Avery Johnson at a Glance
- Net Worth (2025): $20 Million
- Birthdate: March 25, 1965
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Profession: NBA Coach, TV Analyst, Former NBA Player
- Nationality: American
Table of Contents
What is Avery Johnson’s Net Worth?
Avery Johnson commands a net worth of $20 million. His wealth is the result of a multifaceted career spanning three decades in professional basketball, high-level coaching, and real estate investment. Unlike many athletes who rely solely on playing salaries, Johnson successfully pivoted into lucrative coaching contracts and subsequently into private equity and broadcasting.
His financial foundation was built during a 16-year NBA playing career, where he earned over $28 million in total salary. This capital was later significantly bolstered by multimillion-dollar coaching settlements and a strategic entry into the commercial real estate market.
NBA Salaries
During the peak of his playing career in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Johnson commanded salaries reflective of a championship-caliber point guard. His earnings escalated significantly after he helped guide the San Antonio Spurs to an NBA title. Between 1999 and 2002, his annual salary ranged from $4.5 million to $5.5 million—a substantial figure for the era. By the time he retired as a player, his cumulative court earnings exceeded $28 million, not adjusting for inflation.
Johnson’s transition to the sidelines proved equally profitable. As the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks and later the Brooklyn Nets, he secured multi-year contracts worth millions annually. His financial portfolio saw a major infusion during his tenure at the University of Alabama, where he signed a contract extension in 2017 worth $2.9 million per year.
Upon his departure from Alabama in 2019, Johnson negotiated a significant buyout. The university paid him a lump sum of $5.5 million to settle the remainder of his contract, providing a massive immediate cash injection to his net worth.
Early Life
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Avery Johnson grew up in a large family in the St. Augustine neighborhood. His path to professional success was not linear; he was overlooked by major college programs due to his stature. He initially attended New Mexico Junior College before transferring to Cameron University and eventually Southern University, an HBCU in Baton Rouge.
At Southern, Johnson displayed the leadership qualities that would later define his career. In his senior year (1988), he led the entire NCAA Division I in assists with an average of 13.3 per game—a record that still stands as one of the highest in college basketball history. despite this statistical dominance, he went undrafted in the 1988 NBA Draft, a setback that fueled the work ethic he later became famous for.
Career
Avery Johnson’s professional timeline is a testament to persistence. After going undrafted, he began his career in the United States Basketball League (USBL) with the Palm Beach Stingrays before fighting his way onto NBA rosters.
Johnson spent his early NBA years as a journeyman, bouncing between teams like the Seattle SuperSonics, Denver Nuggets, and Houston Rockets. However, he found his true professional home with the San Antonio Spurs. His tenure in San Antonio defined his legacy. Known as the “Little General” for his on-court leadership and diminutive height (5’10”), Johnson became the floor general for the “Twin Towers” era featuring David Robinson and Tim Duncan.
The pinnacle of his playing career occurred in Game 5 of the 1999 NBA Finals. Johnson hit the game-winning shot against the New York Knicks to secure the Spurs’ first-ever NBA Championship. This moment cemented his status as a San Antonio sports legend and ensured his longevity in the league, allowing him to play until 2004.
Immediately following his retirement as a player, Johnson joined the Dallas Mavericks coaching staff. He took over as head coach in 2005 and made an immediate impact, winning the NBA Coach of the Year Award in 2006. That same season, he led the Mavericks to their first NBA Finals appearance. He later coached the New Jersey (and Brooklyn) Nets, guiding them during their transition between cities.
In 2015, Johnson accepted the head coaching position at the University of Alabama. His recruitment of high-level talent, such as Collin Sexton, revitalized the program and led the Crimson Tide to the NCAA Tournament in 2018. His tenure at Alabama was financially significant, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the SEC at the time.
Since stepping away from coaching, Johnson has maintained a high profile as a lead studio analyst for CBS Sports HQ. His role involves providing expert analysis on NBA and NCAA basketball, keeping him relevant in the national sports conversation. This consistent media work provides a steady annual income that complements his investment returns.
Real Estate
Johnson has historically invested heavily in luxury residential real estate. During his coaching tenure, he owned a massive estate in The Woodlands, Texas, a wealthy enclave north of Houston.
The property, located in the exclusive Carlton Woods community, spanned over 14,000 square feet and featured seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and a regulation-size basketball court. Johnson originally listed the home for nearly $9 million. He eventually sold the property in late 2014 for approximately $6.1 million. The sale of this asset liquidated a significant portion of his net worth, which he likely redirected into his diversified business interests.
Personal Life
Avery Johnson has been married to his wife, Cassandra Johnson, since 1991. They have two children, Avery Jr. and Christianne. His family life has frequently intersected with his professional life; his son, Avery Jr., played basketball for him at the University of Alabama, creating a unique father-son dynamic on the court.
Johnson is also known for his community involvement and leadership during crises. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which devastated his hometown of New Orleans, Johnson played an active role in relief efforts, using his platform to raise awareness and funds for displaced families. He remains an influential figure in the sports community, often speaking on leadership and perseverance.
