In the fast-paced world of professional basketball, the choice between financial security and championship contention often presents a significant dilemma for players.
This article explores the decisions of 15 prominent NBA players who prioritized financial stability by signing lucrative contracts, even when doing so meant remaining with underperforming teams or moving away from championship-caliber rosters.
15. Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray signed a four-year, $208 million max extension with the Denver Nuggets in September 2024, tying him to the team through 2029. Despite already winning a championship, Murray chose financial security over potentially joining a superteam. He recently justified his decision by setting a new career-high with 55 points against the Trail Blazers in February 2025.
14. CJ McCollum
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CJ McCollum signed a 2-year, $64 million extension with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, keeping him with the struggling team through 2026. Despite the Pelicans’ poor record (13-42 as of February 13, 2025), McCollum continues to put up impressive numbers, averaging 21.4 points and 4.1 assists this season.
13. D’Angelo Russell
D’Angelo Russell signed a 2-year, $36 million contract with the Lakers in 2023, prioritizing financial security over joining a championship contender. Despite his talent, Russell’s decision to stay with the struggling Lakers demonstrates his focus on maximizing earnings in his prime years rather than chasing a ring.
12. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving signed a three-year, $126 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks in 2023, prioritizing financial security over joining a championship contender. Despite his stellar skills, Irving’s decision to team up with Luka Doncic on a less-proven roster showcases his focus on maximizing earnings in his prime years.
11. Andrew Wiggins
After winning a championship with the Warriors in 2022, Wiggins signed a 4-year, $109 million extension. However, he was traded to the Miami Heat in 2025, leaving behind Golden State’s championship-contending core. Wiggins’ decision prioritized financial security over the potential for more rings with the Warriors.
10. John Wall
John Wall signed a supermax extension with the Washington Wizards in 2017 worth $170 million over four years. Despite his hefty contract, Wall never advanced past the second round of the playoffs. Injuries derailed his career, and he was traded to Houston in 2020 without winning a championship.
9. Tobias Harris
Tobias Harris signed a two-year, $52 million contract with the Detroit Pistons in 2024, prioritizing financial security over championship contention. Despite never making an All-Star team, Harris has amassed over $300 million in career earnings, the most for a player without an All-Star selection in NBA history.
8. Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons signed a $170 million max contract with the 76ers in 2019, but injuries and conflicts led to a trade to the Nets. His performance declined significantly, averaging just 6.2 points in 2024-25. Recently, Simmons agreed to a buyout with Brooklyn, becoming a free agent and ending his lucrative but disappointing tenure.
7. Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert signed a massive 5-year, $205 million extension with the Utah Jazz in 2020, the largest deal for a center in NBA history. Despite the Jazz’s playoff struggles, Gobert opted for financial security over joining a contender. He later signed another lucrative 3-year, $109.5 million extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2024.
6. Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine signed a massive 5-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in 2022, prioritizing financial security over championship aspirations. Despite his individual success, including two All-Star selections, LaVine’s teams have struggled to contend. In 2025, he was traded to the Sacramento Kings, another team unlikely to compete for a title soon.
5. Devin Booker
Devin Booker signed a 4-year, $224 million supermax extension with the Phoenix Suns in 2024, making him one of the NBA’s highest-paid players. Despite not winning a championship, Booker’s loyalty to the Suns and his incredible scoring ability (averaging 24.4 points per game) have made him the franchise’s cornerstone player.
4. Karl-Anthony Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns signed a massive 4-year, $224 million contract extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2022. Despite the team’s playoff success, Towns was traded to the New York Knicks in 2024, prioritizing financial security over championship contention. His $61 million player option for 2028 exemplifies the lucrative nature of his deal.
3. Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard, known for his loyalty to the Portland Trail Blazers, signed a two-year, $122 million extension in 2022, tying him to the franchise through 2026-27. Despite never reaching the NBA Finals, Lillard prioritized his legacy with one team over chasing championships elsewhere, stating he’s “going to live and die in Portland.”
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2. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook signed a $205 million extension with the Thunder in 2017, prioritizing loyalty over championship prospects. Despite his incredible individual achievements, including averaging a triple-double for four seasons, Westbrook has yet to win an NBA title. His recent moves to contenders like the Clippers haven’t yielded playoff success.
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1. Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal signed a five-year, $251 million supermax contract with the Wizards in 2022, making him one of the NBA’s highest-paid players. Despite being traded to the Suns in 2023, Beal’s massive contract and rare no-trade clause have limited his championship prospects, as Phoenix struggles with financial constraints and roster flexibility.
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