There is always a bad contract on every NBA team because general managers get fooled by a player’s breakout season or perceived potential that ends up being a farce. Some of the worst contracts ever include Gilbert Arenas’ six-year deal worth $111 million and Allan Houston’s six-year $100 million deal, but which ones are the worst in the NBA today?
While some of these players are role players who are grossly overpaid, some of them are major names who provide value on the court but are not worth the money being offered to them according to elite NBA standards.
De’Andre Hunter, at 26 years old, is showcasing his talent with an average of 14.9 points per game this season. However, scrutiny arises due to his hefty contract of over $20 million per year until 2027. The expectations were high for Hunter to reach All-Star status by this point in his career, and while he has demonstrated scoring ability, some argue that his overall production falls short of justifying the salary.
The challenge for the Hawks’ management is to assess whether Hunter’s future development will align with the financial commitment made which is why the player has been thrown into recent trade discussions.
As an All-Star and the second-best player on the team, Jaylen Brown is undoubtedly a vital asset to the Boston Celtics. However, his recent contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in NBA history, has raised eyebrows. The Celtics found themselves in a challenging situation this past offseason, compelled to bring back Brown at almost any cost.
While he continues to perform at an All-Star level, some argue that the magnitude of his contract may surpass his overall impact on the team. Despite this financial commitment, the Celtics prioritize retaining a core player integral to their success alongside Jayson Tatum and it has worked so far as they are the best team in the NBA.
Ben Simmons, once a three-time All-Star and two-time All-Defensive Team selection, has faced a notable decline in the past three seasons. Injuries and a perceived lack of confidence have hampered Simmons’ trajectory, casting shadows over what was once a promising career. The former LeBron James comparison, made before his rookie season, now seems distant as his prime appears to be at risk of being a forgotten star.
At 27 years old, there is time for Simmons to rejuvenate his career, but his current level of production does not align with his substantial $37 million salary. With his contract extending until 2024-25, the Brooklyn Nets face the challenge of maximizing Simmons’ potential while justifying his significant financial commitment. The Nets might be better off trading him instead of allowing him to walk for nothing after next season.
Gordon Hayward’s acquisition by the Charlotte Hornets raised eyebrows, particularly considering his injury history following the 2017 All-Star season. The four-year, $120 million contract was a significant financial commitment, and while Hayward has been a solid contributor, his performance hasn’t quite justified the hefty price tag.
Averaging 16.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in his four-year tenure with the Hornets, Hayward has been good but not exceptional. The veteran is nearly 34 years old so this will without a doubt be the last time Hayward receives a major contract deal because a veteran’s minimum deal could be the norm in the foreseeable future.
As an All-Star shooting guard, Zach LaVine brings scoring prowess to the Chicago Bulls, averaging 21.0 points per game this season. However, questions arise about his contract, making him the team’s highest-paid player. While LaVine is a valuable asset, the debate centers around whether he justifies being paid as the team’s best player.
Trade rumors surrounding LaVine suggest a potential reassessment of his role within the team. At 28 years old, he is no longer a player on the cusp of reaching his prime, and the Bulls are reaching out to teams to trade him as a result.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Ricky Rubio ($6,146,342)
Season Statistics: N/A
Ricky Rubio, earning over $6 million for this and the next season, has been notably absent from the court this season, with no games played. While a $6 million contract may not be exorbitant by modern NBA standards, Rubio, past his prime, raises questions about the value provided.
The veteran point guard’s absence and potential considerations for retirement add complexity to his contract’s overall impact on the Cleveland Cavaliers, especially considering he is 33 years old and might never get back to his playmaking best.
Maxi Kleber, the sharpshooting big man for the Dallas Mavericks, is facing scrutiny for his performance and the value of his contract. Despite his reputation as a sharpshooter, poor defensive mobility and rebounding abilities have become apparent, limiting his overall impact on the court.
With disappointing shooting stats this season, hitting only 33.3% from three, Kleber’s sharpshooting prowess seems to be on the decline. At almost 32 years old, his current performance raises questions about whether he justifies the $11 million contract, making it one of the potentially less favorable deals in the NBA.
Michael Porter Jr., instrumental in the Nuggets’ championship run last season, showcased his scoring ability with 17.4 PPG in the regular season and 13.4 PPG in the playoffs. While a confident shooter with a back injury history, the $33 million price tag raises eyebrows, considering he is paid at a superstar level.
Although not a glaringly bad contract for the Nuggets, Porter Jr.’s deal stands out as potentially disproportionate to his role as a starter. The Nuggets as a franchise do not have many bad deals, however, so they deserve a ton of credit for that at least.
Marvin Bagley III, drafted as the No. 2 overall pick in 2018, has struggled with consistent injuries throughout his career, limiting his impact on the court. Despite solid but unspectacular numbers, averaging 10.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, the question arises whether Bagley III is deserving of a salary exceeding $12 million.
The Pistons’ challenging season, with only two wins, adds another layer of concern about the overall impact and value of Bagley III’s contract. As the Pistons try to rebuild their reputation, they must analyze the entire roster right now.
Golden State Warriors – Draymond Green ($22,321,429)
Draymond Green has been a crucial part of the Warriors’ dynasty, known for his key defensive contributions and playmaking ability. However, at almost 34 years old, Green’s best years may be behind him. While his stats remain respectable, questions arise about his future, especially with three ejections this season and behavior concerns.
As the Warriors boast the highest payroll this season, Green’s status as the fifth-highest-paid player on the team raises discussions about whether his current performance justifies the significant financial commitment, particularly as the team is currently below .500 with the dynasty slowly coming to an end.
Houston Rockets – Jock Landale ($8,000,000)
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Eddie is a senior staff writer for Fadeaway World from Denver, Colorado. Since joining the team in 2017, Eddie has applied his academic background in economics and finance to enhance his sports journalism. Graduating with a Bachelor's degree from and later a Master's degree in Finance, he integrates statistical analysis into his articles. This unique approach provides readers with a deeper understanding of basketball through the lens of financial and economic concepts.
Eddie's work has not only been a staple at Fadeaway World but has also been featured in prominent publications such as Sports Illustrated. His ability to break down complex data and present it in an accessible way creates an engaging and informative way to visualize both individual and team statistics. From finding the top 3 point shooters of every NBA franchise to ranking players by cost per point, Eddie is constantly finding new angles to use historical data that other NBA analysts may be overlooking.
