The 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest is set for Saturday, February 14, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, one night before the 2026 NBA All-Star Game at the same venue.
The event tips off at 5 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock as part of NBA All-Star Saturday. This year’s field features four first-time participants: Carter Bryant (San Antonio Spurs), Jaxson Hayes (Los Angeles Lakers), Keshad Johnson (Miami Heat), and Jase Richardson (Orlando Magic).
Here’s a closer look at each player’s current contract and 2025-26 salary heading into All-Star Weekend.
Carter Bryant, San Antonio Spurs
Bryant, a 6-foot-6 rookie forward, was selected No. 14 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Arizona product signed a four-year, $23,419,859 rookie-scale contract with San Antonio, including $10,045,680 guaranteed.
For the 2025-26 season, Bryant is earning a base salary of $4,900,320, which also represents his cap hit.
While he’s averaging modest scoring numbers in limited minutes, Bryant’s athletic profile stands out. He reportedly boasts a 39.5-inch vertical leap and has flashed explosive ability despite developing a lighthearted reputation among teammates for missed in-game dunks.
Off the court, Bryant comes from a unique background. He is fluent in American Sign Language, with deep family ties to the deaf community.
Jaxson Hayes, Los Angeles Lakers
Hayes is the veteran of the group. The 7-footer is in his seventh NBA season and third with the Lakers after beginning his career with the Pelicans.
Hayes signed a one-year, $3,449,323 contract with Los Angeles. The deal is fully guaranteed, and for 2025-26, he is earning a base salary of $3,449,323, matching his cap figure.
He has been a rotational big man, averaging nearly 20 minutes per game as a backup center. Hayes is among the league leaders in dunks this season. With a 34.5-inch vertical leap, his athleticism makes him a huge lob threat.
Despite being a frequent in-game dunker, history suggests centers rarely win the contest. The last true center to win was Dwight Howard in 2008.
Keshad Johnson, Miami Heat
Johnson enters the contest as the least-known name of the four. The 6-foot-6 forward went undrafted in 2024Â before signing with Miami. His two-year contract with the Heat is worth $2,680,260, with $724,883 guaranteed.
In 2025-26, Johnson is earning a base salary of $1,955,377, which also counts fully against the cap.
After spending time with Miami’s G League affiliate, Johnson carved out a role with the Heat this season. He owns a reported 42-inch vertical leap, the highest among this year’s participants, giving him serious bounce potential despite limited NBA minutes.
Jase Richardson, Orlando Magic
Richardson, a 6-foot-1 rookie guard, was selected No. 25 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. He signed a four-year, $15,308,562 rookie contract with Orlando, including $6,115,680 guaranteed.
For the 2025-26 season, Richardson is earning $2,983,320 in base salary.
He is also the son of two-time Slam Dunk champion Jason Richardson, who won the event in 2002 and 2003. That lineage adds intrigue to his debut appearance. Though Richardson is better known for his shooting, his 38-inch vertical leap suggests he has enough lift to surprise.
Among the four participants, Bryant carries the highest 2025-26 salary at just under $4.9 million, followed by Hayes at $3.45 million, Richardson at $2.98 million, and Johnson at $1.96 million.
All four will be making their Slam Dunk Contest debuts. And while the contest trophy doesn’t compare financially to NBA contracts, the exposure and platform of All-Star Weekend can elevate a player’s profile overnight.
