In the world of professional basketball, player contracts can significantly impact the dynamics of a team, both financially and competitively.
Over the years, NBA teams have engaged in ambitious and, sometimes, questionable player signings that have sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. This article explores some of the most notable NBA contracts that have either been deemed colossal overpays or have had transformative impacts on teams, shaping the landscape of the league in unexpected ways.
14. Ryan Anderson to the Houston Rockets (2016)
Ryan Anderson secured a four-year, $80 million contract with the Houston Rockets in 2016, despite being primarily a role player. The deal was widely criticized as an overpay, and Anderson’s production declined sharply. He was traded to Phoenix in 2018 and waived by 2019, making only $15.6 million of his final season’s salary.
13. Bismack Biyombo to the Orlando Magic (2016)
Bismack Biyombo parlayed a strong playoff performance with the Toronto Raptors into a massive payday, signing a four-year, $72 million contract with the Orlando Magic. Despite limited offensive skills, Biyombo’s shot-blocking and rebounding prowess earned him this lucrative deal. However, he failed to live up to expectations in Orlando, averaging just 5.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.
12. Evan Turner to the Portland Trail Blazers (2016)
In a surprising move, the Blazers signed Evan Turner to a four-year, $70 million contract. Despite being a solid role player, Turner’s lack of three-point shooting and inconsistent performance made this deal questionable. The Blazers ultimately traded him in 2019, highlighting the contract’s overvaluation.
11. Luol Deng to the Los Angeles Lakers (2016)
The Lakers signed Luol Deng to a four-year, $72 million contract in 2016. Deng played only 57 games over two seasons before being waived. Due to the stretch provision, the Lakers continued paying him until 2022, making him their 5th highest-paid player in 2021-22 despite being retired since 2019.
10. Hassan Whiteside to the Miami Heat (2016)
Hassan Whiteside cashed in on his breakout season, signing a four-year, $98 million max contract with the Miami Heat in 2016. The deal raised eyebrows, as Whiteside had limited NBA experience. His production declined after signing, and he was traded to Portland in 2019, making this contract a costly gamble for Miami.
9. Nicolas Batum to the Charlotte Hornets (2016)
In 2016, Nicolas Batum secured a massive five-year, $120 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets. While Batum had shown promise, this deal quickly became a burden for the team. His performance declined, and by 2020, the Hornets waived him, still owing $9 million in the 2022-23 season.
8. Joakim Noah to the New York Knicks (2016)
In 2016, the Knicks signed Joakim Noah to a four-year, $72 million contract. Noah played only 53 games over two seasons, averaging 4.6 points and 7.9 rebounds. The Knicks waived him in 2018, using the stretch provision to spread his remaining salary over several years, impacting their cap space until 2022.
7. Timofey Mozgov to the Los Angeles Lakers (2016)
The Lakers shocked the NBA world by signing Timofey Mozgov to a four-year, $64 million contract in 2016. Despite averaging just 6.3 points and 4.4 rebounds the previous season, Mozgov secured this massive deal within minutes of free agency opening. The contract was widely criticized and quickly became a burden for the Lakers.
6. Gilbert Arenas to the Washington Wizards (2008)
In 2008, Gilbert Arenas signed a six-year, $111 million contract with the Wizards despite recent knee injuries. The deal quickly became a burden as Arenas played only 47 games over the next three seasons due to injuries and suspensions. The Wizards eventually used the amnesty clause to waive him in 2011.
5. Chandler Parsons to the Memphis Grizzlies (2016)
In 2016, the Memphis Grizzlies signed Chandler Parsons to a four-year, $94 million max contract. This deal quickly became one of the worst in NBA history, as Parsons played only 95 games over three seasons due to injuries, averaging just 7.2 points per game. The Grizzlies ultimately traded Parsons to Atlanta in 2019.
4. Gordon Hayward to the Charlotte Hornets (2020)
Gordon Hayward secured a shocking four-year, $120 million deal with the Hornets in 2020, despite coming off injury-plagued seasons with the Celtics. The fully guaranteed contract raised eyebrows, as it represented a significant overpay for a player past his prime. Hayward’s deal consumed 33% of Charlotte’s salary cap, limiting their roster flexibility.
3. Shaquille O’Neal to the Los Angeles Lakers (1996)
Shaq’s move to the Lakers was a seismic shift in NBA history. The 7-foot-1 center signed a staggering seven-year, $120 million contract, making him the highest-paid player in league history at the time. This deal not only transformed the Lakers into instant contenders but also set a new benchmark for superstar contracts in the NBA.
Read More: The 10 Highest-Paid NFL Quarterbacks of All Time
2. Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors (2016)
Durant shocked the NBA by joining the 73-win Warriors in 2016, signing a two-year, $54.3 million deal. He took less than his max salary to help Golden State form a superteam. Durant won two championships and two Finals MVPs with the Warriors before leaving in 2019.
Read More: These 15 NBA Stars Cashed In Big Instead of Chasing Glory
1. LeBron James to the Miami Heat (2010)
LeBron James shocked the NBA by joining forces with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami. Despite taking a pay cut, James signed a six-year, $110.1 million contract. The move created a super team that reached four consecutive NBA Finals, winning two championships before James returned to Cleveland in 2014.