What Is Ron Artest’s Net Worth?
Ron Artest, also known as Metta World Peace and Metta Sandiford-Artest, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $30 million throughout his professional basketball career and ventures into entertainment. His earnings primarily stem from his NBA contracts, supplemented by appearances in television and forays into the music industry.
Ron Artest’s NBA Career Earnings and Contract Details
During his NBA career, Ron Artest earned approximately $77 million in salary. His most lucrative contract was a five-year, $33 million deal signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009. Here’s a breakdown of his journey through different teams:
Chicago Bulls (1999-2002): Artest began his NBA journey with the Chicago Bulls after being drafted in 1999. While specific contract details from that period are not publicly available, rookie contracts are typically structured based on draft position. He played 175 games for the Bulls, averaging 12.5 points per game.
Indiana Pacers (2002-2006): Traded to the Indiana Pacers midway through the 2001-2002 season, Artest’s contract details with the Pacers are not fully disclosed. However, his performance and role as a starter would have commanded a significant salary.
Sacramento Kings (2006-2008): Artest’s move to the Sacramento Kings in 2006 involved a trade. Details of his contract with the Kings are not readily available, but it would have reflected his market value as a seasoned player.
Houston Rockets (2008-2009): Before joining the Lakers, Artest played for the Houston Rockets. Specific contract amounts for his time with the Rockets are not fully accessible to the public.
Los Angeles Lakers (2009-2013): In 2009, Ron Artest signed a $33 million, five-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. This contract significantly contributed to his net worth, providing him with financial stability during a successful period that included an NBA championship in 2010. Over those 5 years, his annual income was approximately $6.6 million. His role during this championship with the Lakers significantly boosted his profile and future earning potential.
New York Knicks (2013-2014): After being waived by the Lakers via the amnesty clause, Artest signed a two-year deal with the New York Knicks in July 2013. However, he was waived in February 2014, and the specific financials of his Knicks contract are not fully public.
Sichuan Blue Whales (2014): Following his departure from the Knicks, Artest played briefly in China for the Sichuan Blue Whales. Contract details for this period are not publicly available.
Pallacanestro Cantù (2015): Artest’s stint with Italy’s Pallacanestro Cantù in 2015 was short-lived, and specific contract details are not available.
Return to the Lakers (2015-2017): Ron Artest returned to the Lakers in September 2015. Specific financial details for this concluding period with the Lakers are not readily accessible.
Other Ventures Contributing to Ron Artest’s Net Worth
Beyond basketball, Ron Artest has engaged in various activities that have contributed to his net worth.
Television Appearances: Artest participated in the 13th season of “Dancing with the Stars” and appeared as a panelist on “Figure it Out.” In 2018, he was a contestant on “Celebrity Big Brother.” Exact earnings from these appearances are not disclosed, but they would have added to his income.
Music Career: In 2006, Ron Artest released a rap album titled “My World,” featuring artists like P. Diddy, Mike Jones, Juvenile, and Big Kap. The album’s commercial success is not well-documented, but it represented an entrepreneurial effort to diversify his income streams.
Ron Artest has also become a mental health advocate, using his platform to raise awareness and reduce stigma. While not directly contributing to his net worth, this work enhances his public image and overall brand.
Early Life and Education: Born on November 13, 1979, in the Queensbridge projects in Queens, New York, Ron Artest’s early life was marked by challenges. As a teenager, he played high school basketball at La Salle Academy in Manhattan. In college, Ron played for St. John’s University’s Red Storm from 1997 to 1999, achieving a 14-4 record in the Big East Conference and reaching the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division 1 Tournament. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for his successful basketball career and subsequent financial achievements.