Kyle Kuzma has made over $100 million on just contracts in his NBA career. 

He is currently on the final year of a four-year, $90 million deal. He will make $20.4 million this season. 

Kuzma signed his contract after a season where he averaged 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 44% from the field and 33% from three. He followed up by averaging 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 46% from the field and 33% from three. 

He was then traded to the Milwaukee Bucks at the 2025 nba trade deadline in exchange for Khris Middleton. 

In recent podcasts, athletes have spoken about contracts and how millions don't actually equal millions after taxes and payment. 

Odell Beckham Jr recently stated, “I try to explain this to people. When you give somebody a five-year, $100 million contract, what is it really? It’s five years for $60 million. If you do the math, it’s $12 million a year that you have to spend, use, save, invest, flaunt. I’m just being real, I’m gonna buy a car. Give my mom a house. Everything costs money. That’s a five-year span where you are getting $8 million [left over after expenses]. Can you make that last forever?”

The quote garnered headlines, and Kuzma felt the need to respond. 

"[Not going to lie], it’s exhausting hearing athletes break down how their millions ‘aren’t really millions’ after taxes and fees. 40M after taxes is still 40M. The real issue isn’t the system, it’s lifestyle creep. Nobody told you to live like a king, buy 5 cars, or move with a 10‑person entourage. Modest is allowed. And they say it like they are going to get empathy from regular folks that are using credit rewards points for groceries right now. Wild,” he wrote. 

Lifestyle is certainly a big part of athletes going through money fast.

Even if $40 million isn't fully $40 million, it's still millions, and should be enough to live off of for years. Spending millions on multiple cars or houses or entourages is a sure way for your money to be gone fast.

Kuzma has made a fair amount of money in his day, even if he was never the best player on his team. He's certainly made enough to make a comfortable living without having to worry about his financial future. 

Athletes should take heed of Kuzma's words and be smart with their money because they can live in luxury while not blowing through their money.