The NBA is full of players making huge money. The average salary for the 2018-19 season is about $6.4 million. But some players are making significantly more than that. For plenty of teams, these contracts have worked out just fine. A guy like, say, Steph Curry is an instrumental part of the Warriors' success.
For some other teams, though? Not so good. Whether injuries, poor on-court performance, or a combination of factors, these five players have some truly terrible contracts. These amounts include the money owed for this season through the rest of the contract. They also include any player options, which are noted in each entry.
As we explore these contracts, we will look at the impact on the teams and the players involved. The financial implications can be staggering, leaving franchises in a difficult position. Let's dive into the contracts that have turned sour and what they mean for the future of the teams involved.
John Wall's Troubling Contract with the Washington Wizards
John Wall, a former star for the Washington Wizards, signed a staggering contract worth $188.5 million that extends through 2023. Once seen as a cornerstone of the franchise, Wall's career has taken a downturn due to injuries. The Wizards were on the brink of playoff success, but now they look disengaged, and Wall's absence has exacerbated the situation.
Injuries have plagued Wall, as he suffered a heel injury in late 2018 that became infected and later ruptured his Achilles tendon. This has raised concerns about his ability to return to form. If he cannot regain his speed, the Wizards could be stuck with a player whose performance doesn't match his hefty contract. The team is in a financial bind, especially with Wall holding a player option for over $46 million in 2022-23.
Chris Paul's Overvalued Contract with the Houston Rockets
Chris Paul, regarded as one of the best point guards of the 2000s, is now tied to a contract worth $159.7 million through 2022. The Houston Rockets banked on his skills to lead them to an NBA championship, but he has struggled to deliver consistent performances. Despite making it through the playoffs without injury this year, his numbers have dropped significantly.
The Rockets still owe him about $123 million over the next three seasons, including a player option that could be worth $44 million when he turns 36. This raises questions about whether he will be able to maintain his performance level. Paul’s contract is a cautionary tale about the risks of paying aging stars in the league.
Nicolas Batum's Underwhelming Contract with the Charlotte Hornets
Nicolas Batum signed a five-year, $120 million contract during a wild summer in 2016, but he has not lived up to expectations. Once a promising player, Batum's performance has declined, with his usage rate falling to the second-lowest on the team last season. His lack of aggression on the court has left the Hornets in a challenging position.
With a player option worth $27 million in 2021, Batum's future remains uncertain. As he approaches his age-33 season, it’s unlikely he will find a better deal on the market. The Hornets need Batum to return to his previous form to alleviate their financial burden.
Chandler Parsons' Unproductive Contract with the Memphis Grizzlies
Chandler Parsons inked a four-year, $94 million deal with the Memphis Grizzlies after productive seasons with the Rockets and Mavericks. However, injuries have prevented him from making an impact on the team. He missed almost two-thirds of his first season in Memphis and has only played in 95 games over three seasons.
Despite returning to the court recently, the damage has been done. The Grizzlies hoped Parsons would fill a crucial role alongside Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, but that has not materialized. The team is now left reconsidering their investment in him.
Joakim Noah's Disastrous Contract with the New York Knicks
Joakim Noah's four-year, $72 million deal with the New York Knicks has become infamous due to his lack of contribution. With a history of injuries, Noah averaged only 4.6 points and 7.9 rebounds over two seasons before the Knicks bought out his contract. This left the franchise with a significant financial burden for a player who barely contributed.
Now with the Memphis Grizzlies for a fraction of what the Knicks paid, Noah's situation exemplifies the pitfalls of long-term contracts for players who are injury-prone. His case serves as a reminder of the risks associated with investing in players with a history of health issues.
