The National Basketball Association (NBA) is known for its lucrative contracts. Every year, players are signed to multi-million dollar deals, but not all of them live up to expectations. In fact, there are a few contracts that have turned out to be the worst in NBA history. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 worst NBA contracts of all time.
1. Gilbert Arenas (Washington Wizards) – $111 million/ 6 years
Gilbert Arenas was one of the most promising players in the NBA when he signed his contract with the Washington Wizards. However, his career was marred by injuries and legal issues. He played only 55 games in the final three years of his contract and was suspended for bringing guns into the locker room.
2. Joe Johnson (Brooklyn Nets) – $123.7 million/ 6 years
Joe Johnson was brought in to help the Brooklyn Nets compete for a championship. However, the team struggled and Johnson`s production declined. He was traded to the Miami Heat in 2016.
3. Allan Houston (New York Knicks) – $100 million/ 6 years
Allan Houston was a great player, but his contract was too much for the New York Knicks. Injuries slowed him down and he played only 70 games in the final three years of his contract.
4. Eddy Curry (New York Knicks) – $56 million/ 6 years
Eddy Curry was supposed to be the future of the Knicks, but he never lived up to his potential. He was plagued by injuries and lack of production.
5. Larry Hughes (Cleveland Cavaliers) – $70 million/ 5 years
Larry Hughes was brought in to help LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers win a championship. However, he was often injured and failed to make an impact on the court.
6. Josh Smith (Detroit Pistons) – $54 million/ 4 years
The Detroit Pistons signed Josh Smith to a big contract in 2013 with the hope that he would help the team win games. However, Smith`s poor shooting and lack of effort led to his release midway through the contract.
7. Jerome James (New York Knicks) – $30 million/ 5 years
Jerome James was known for his brief stint of success in the playoffs with the Seattle Supersonics when the New York Knicks signed him to a big contract. However, he never played up to his potential and was a disappointment.
8. Rashard Lewis (Orlando Magic) – $118 million/ 6 years
Rashard Lewis was a great shooter, but his contract was too much for the Orlando Magic. He played only two seasons with the team before being traded to the Washington Wizards.
9. Jim McIlvaine (Seattle Supersonics) – $33.6 million/ 7 years
Jim McIlvaine was signed to a big contract by the Seattle Supersonics after a strong playoff performance. However, he failed to live up to the expectations and was traded to the New Jersey Nets.
10. Ben Wallace (Detroit Pistons) – $60 million/ 4 years
Ben Wallace was a great defensive player, but he was overpaid by the Detroit Pistons. He played only two seasons with the team before being traded to the Chicago Bulls.
In conclusion, these are the top 10 worst NBA contracts of all time. These players were supposed to lead their teams to championships, but instead, they disappointed their fans and the organizations that signed them. It just goes to show that money does not always guarantee success on the court.