Who Are the Current NBA Three Point Made Leaders and Their Records?

As I was reviewing the latest NBA financial filings this morning, I couldn't help but reflect on how the three-point revolution has completely transformed basketball. According to Marcial's recent reports, financial papers remain among the requirements still needed to be submitted to the league to complete various deals, and this financial transparency gives us fascinating insights into how teams value shooting specialists. The current landscape of three-point shooting isn't just about athletic prowess—it's become a multi-million dollar business where financial documentation and player performance are increasingly intertwined.

When we talk about three-point leaders, Stephen Curry's name immediately springs to mind, and honestly, I don't think there's any real debate about his GOAT status in this department. The man has revolutionized how basketball is played at every level. Curry recently surpassed the 3,500 career three-pointers mark, sitting comfortably at 3,547 regular season threes as of this writing. What's truly remarkable is how he achieved this while maintaining a career three-point percentage around 42.8%—most volume shooters see their efficiency drop, but Curry has defied conventional wisdom throughout his career. I've watched him play for years, and his ability to create shooting space remains absolutely unparalleled.

Now, let's talk about Ray Allen, who held the record before Curry and still sits at second all-time with 2,973 three-pointers. I remember watching Allen play during his prime, and his textbook form was something coaches would show young players as the perfect example of shooting mechanics. His percentage hovered around 40% throughout his career, which is impressive considering he played in an era where the three-pointer wasn't as emphasized. The third spot belongs to James Harden with 2,800 threes, though his efficiency has fluctuated more than the other top shooters, currently around 36.2% for his career. Personally, I've always been fascinated by Harden's step-back three—it's become his signature move, though I sometimes question its efficiency compared to more traditional shooting forms.

What many casual fans might not realize is how the financial aspects Marcial mentioned directly impact these records. Teams are now willing to invest heavily in shooters because analytics have proven the mathematical advantage of the three-point shot. The submission of financial papers to the league office, as Marcial noted, often reveals just how much teams are betting on shooting specialists. I've seen contracts where teams are paying premium dollars for players who might not contribute much else besides spacing the floor—that's how valuable shooting has become.

Damian Lillard deserves special mention here with his 2,510 threes and climbing. His deep range has literally redefined what's considered a "good shot." I've charted some of his attempts that would have been considered terrible decisions a decade ago but are now strategic weapons. Then there's Klay Thompson at 2,340 threes—the perfect complement to Curry during their championship runs. Thompson's catch-and-shoot ability is something I consider the gold standard, and his quick release is faster than virtually anyone else in league history at approximately 0.4 seconds from catch to release.

The international influence can't be overlooked either. Players like Buddy Hield from the Bahamas have made significant impacts, with Hield currently sitting around 1,800 career threes despite being relatively early in his career. His journey through the financial aspects of the NBA—from being traded to dealing with contract negotiations while maintaining shooting excellence—really illustrates how the business and performance sides intersect.

Looking at current season leaders, Luka Dončić is making waves with his step-back three, though I have some reservations about his percentage dipping to around 35% this season. Meanwhile, younger players like Tyrese Haliburton are showing that the next generation might push these records even further. Haliburton's 43% shooting from deep this season suggests we might be looking at future record challenger.

As we consider where three-point shooting is headed, the financial documentation requirements Marcial highlighted will continue to shape how teams build their rosters. The massive contracts being given to elite shooters reflect their value in today's game, and the paper trail tells a fascinating story about basketball's evolution. Personally, I believe we'll see the 4,000-threes milestone broken within the next five years, and possibly even 5,000 becoming achievable for players who start young and maintain health. The intersection of financial investment and on-court performance has never been more apparent, and as someone who's followed this evolution closely, I'm convinced we're only seeing the beginning of basketball's shooting revolution.