When it comes to contracts in the NBA, there are those that are lauded for their value and longevity, and then there are those that fall short in one way or another. The worst contracts in the NBA often come down to a combination of factors that include injury history, declining performance, and overpaying for a player`s skills.
One way to get a pulse on the latest opinions around these types of contracts is to explore Reddit where basketball enthusiasts regularly discuss the ins and outs of the sport. Below are some of the most common (and often most debated) candidates for worst contracts in the NBA according to Reddit threads.
1. John Wall – Houston Rockets
With an annual salary of $41 million, John Wall is the highest-paid player on the Houston Rockets roster. However, Wall has been plagued with injuries in recent years, playing a total of just 113 games in the last four seasons. As a result, many fans on Reddit believe that the Rockets overpaid for a player who may not be able to deliver on his contract.
2. Kristaps Porzingis – Dallas Mavericks
Kristaps Porzingis was signed to a five-year, $158 million contract extension by the Dallas Mavericks in 2019. While Porzingis has shown flashes of being a dominant player, his performance has been inconsistent, and he`s struggled with injuries. Fans on Reddit argue that the Mavericks may have overpaid for a player that may not be able to consistently play at a high level.
3. Tobias Harris – Philadelphia 76ers
Tobias Harris signed a five-year, $180 million contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019. However, Harris has struggled to live up to his contract, with fans on Reddit citing his inconsistency and inability to perform in big games. Many argue that Harris is overpaid for his skill set and that the 76ers may have made a mistake in signing him to such a large contract.
4. Andrew Wiggins – Golden State Warriors
Andrew Wiggins was traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Golden State Warriors in 2020 and is currently on a four-year, $147 million contract. While Wiggins has shown potential at times, he has been inconsistent throughout his career and hasn`t lived up to the expectations that come with such a significant contract. Fans on Reddit argue that the Warriors took a considerable risk in acquiring Wiggins and signing him to such a large contract.
5. Nicolas Batum – Los Angeles Clippers
Nicolas Batum signed a one-year deal worth $2.7 million with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2020. While the contract may not seem large compared to others on this list, fans on Reddit argue that Batum is overpaid given his lack of consistent performance in recent years.
In conclusion, while opinions may vary on who has the worst contract in the NBA, it`s clear that factors such as injury history, inconsistent performance, and overpaying for skills all play a role. As the league continues to evolve, teams will need to be increasingly strategic in their contract negotiations to ensure they`re getting the most value for their money.