Kent Bazemore Net Worth 2024 and Salary: Kent Bazemore is a professional basketball player with an estimated net worth of $30 million in 2024, known for his defensive skills and 10-year NBA career spanning 5 teams, with his highest annual salary reaching $19.2 million during the 2019-20 season.
Kent Bazemore: NBA Journeyman’s Career and Net Worth
Key Takeaways
- Kent Bazemore has played for 5 NBA teams over a 10-year career.
- His estimated net worth is around $30 million.
- Bazemore’s highest single-season salary was $19.2 million with Atlanta in 2019-20.
- He’s known for his defensive skills and locker room presence.
- Bazemore signed with the G League’s Greensboro Swarm in January 2024.
Who is Kent Bazemore?
Kent Bazemore is a professional basketball player who has carved out a solid NBA career as a defensive-minded wing player. Standing 6’4″ tall, Bazemore went undrafted out of Old Dominion University in 2012 but managed to earn a roster spot with the Golden State Warriors. Over the next decade, he would play for five different NBA franchises, establishing himself as a reliable 3-and-D player and locker room leader.
Early Life and College Career
Born on July 1, 1989, in Kelford, North Carolina, Kent Bazemore grew up in a small town with a population of just over 200 people. He attended Bertie High School in Windsor, North Carolina, where he excelled in basketball. Despite his talents, Bazemore was not heavily recruited by major college programs.
He ultimately chose to play college basketball at Old Dominion University, where he developed into one of the best defensive players in the country. In his junior year, Bazemore won the Lefty Driesell Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player. He finished his college career as Old Dominion’s all-time leader in steals.
NBA Career
Golden State Warriors (2012-2014)
Bazemore’s NBA journey began with the Golden State Warriors, where he initially gained attention for his enthusiastic bench celebrations. While his playing time was limited, he showed flashes of potential, particularly on the defensive end.
Los Angeles Lakers (2014)
A mid-season trade sent Bazemore to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he saw increased playing time and averaged 13.1 points per game in 23 appearances.
Atlanta Hawks (2014-2019)
Bazemore’s most productive years came with the Atlanta Hawks. He signed a two-year deal in 2014 and then re-signed with the team on a four-year, $70 million contract in 2016. During his time in Atlanta, Bazemore became a full-time starter and averaged double-digit scoring for four consecutive seasons.
Portland Trail Blazers (2019-2020)
A trade sent Bazemore to Portland, where he played 43 games before being traded again mid-season.
Sacramento Kings (2020)
Bazemore finished the 2019-20 season with the Sacramento Kings, appearing in 25 games.
Return to Golden State (2020-2021)
Bazemore returned to the Warriors for the 2020-21 season, providing veteran leadership and solid defensive play off the bench.
Los Angeles Lakers (2021-2022)
In his final NBA season to date, Bazemore played 39 games for the Lakers, primarily in a reserve role.
Career Statistics
Over his 10-year NBA career, Kent Bazemore has averaged:
- 8.2 points per game
- 3.2 rebounds per game
- 1.8 assists per game
- 1.0 steals per game
- 35.6% three-point shooting
His best statistical season came in 2017-18 with Atlanta, when he averaged 12.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
Net Worth and Salary
Kent Bazemore’s estimated net worth is approximately $30 million. The majority of his wealth comes from his NBA contracts, with his most lucrative deal being the four-year, $70 million contract he signed with Atlanta in 2016.
His career earnings from NBA salaries total nearly $79 million, with his highest single-season salary coming in 2019-20 when he earned $19.2 million.
Personal Life
Bazemore married his longtime girlfriend, Samantha Serpe, in 2017. The couple has two children together. In February 2024, it was reported that Bazemore and Serpe had finalized their divorce, with Bazemore paying $1.5 million for his ex-wife’s share of their Atlanta marital home.
Off the court, Bazemore is known for his charitable work. He established the ARMS Foundation (Aspire, Reach, Motivate, Succeed) to promote youth literacy and provide opportunities for underprivileged children.
Latest News
In January 2024, Kent Bazemore made headlines by joining the Greensboro Swarm, the NBA G League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets. This move marks a significant step in Bazemore’s efforts to revive his professional basketball career.
The Greensboro Swarm officially announced Bazemore’s addition to their roster on January 28, 2024. This development comes after Bazemore’s absence from the NBA since the 2021-22 season, when he last played for the Los Angeles Lakers.
At 34 years old, Bazemore brings a wealth of experience to the Swarm, having played 657 NBA games over 10 seasons. His veteran presence and defensive skills could prove valuable for the G League team, while also potentially serving as a pathway back to the NBA.
This move demonstrates Bazemore’s determination to continue playing professional basketball at a high level. It also highlights the G League’s role as a platform for both young prospects and experienced players looking to showcase their abilities to NBA teams.
Bazemore’s decision to play in the G League reflects his commitment to the sport and his willingness to take unconventional steps to extend his career. As the season progresses, basketball fans and NBA scouts will be watching closely to see if Bazemore can leverage this opportunity into another stint in the NBA.
Kent Bazemore’s journey from undrafted rookie to $70 million contract recipient showcases the value of perseverance and specialized skills in the NBA. While he may not have become a superstar, Bazemore’s ability to carve out a decade-long career and accumulate significant wealth speaks to his work ethic and adaptability. As he continues to pursue professional opportunities, Bazemore’s story remains an inspiration for players looking to maximize their potential in professional basketball.
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