In the ever-evolving world of professional basketball, player contracts can both excite and perplex fans and analysts alike. As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, evaluating which contracts may deliver the best bang for the buck — or perhaps fall short — is a hot topic.
This list delves into some of the most substantial contracts in recent years, analyzing the balance between player performance and financial commitment.
15. Paul George
Paul George’s $49.2 million salary for the 2024-25 season with the Philadelphia 76ers raises eyebrows. While a talented player, his injury history and inconsistent playoff performances make this hefty price tag questionable. George’s contract, which runs through 2027-28, could hamper the 76ers’ financial flexibility in building a championship-caliber team.
14. Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal’s massive contract with the Phoenix Suns raises eyebrows. For the 2024-25 season, he’ll earn $50,203,930, making him the 5th highest-paid NBA player. Despite his scoring prowess, injuries have limited his impact, and his hefty salary constrains the team’s flexibility to build a championship roster.
13. Khris Middleton
Khris Middleton signed a 3-year, $93 million contract with the Bucks in 2023, despite declining production. His 2023-24 season saw averages of just 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, far below his peak years. With a $31 million salary for 2024-25, Middleton’s contract now looks excessive given his diminished role.
12. Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins, once hailed as “Maple Jordan,” signed a 4-year, $109 million contract with the Warriors in 2023. Despite his 2022 championship, critics argue his inconsistent performance doesn’t justify his hefty $26.3 million salary for the 2024-25 season. Wiggins’ contract represents 18.69% of the Miami Heat’s total cap, raising questions about his value.
11. Tyson Chandler
Tyson Chandler earned $189.6 million over his 19-year NBA career, ranking 44th in all-time player earnings. Despite never averaging over 12 points per season, Chandler’s defensive prowess and longevity led to substantial contracts. His largest deal was a four-year, $56 million contract with the Knicks in 2011.
10. Otto Porter Jr.
Otto Porter Jr. signed a massive 4-year, $106.5 million contract with the Wizards in 2018, despite never averaging more than 14.7 points per game. Injuries plagued his tenure, and he was traded to the Bulls in 2019. Porter Jr.’s contract is often cited as one of the most overpaid in recent NBA history.
9. Kevin Love
Kevin Love’s $120 million contract extension with the Cavaliers in 2018 raised eyebrows. While he was a key player in their 2016 championship, injuries and declining performance made his $31.3 million salary in 2022-23 seem excessive. Love’s buyout and move to Miami for a significantly reduced salary highlighted the contract’s poor value.
8. Juwan Howard
Juwan Howard’s $100 million contract with the Washington Bullets in 1996 made him the first NBA player to sign a nine-figure deal. Over his 19-year career, Howard earned over $149 million in salary, peaking at $20.6 million in 2002-03 with the Denver Nuggets. Despite his longevity, Howard’s production rarely matched his hefty paychecks.
7. Nicolas Batum
Nicolas Batum’s contract with the Charlotte Hornets raised eyebrows in 2016 when he signed a 5-year, $120 million deal. Despite solid play, his production never justified the hefty price tag. In the 2019-20 season, Batum earned $25.5 million while averaging just 3.0 points per game, making him one of the most overpaid players that year.
6. Tobias Harris
Tobias Harris, despite his consistent performance, has been criticized for his hefty contracts. His latest two-year, $52 million deal with the Detroit Pistons pushes his career earnings over $300 million, the highest for any player without an All-Star selection. This contract exemplifies the NBA’s inflated salaries for solid, but not superstar, players.
5. Chandler Parsons
Chandler Parsons signed a four-year, $94.5 million contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2016, but injuries derailed his career. He played only 95 games over three seasons, averaging just 7.2 points per game. Parsons earned nearly $127 million in his career despite never making an All-Star team or playing more than 70 games in a season after 2014.
4. Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin’s career earnings of $261,338,564 over 14 seasons make him one of the NBA’s highest-paid players. Despite his declining performance in later years, Griffin’s massive contracts, including a $171 million deal with the Pistons, continued to pay him handsomely. His earnings far outpaced his on-court contributions in his final seasons.
3. John Wall
John Wall’s massive contracts have often outweighed his on-court contributions. In 2019, he signed a four-year, $171 million extension with the Wizards, despite battling injuries. Wall’s salary peaked at $44.3 million in 2021-22, yet he played only 40 games that season. His career earnings total $276.5 million through 2023, despite diminishing production in recent years.
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2. Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson’s recent contract with the Dallas Mavericks raised eyebrows. Despite his declining performance, he’s set to earn $15.87 million for the 2024/25 season. This three-year, $50 million deal seems excessive for a player past his prime, especially considering his injury history and diminished role on the court.
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1. Gordon Hayward
Gordon Hayward’s $120 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets in 2020 raised eyebrows. Despite his All-Star potential, injuries have limited his impact. In the 2023-24 season, Hayward is earning $31.5 million while averaging just 14.5 points per game, making him one of the league’s most overpaid players.
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