $160 million. His financial success stems primarily from his illustrious 19-year NBA career, during which he accumulated over $262 million in salary alone. Beyond his earnings on the court, endorsements have significantly contributed to his wealth, adding approximately $9 million annually at his peak.

Carmelo Anthony’s Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on May 29, 1984, in Red Hook, New York, Carmelo Anthony faced early adversity with the loss of his mother, Mary Anthony, to cancer when he was just two years old. At the age of eight, his father moved the family to Baltimore, where they resided in a challenging neighborhood characterized by violence and drug dealing. Sports became a vital outlet, providing a positive distraction from the harsh realities of their environment. Carmelo attended Townson Catholic School for high school. A significant growth spurt in the summer of 1999 saw him gain five inches, reaching a height of 6’5″, transforming him into a prominent basketball player. His talent and dedication earned him recognition as “The Baltimore Sun’s” metro player of the year.

Before entering the NBA draft, Carmelo Anthony spent one year (2002-2003) at Syracuse University. As a freshman playing for the Syracuse Orange, he achieved remarkable success, winning a national championship in 2003 and being named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. This outstanding performance solidified his decision to pursue a professional basketball career.

Carmelo Anthony’s Professional Basketball Career: From Denver to Retirement

Carmelo Anthony was selected as the third overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets, following LeBron James and Darko Miličić. During his initial nine years in the NBA, his salary amounted to over $94 million. He played seven seasons with the Denver Nuggets (2003-2011), leading them to the playoffs every year from 2004 to 2010 and securing two division titles.

After his tenure with the Nuggets, Carmelo played for the New York Knicks from 2011 to 2017. In 2014, he achieved a career-high of 62 points, setting a Knicks single-game record. Following his time with the Knicks, he joined the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017.

Throughout his career, Carmelo Anthony earned numerous accolades, including being a 10-time NBA All-Star. He also represented Team USA in the Olympics on four occasions (2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016), securing gold medals in 2008, 2012, and 2016, as well as in the 2007 Americas Championship. In 2013, he won the NBA scoring championship, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier players.

In August 2018, Carmelo Anthony signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract with the Houston Rockets. However, he was sidelined for the last three games of the season due to an undisclosed illness, and the Rockets later traded him in 2019. During the 2018-2019 season, he also played for the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls, earning $2.4 million. He then joined the Portland Trail Blazers for the 2019-2020 season, where he earned $2.1 million. On November 19, 2019, he signed a one-year, non-guaranteed deal, which became fully guaranteed in January 2020. On February 23, 2020, he scored a season-high 32 points against the Detroit Pistons. Carmelo Anthony officially announced his retirement from the NBA on May 22, 2023, marking the end of a remarkable basketball journey.

Carmelo Anthony’s Salary Details and Career Earnings

Carmelo Anthony’s peak annual salary reached $26 million during the 2017-2018 season. In addition to his NBA salary, he earned approximately $9 million per year from endorsements. His contract with the New York Knicks was valued at $80 million over five years. Between June 2017 and June 2018, Carmelo Anthony’s total earnings from salary and endorsements amounted to $33 million.

Over his 19-year NBA career, Carmelo Anthony accumulated approximately $260 million in salary alone. This includes:

  • $53 million from the Denver Nuggets (2,775 days on the team)
  • $136 million from the New York Knicks (2,404 days)
  • $26 million from the Oklahoma City Thunder (297 days)
  • $25.5 million from the Atlanta Hawks (27 days)
  • $182,000 from the Houston Rockets (94 days)

Carmelo Anthony’s Personal Life, Relationships, and Philanthropy

Carmelo Anthony married MTV personality La La Vasquez in July 2010, after being engaged since 2004. Their son, Kiyan Carmelo Anthony, was born in March 2007. In 2017, reports emerged that La La had moved out, leading to the couple’s separation. During this period, Carmelo fathered a child (Genesis Harlo) with Mia Burks. While acknowledging his paternity and providing financial support, Carmelo has refrained from publicly discussing Genesis. La La filed for divorce from Carmelo in June 2021.

Carmelo Anthony has demonstrated a strong commitment to philanthropy, making significant charitable donations throughout his career. In 2006, he donated $1.5 million to the Living Classrooms Foundation and $3 million to Syracuse University for a basketball practice facility, which will be named after him. While in Denver, he served as a spokesman for the Family Resource Center and organized charitable Christmas parties for underprivileged children. Following the Indian Ocean earthquake in 2004, he donated $35,000 to relief efforts. In 2006, he was ranked #8 on “The Giving Back 30 List of Largest Charitable Donations by Celebrities,” with contributions totaling $4,282,000.

Carmelo Anthony’s Real Estate Investments

In 2007, during his tenure with the Denver Nuggets, Carmelo Anthony purchased a 21,000-square-foot mansion in Denver for $12 million. The property, situated on nearly six acres, was listed for sale in 2010 for $9.5 million but ultimately sold for $6.2 million, resulting in a loss of nearly $6 million. He reportedly owns another property in Colorado, a 12,700-square-foot home featuring an indoor basketball court and batting cage.

In 2015, Carmelo Anthony acquired a five-bedroom condo in New York City for $11 million. The property was initially listed for sale in February 2020 for $12.85 million but failed to sell. After extensive renovations, it was relisted in 2022 for $12.5 million.

Carmelo Anthony’s Business Ventures and Investments

Beyond basketball and real estate, Carmelo Anthony has ventured into various business opportunities. In 2015, he founded the North American Soccer League expansion team Puerto Rico FC. In 2018, he led a $5 million investment round in Nobodys Pizza, with plans to expand the chain to 20 to 30 locations across the country. Furthermore, in April 2021, he launched a production company called Creative 7, showcasing his diverse interests and entrepreneurial spirit. These ventures contribute to Carmelo Anthony’s overall financial portfolio and net worth.

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