How Every Team Can Trade Its Worst Contract (BR)
Truth be told, I wanted to make an article about the worst contracts in the NBA. But of course, the people at Bleacher Report beat me to it and made a pretty interesting article. In response, I will be reacting to it because I lack creativity.
Every single team in the NBA has at least one contract that is bad. Maybe they’re paying somebody too much, paying them for too long, etc. Every team would love to get rid of said bad contract, however that doesn’t always seem likely. Until now. Bleacher Report made it possible and I’m going to see if they’re right.
BR Article: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2947976-how-every-nba-team-can-trade-its-worst-contract
Atlanta Hawks – John Collins
Remaining Contract: 5 years / $125 million
Like Bleacher Report said, if a 23-year old forward who has been All-Star caliber at times is your worst contract, you’ve done well for yourself. However, I do have to agree with this one.
Now look, John Collins is good. So far in his career, he’s established himself as an elite, athletic scoring forward. The perfect lob threat next to a distributor like Trae Young and he’s averaged 17 points and 8 rebounds on 64% TS for his career. John Collins is a good player and getting a good, talented, young player like this for less than a max contract? That sounds like a steal.
But it’s clear that Collins and Capela aren’t the best fit in the world. Not to say that one of them should be moved, but Collins struggled to score in the playoffs. Collins works a lot better as the center, so that he can create more looks around the rim instead of standing around on the perimeter. Collins didn’t do as much as Atlanta needed him to do in the playoffs, so that’s why he’s here.
With the Hawks great depth, maybe Nate McMillan goes away from Collins at times due to his struggles to fit with Capela. I know that sounds like a reach, but Collins and Capela are both great individuals, but they aren’t the best duo as of right now. Obviously with more time they’ll become more compatible, but that’s where we stand right now.
The Hawks are on the rise and with their depth at forward with Cam Reddish, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okungwu, if an elite two-way guard becomes available, would the Hawks pass up that opportunity? Collins is good and if he’s the piece needed to get somebody like a Jaylen Brown or even a Marcus Smart, I’m pretty sure the Hawks would pull the trigger.
Unless Collins and Capela figure things out, this Collins contract might just be the stepping stone for a potential trade down the line.
Boston Celtics – Al Horford
Remaining Contract: 2 years / $53.5 million ($41.5 million guaranteed)
This one is up for debate, if you really didn’t like the 4-year extension that Marcus Smart got. But since I liked that extension, this is the obvious answer.
While a Horford homecoming back to Boston is good for both parties, the only reason he’s here is because he was a “better” contract than that of Kemba Walker, who Boston unloaded this offseason.
Walker had more than $70 million dollars on his contract, so Horford is a slight upgrade, or a slightly smaller footprint on Boston’s salary cap. Horford is 35 years old and getting paid $27 million in 2022. Maybe in his prime he was worth close to this, but 35-year old Al Horford is not worth All-Star level money.
Even his $14.5 million partial guarantee next season seems like too much for a player entering the twilight of his career. I do think he’ll still be productive and help the Celtics, but he’s not worth the money he’s going to be getting in the next two seasons.
If Boston really wanted to unload Horford, which I doubt they’ll do, Charlotte could be a potential suitor. The Hornets have a lot of young talent down low but don’t have a definitive answer. Horford could serve as a win now move for them. The Celtics could get a package involving Kelly Oubre Jr., Mason Plumlee, plus some more in return.
That is intriguing to think about, however I do think Horford is going to play out this contract in the white and green.
Brooklyn Nets – N/A
In this Bleacher Report article, they said that the worst contract was DeAndre Jordan and they were correct. However, DeAndre Jordan has since been traded to the Pistons, with the Nets saving a whopping $47 million dollars in salary and tax on the deal.
Jordan signed a 4yr/$40 million dollar deal in the 2019 offseason, the same offseason that KD and Kyrie joined the Nets. It was a bad contract then with a better, younger center in Jarrett Allen. The rim-running center had been dying out with more space in the NBA and Jordan hardly played in 2021 at all.
But I have to give Bleacher Report credit here, they kind of predicted how Jordan would be traded;
It’s hard to imagine why anyone would want to trade for Jordan at this juncture, so the Nets would surely need to sweeten the pot. But maybe Jordan and a few future second-rounders would be enough to pry Derrick Favors away from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While Jordan is instead going to Detroit instead of OKC, the Nets had to throw in four future 2nd round picks to get the deal done.
As for other Nets bad contracts, there aren’t many. The Nets Big 3 deserves all the money in the world because they’re all amazing. Everybody else is on a rookie contract or a small contract. Joe Harris is the one outlier to that as he signed a 4yr/$75 million dollar contract before the 2021 season.
You could say that’s an overpay, but Joe Harris is one of the best shooters in the league and a perfect compliment to the Big 3. He shot 48% from 3 in 2021 and has led the league in 3-PT% in 2 out of the last 3 seasons. He’s an elite catch-and-shoot shooter and should prove to be really good again in 2022.
So I think it’s safe to say that the Nets don’t have any bad contracts. All of the guys on their team deserve to be there and the one guy who you might think is overpaid is actually pretty value. Sean Marks runs a tight ship and doesn’t waste any money.
Charlotte Hornets – Gordon Hayward
Remaining Contract: 3 years / $91.5 million
With most of the Hornets roster being young, this is again an obvious choice. Terry Rozier deserved the $97 million dollar extension that he got this offseason, so Hayward is again the obvious choice here.
When the Hornets paid Hayward $120 million last offseason, it seemed like a big overpay. Hayward hadn’t been the same player since his leg injury and was a borderline All-Star at best. You don’t pay borderline All-Stars $30 million per year. But Hayward looked to be worth the money in 2021.
He averaged 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game on 58% TS. Those are pretty good numbers, but while putting up those numbers, his biggest flaw also showed.
He played just 44 games in 2021, missing almost 2 months to end the season with a foot injury. In 2020, he played just 57/89 games for the Celtics. Of course during the 2018 season he played just 5 minutes due to that terrible leg injury. Hayward is 31 years old right now and injuries certainly don’t go away with age, they become more frequent.
So if Hayward isn’t on the floor a lot, he isn’t worth the $30 million that the Hornets are paying him. Availability is the best ability and if Hayward continues to miss 20-30 per season, he probably won’t be worth that type of money.
If the Hornets wanted to move Hayward, maybe a move to the 76ers for Ben Simmons? I know the 76ers probably don’t want Hayward straight up, so maybe a pick is involved. I know that Daryl Morey and the 76ers fanbase as a whole probably won’t like this, however with Simmons requesting a trade, this could be the best offer that they get.
Chicago Bulls – DeMar DeRozan
Remaining Contract: 3 years / $81.9 million
I kind of agree with this one, but I’m not as pessimistic about the DeRozan deal as most people. Mainly because DeRozan hasn’t played a game for the Bulls and the fact that Nikola Vucevic exists. Vucevic has 2 years, $46 million left on his contract. With his lack of defense down low, that’s not exactly the best contract in the world.
But in the BR article, they bring up good points. With DeRozan’s lack of an outside shot, there is less floor spacing and less margin for error. The defense isn’t much better as DeRozan has never been a good defender. I do agree that the fit is weird, however I do think things will work out a little bit better than most people think.
Billy Donovan’s system has a lot of high post sets, which should help DeRozan and Vucevic out a bit on offense. While I don’t think Billy Donovan is great, he does bring something to the table that should help DeMar.
They also suggested a trade for Buddy Hield, which I wouldn’t like one bit for the Bulls because then they would be getting smaller, something they can’t afford to do because they are already a pretty 6small team. I don’t think that this DeRozan contract is that bad and I do think there is a case for the Vucevic contract being worse.
For me, it’s a tossup between DeRozan and Vucevic. I get that everybody hates the DeRozan move, however I don’t think it’s fair to write it off before DeRozan has even played a game for the Bulls. There is certainly an argument, for me at least, between Vucevic and DeRozan for who is the worse contract.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Kevin Love
Remaining Contract: 2 years / $60.2 million
This one speaks for itself. Kevin Love has kind of been the odd guy out in Cleveland during their rebuild. He’s shown his attitude problems multiple times and he should be traded or bought out, however he doesn’t want to bought out, so we’re kind of in this awkward stage.
He doesn’t fit the timeline of the rebuild and he’s not exactly contributing much to winning. So there’s no reason for him to be there. And I don’t know who would want him if he wasn’t bought out. Paying a 32-year old Kevin Love $30 million per year isn’t great.
In this article, they suggested the Warriors, which is just interesting. Even if they wanted Love, there’s no way they’re giving up Wiggins, Wiseman, or Kuminga for him. Again, for any team to want Love, it’s going to have to be because of a buy out, which Love doesn’t want, for some reason.
So the Cavs are just going to have $30 million dollars less in cap space for the next two seasons, something they seem content in doing because Kevin Love trade rumors aren’t exactly buzzing right now. So we’ll see how Love’s remaining tenure in Cleveland goes, but I’m hoping that the Cavs find some way to get rid of him.
Dallas Mavericks – Kristaps Porzingis
Remaining Contract: 3 years / $101.5 million (final season is a player option)
Kristaps Porzingis was an All-Star with the New York Knicks. He was a unicorn who at 7’3″, could should but also handle and get inside really well. But ever since his ACL injury in 2018, he hasn’t been the same. He missed all of 2019 and with Dallas, the injury problems haven’t stopped.
He’s played just 100 totals games over the past two seasons and he’s lost that mobility and aggressiveness that made him great. He’s become an afterthought for Dallas, after he and Luka were supposed to become a dynamic, international duo in the Western Conference.
So Luka Doncic can be as amazing as he wants, but Dallas desperately needs to get him a capable co-star. Paying KP $30 million per year to be an afterthought isn’t ideal, so they need to make a move or see some sort of career revolution from Porzingis.
Bleacher Report kind of hit things on the head; Bradley Beal. He would be the perfect 2nd scorer next to Doncic and offer him real help. Would the Wizards do this? Probably not, but Beal is exactly the type of player that Dallas needs to give Luka.
Injuries have derailed the unicorn and I don’t think he’s ever going to be that 7’3″ unstoppable force that he was with the Knicks. So Dallas has to find a trade partner for him, because Luka Doncic is magnificent. But even he needs a competent 2nd All-Star (Bradley Beal) in order to go far in the postseason.
Denver Nuggets – Jamal Murray
Remaining Contract: 4 years / $131 million
I kind of agree with this one. In this article, Bleacher Report said that Denver doesn’t have any bad contracts, which they don’t. Unless a MPJ or Aaron Gordon extension is ludicrous down the line, they have done a good job with their money. Jamal Murray is a a great young scoring guard, but this statement could prove to be true.
Ever since the Bubble, Jamal Murray has been on a tear. He showed that he was well worth that massive extension that he got back in 2019. Murray was on track to becoming an All-Star, but this ACL tear complicates things a bit. While I think Murray is a great player, what if he doesn’t comeback 100% and isn’t the same player?
And if he doesn’t comeback 100%, maybe Denver decides they want to really go all in. They are already very good with Murray, but if they ever wanted to trade him, maybe to Portland? Damian Lillard is a way better version of Murray and a pick and roll duo of Dame + Jokic would be elite. I know this is kind of a reach, but if Murray doesn’t comeback 100%, it’s possible.
A package involving Murray and some of Denver’s young guys like 2020 first round pick Zeke Nnaji and 2021 first round pick Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland might be a pretty enticing offer for Neil Olshey and Portland.
But don’t worry Nuggets fans, I seriously doubt this happens. I think Murray is going to be the same player whenever he comes back and he should make a couple of All-Star teams during his career. Barring anything crazy, the duo of Jokic and Murray should be together for the long haul and hopefully bring Denver it’s first ever championship.
Detroit Pistons – Kelly Olynyk
Remaining Contract: 3 years / $37.2 million ($25 million guaranteed)
The Kelly Olynyk move was one of the most puzzling contracts handed out this offseason. The Pistons are rebuilding and signing Olynyk seemed like a win-now move, which is weird because the Pistons are nowhere close to winning. Don’t me wrong, I think Olynyk is good, but this move kind of gets in the way.
It defeats the purpose of a rebuild. Bleacher Report and I agree, as playing Olynyk at the 5 gets in the way of 2nd year player Isaiah Stewart, who was great last year. Put him at the 4? Well then Saddiq Bey gets compromised a little bit and he was also very good last year.
I didn’t really get the signing and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Olynyk gone in a year or two. The Phoenix Suns are a pretty good potential suitor. With Dario Saric out, they don’t really have a good backup. 2020 lottery pick Jalen Smith has failed to pan out so far, so maybe the Suns want to solidify things down low.
A package of Saric and Jalen Smith could get things done. The Pistons are rebuilding and they aren’t ready to start spending money for veterans in free agency. That comes in 1-2 years when they know what they have and what they still need.
I’d better not see Detroit throw out some more big contracts next offseason, because again, it defeats the purpose of a rebuild.
Golden State Warriors – Klay Thompson
Remaining Contract: 3 years / $121.8 million
Just a few years ago, this would never have been considered a bad contract. Thompson was an elite two-way player and the glue guy for the Warriors dynasty that won 3 titles in 5 seasons. He was an elite shooter and perimeter defender, the 2nd half of the splash brothers.
Thompson could catch fire in an instant and has given us some very memorable games
– 37 points in a quarter against the Sacramento Kings
– 60 points on 11 dribbles in under 30 minutes against the Indiana Pacers
– 43 points on 4 dribbles against the New York Knicks
– NBA Record 14 3-pointers against the Chicago Bulls
Klay Thompson can get hotter than fish grease, to quote the great Mark Jones. But Klay Thompson hasn’t played since the 2019 NBA Finals due to back-to-back devastating, season ending injuries. First he tore his ACL and then he missed all of 2020 due to an achilles tear.
So Thompson hasn’t played in an NBA game for a really long time and we still don’t know exactly when he’s going to return in 2021. If Thompson was guaranteed back 100%, it would be Andrew Wiggins on this list instead of him. But injuries are a tricky thing, especially when you’ve had two back-to-back terrible ones like Thompson has had.
I doubt the Warriors would ever trade the beloved Thompson, but if they were to trade him, it would be for another star. Maybe to the 76ers for Ben Simmons? The 76ers could use the shooting and a Draymond-Simmons frontcourt? That would be lethal, however I would bet the barn that that will not happen.
Houston Rockets – John Wall
Remaining Contract: 2 years / $91.7 million
There is certainly an argument that this John Wall contract is the worst in basketball. Injuries have completely derailed his once promising career, as he just isn’t the same player he was with the Wizards. Even at his best, super-max money might have been too much for a player who couldn’t shoot that well, but now? Wall is one of the most overpaid players in the NBA.
What makes it worse is that the Rockets are trying to rebuild and Wall is the opposite of what they want, a veteran eating up so much cap space. The Rockets drafted 4 new teenagers in the draft as their young movement as begun. John Wall kind of feels like the odd guy out.
The only relatively good thing is that he only has two years left on his contract. But if the Rockets could trade him, I’m guessing they would do so in a heartbeat. But I don’t know who would want him. Houston would likely have to throw in a lot of picks because John Wall on his own is not enticing.
In this article, they suggested a move for Dejounte Murray. It would take a lot of first round picks for that to happen and the Spurs are a pretty smart organization, so I’m hoping they’re not that stupid. As good as Dejounte Murray would be for Houston, they should probably keep dreaming.
It’ll be very interesting to see if Wall gets moved at all. As of right now, I doubt it. They’ll likely just play out his last two years of his deal and then let him walk. I’m sure they’re fine with that.
Indiana Pacers – Malcolm Brogdon
Remaining Contract: 2 years / $44.3 million
I don’t agree with this one at all. I get Brogdon isn’t an All-Star, but he’s a really good player. Not too many players in league can put up 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 56% TS. I get that $22 million per year seems like a lot, but Brogdon is a really good player.
In this article, they pointed out that the Pacers have other options like Levert, Sabonis, and TJ McConnell. Guys who offer similar amounts of shot-creation and playmaking. Again, I don’t really agree with that. Brogdon is a great fit with Sabonis and that duo is excellent. TJ McConnell is perfectly fine off the bench and I think Caris Levert benefits a lot while playing with Brogdon.
Now, I do agree that if the Pacers really wanted to trade Brogdon, it would be for Ben Simmons. That’s really the only way I would agree to trade him. Maybe Brogdon, Jeremy Lamb, and some picks gets it done. Simmons provides defense that Indiana desperately needs and Philadelphia gets a great 3-level scorer.
In that scenario, I think you’re getting a player that is arguably better than Brogdon. You would have to rely on Levert, McConnell, and Simmons all taking bigger roles offensively, but if it’s not for Ben Simmons, Brogdon is perfectly fine remaining criminally underrated in Indiana.
Los Angeles Clippers – Luke Kennard
Remaining Contract: 4 years / $56 million (final season is $14.8 million team option)
Before the 2020 season, the Clippers made back-to-back perplexing moves. They traded away Landry Shamet and in return they got Luke Kennard. I know I’m probably biased because I love Landry Shamet, but this was a downgrade. But Kennard could shoot and pass decently enough, it wouldn’t be that bad for him to come off the bench.
But the move that followed that trade? Even more perplexing as LA gave Kennard, who had never played a game for the Clippers, a 4 year extension. WHAT???
Safe to say that the Clippers now have buyers remorse as Kennard was decent, but he didn’t play much. I thought he deserved more minutes, but even if he got said minutes, I doubt he would have been worth the big extension that he got. I don’t know what the thought process was with the extension, but it was really stupid.
With his defensive shortcomings, he needs to become a lot better offensively for teams to try and take on that contract. A potential suitor could be New Orleans, who needs the shooting and secondary distribution around their rising superstar in Zion Williamson.
Perhaps a package of Kennard and some 2nd round picks could get LA back Tomas Satoransky, a pretty good trade if you ask me. I find it very likely that Kennard is going to be moved, because the Clippers certainly don’t want to pay him that much for what he brings to the table.
Los Angeles Lakers: Russell Westbrook
Remaining Contract: 2 years / $91.3 million (final season is a $47.1 million player option)
Cry Lakers fans, cry. The Russell Westbrook trade is polarizing, when it shouldn’t be. Sure, Westbrook is a statistical marvel and a likely Hall of Famer when it’s all said and done. However, his fit alongside Lebron isn’t great. Lebron has done great things when he has shooters around him. Russell Westbrook cannot shoot the damn ball.
Over the past 5 seasons, 70 players have taken more than 2,000 jumpshots. Russell Westbrook is dead last in efficiency. Do you want to know who is 2nd to last? Anthony Davis. The two worst jump shooters from the past 5 seasons are on the same team. What could possibly go wrong? Also take into account that Westbrook has the 2nd worst career three-point percentage (30.5) among all players with 2,000+ attempts.
Rob Pelinka said that he wanted “competitive warriors on the court,” also saying that “Players that played with the ultimate sort of grit and grind and tenacity, and Russell stands in an elite class in that category, and that’s drawn us to him.”
And sure, Russell Westbrook is a competitive warriors with incredibly grit and tenacity. That’s great and all, but I’m incredibly skeptical about the fit and how it will all work to try and win the Lakers a title. But if things don’t work, I’m assuming that the Lakers would want to trade Westbrook ASAP.
But like John Wall, who wants a incredibly overpaid player who doesn’t impact winning much? Probably not most smart teams. Maybe a deal to Dallas for Kristaps Porzingis? But then, how would Porzingis and AD fit? Why would Dallas want to add a non-shooter next to Luka?
The Lakers have put all of their eggs into a seemingly flawed basket. Westbrook is the opposite of what Lebron James needs and I think that the Lakers are headed towards disaster. And even if they wanted to trade him, they likely can’t. So the Lakers really need this thing to work or else bye-bye title aspirations.
Memphis Grizzlies: Steven Adams
Remaining Contract: 2 years / $35 million
Most Memphis Grizzlies players are young and still on their rookie contracts. In 2-3 years, maybe we can talk about a potential Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr, Dillon Brooks, or even a Desmond Bane contract extension as being bad, but for now, the only big contract is Steven Adams.
The Steven Adams for Jonas Valanciunas trade was not a favorite of mine, as Adams just isn’t as good as Valanciunas. Maybe that’s because New Orleans was so poorly constructed, or that Adams is starting to decline even though he’s only 28 years old.
Now, to be fair, Adams hasn’t played a game for the Grizzlies so we’ll see if he’s as bad as I imagine it could be. But if things work out, I’m sure the Grizzlies want to keep him longer than just two years. But if things don’t work out…
The Wizards need center stability and maybe they decide to trade in youth for actual substance, which they shouldn’t do because they should be rebuilding, but they’re the Wizards so they’d probably do this. The Grizzlies get Bertans, Bryant, maybe a pick and the Wizards get Adams plus some filler.
But I am in the boat of seeing how things work out. I’m not exactly optimistic right now, but who knows? Maybe things work out and the Grizzlies have made yet another smart move.
Miami Heat: Duncan Robinson
Remaining Contract: 5 years / $89.9 million ($80 million guaranteed)
I kind of agree with this. Assuming that Duncan Robinson doesn’t become an elite defender or secondary ball-handler, paying a pure shooter this much money is risky. Not that Robinson doesn’t deserve it. Only two other players hit more threes than Robinson’s 520 the past two seasons, and he converted those looks at a sizzling 42.7% clip.
While Robinson’s 2021 was a step back by most metrics, the Heat use him really well and he’s a lethal shooting weapon that gives a lot of space to guys like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. I do agree that short-term, this contract is risky. But I think that long-term, the answer to this question is not Duncan Robinson.
It’s Jimmy Butler. Butler has been an elite two-way player for years, All-NBA caliber for a long time. But he’s 31 years old and you were already paying him $36 million in 2022 and $37 million in 2023. On top of that, you gave him a 3yr/$136.4 million dollar extension, which will pay him $52.4 million dollars when he’s 36 years old.
I get that Jimmy Butler is good, but I have a feeling that in a few seasons, paying Butler that much will prove to be very costly, in more ways than just one. I get the risk of paying Robinson, who does only one thing exceptionally well, but Robinson is younger and shooters don’t really age. Shooters can shoot for a very long time, as it doesn’t take that much athleticism to shoot the basketball.
But wing players who play with so much energy like Butler? Those are the guys who break down more than other players and with how much the Heat are paying him? Just wait a few seasons, it will look even worse than it already does.
Milwaukee Bucks – Jrue Holiday
Remaining Contract: 4 years / $135 million (final season is a player option)
Bleacher Report even said in this article that this wasn’t a bad contract and it isn’t. Holiday was utterly brilliant defensively in the Finals against the Suns and he’s worth the max extension that the Bucks gave him midway through this season.
I would argue that paying Brook Lopez about $27 million dollars over the next two seasons is worse, because Lopez can be such a liability at times.
I get that if he accepts his player option, he’ll be getting paid $37.4 million in his age 35 season, but for the next 3-4 years, he’s going to be worth the money. He’s the perfect 3rd option and should keep the Bucks in contention in the East.
But if the Bucks really wanted to trade Holiday, which is a massive stretch as it is, maybe a trade to the Warriors. Something involving Kuminga and Wiggins in return plus more for both sides, however it’s hard to see this ever happening. This pairing is going to be together for a long time, so I don’t think Bucks fans have to worry.
Minnesota T-Wolves – D’Angelo Russell
Remaining Contract: 2 years / $61.4 million
I kind of have to agree with this, however I do think that when Russell has things going, he’s a great player. He was an All-Star with the Nets and he’s still young. He’s dealt with injuries, but I think he can be really good when he’s healthy.
In this BR article, they talked about things like efficiency, lack of defense, etc. I get it. But I think that Russell can still be the answer for the T-Wolves. He’s a really talented 3-level scorer and I think he compliments players like KAT and Anthony Edwards really well.
But if the T-Wolves really want Ben Simmons, which it seems like they do, Russell will probably have to be involved to get a deal done. Perhaps adding Jaden McDaniels and/or a pick might get the deal done. That’s probably the only way I would be ok with Minnesota moving D-Lo.
But maybe I’m just painfully optimistic about D-Lo. I think he’s a really talented player and when healthy, he could really help Minnesota turn a corner in the Western Conference. But Ben Simmons also wouldn’t be too shabby, if you know what I mean.
New Orleans Pelicans – Devonte’ Graham
Remaining Contract: 4 years / $47.3 million ($37.5 million guaranteed)
This one is obvious. The 2021 offseason was one of the most important offseason’s in Pelicans team history. In my mind, it was a failure. Zion Williamson is rightfully unhappy at the team for the lack of help. It looks like Willie Green might give them some stability at the head coaching position, but the roster still needs a lot of work.
They needed a lot of defense, versatility, and shooting. Lots and lots of shooting around Zion Williamson. Lonzo Ball was a free agent. Ball is the perfect pairing with Zion and exactly what New Orleans needs – defense and shooting along with great playmaking. With all of that being said, they let Ball walk for free. (*sigh*)
I like the additions of Jonas Valanciunas and rookie wing Trey Murphy III in the draft, but then there’s Devonte’ Graham. Graham is talented, but certainly a downgrade from Lonzo Ball. He is a smaller guard who offers next to nothing defensively. While he can shoot and pass decently well, he is immune to scoring inside the arc, especially at the rim.
In this BR article, they suggested a trade for Marcus Smart, which will never happen. I don’t think Graham is a good fit and I think that this will come back to bite them. I don’t know why they let Lonzo Ball walk, he was just starting to look really, really good. But I’m not completely surprised because the Pelicans aren’t terribly smart.
New York Knicks – Evan Fournier
Remaining Contract: 4 years / $73 million (final season is a team option)
Why does everybody hate Evan Fournier? WHY? He’s a nice guy, I think. Fournier has been a consistently great scorer in the NBA for a while and this contract isn’t even that bad. But for some reason, everybody hates it.
First of all, there is a team option on the final season. This could just end up being a 3-year deal instead of a 4-year deal. So already, it’s not as bad as some people are making it out to be. In this BR article, it said stuff like Fournier was putting up empty stats on a bad Orlando Magic team and that once he went to the Celtics, he wasn’t anything more than a complimentary player who struggled on defense. Their words, not mine.
So to the people at Bleacher Report, let me get this straight. A player who has averaged 17 points on 57% TS over 5 seasons and over 300 games is just a complimentary player? Really? Fournier is a great scorer off the catch, off the dribble, he can really do it all.
But just because he didn’t play up to expectations for the Boston Celtics for literally 16 games, he’s just a complimentary player. I’m really struggling to find the logic here. I think Fournier is going to be great for the Knicks, just what they need scoring wise. He’s going to more efficient with all the weapons that the Knicks have and I think he’s going to make a real impact.
Similar to the DeMar DeRozan thing, I could just be going crazy. However, I don’t think that’s happening, yet. I do think that Fournier will be really good in a Knicks jersey and this contract will work out just fine for both parties.
OKC Thunder – Derrick Favors
Remaining Contract: 2 years / $19.9 million (final season is a player option)
With every other player on OKC essentially being teenagers making not that much money in comparison to this deal, it kind of feels wrong to put Favors here. He certainly wouldn’t stand out on any other team, but he happens to play with the NBA resemblance of a YCMA.
SGA’s max extension kicks in next season and everybody else is on their rookie contract with no in-betweens. Really wouldn’t be surprised to see Favors moved to a team like the Warriors who need that win-now center down low. Favors isn’t bad or even overpaid, he just kind of sticks out like a sore thumb in OKC’s sea of young players.
Orlando Magic – Gary Harris
Remaining Contract: 1 year / $20.5 million
Similar to Derrick Favors, this wouldn’t stand out too much on any other team. But with like 80% of the roster still being on their rookie contracts, this one makes sense. Although this was a shocking reminder to me that Gary Harris is going to be making nearly $21 million in 2022.
The Nuggets gave him that $84 million dollar extension in early 2017 and it looked like it was worth it. Harris was a great two-way player and looked like their starting SG for the future. But he’s only shot 34% from 3 since the start of the 2018-19 season and injuries have slowed him down a lot.
Denver shipped him off for a new win-now piece in Aaron Gordon. I think he’s still decent, but $21 million? I find it hard to believe any team wants that price tag. I guess it is a expiring deal, but I think it’s safe to say that Gary Harris will be with the Magic in 2022.
Past 2022? I could definitely see him getting a small role for a team, which is much better suited for him, but again, $21 million dollars is a big turn off for every single team in the league. One of the few mistakes that Denver has made over the past few seasons.
Philadelphia 76ers – Ben Simmons
Remaining Contract: 4 years / $146.7 million
I shouldn’t have to explain this, you get it. It’s just a matter of time before (hopefully) Ben Simmons gets traded.
Places like Portland, Indiana, Minnesota, and Toronto suit him best. I would love to see him in Portland (totally not biased at all, not biased in any shape or form).
Phoenix Suns – Dario Saric
Remaining Contract: 2 years / $17.8 million
This contract isn’t bad and kind of sums up Saric’s value perfectly. But this ACL tear puts him out for basically all of 2022 and we don’t know what type of player we’re getting in 2023. So this could very well be true, but it’s not even that much money.
It’s a really moveable contract and with the Suns targeting Thaddeous Young, another talented do-it-all forward, Saric could be part of that type of trade.
There is an argument for the $120 million dollar deal that Chris Paul got, however there are some loopholes in that contract that don’t make it as bad. For one, the 3rd season is only partially guaranteed. Then, there is a team option on the 4th year so Phoenix could end up paying CP-3 $75 million at the minimum, which isn’t that bad.
But if CP-3 remains elite, he’s certainly worth the $120 million dollar price tag. But the Suns really don’t have bad contracts. Yes, Saric is technically their “worst,” but if you’re “worst” contract is less than $10 million per year, you’ve done a really good job.
But I’m sure in a year or so we’ll be arguing for hours about a Deandre Ayton/Mikal Bridges extension. Just wait for it.
Portland Trail Blazers – Norman Powell
Remaining Contract: 5 years / $90 million
No, I am not just putting this in red because I am a Blazers fan. I genuinely disagree with most things in this article. First, it says that CJ isn’t the worst contract because he’s been an All-Star caliber player at times. Key word, at times. McCollum shows you flashes of brilliance, but then he has stretches like he did in the 2021 playoffs where you just wonder if he forgot how to play basketball.
CJ is way too inconsistent and in my opinion, is the worst contract for what he brings to the table (3 years, $100 million).
Secondly, they cite the fact that Powell hasn’t been labeled a star ever and he’s really only burst onto the scene these past few seasons. Both of these are factually correct, however he’s been really good these past few seasons as a all-around scorer who gives you some defense.
I will agree with the fact that a 6’3″ 3&D wing doesn’t give you everything that you want/need. However, to say that he doesn’t bring $18 million dollars of production per season is ludicrous.
The proposed trade in this article involved the Indiana Pacers. Something involving TJ Warren and Jeremy Lamb, two pretty similar players to Norman Powell. I definitely think Indiana would do this, but Portland would get worse. TJ Warren was out all of last year and he is also inconsistent. Jeremy Lamb is an expiring contract, so I wouldn’t want this to happen.
Not that this would happen. Portland (rightfully) likes Powell and what he brings to the table. Should help us be good and I think the contract perfectly portrays his value. Not a bad contract. Take that Bleacher Report.
Sacramento Kings – Buddy Hield
Remaining Contract: 3 years / $61.6 million
I think this one is pretty obvious. Buddy Hield shows flashes that he’s worth something close to this number, but he’s a pure shooter and it’s really hard to try and maintain that level of production. Hield and the Kings have seemingly been headed for a divorce for a while. Hield isn’t exactly thrilled to be there and the Kings have tried to trade him multiple times.
While both sides aren’t on great terms, the Kings shouldn’t just try and get rid of him to get rid of him. If you’re going to get rid of him, it’s Ben Simmons or bust for me. While the 76ers really want De’Aaron Fox, that isn’t happening. This BR proposed trade sounds good to me. Hield, Bagley, rookie Davion Mitchell for Simmons. Maybe some filler, but that sounds good.
The 76ers get a really good shooter in Hield and another young defensive stopper in Davion Mitchell. Marvin Bagley isn’t great, but he’s there too. The Kings get a incredibly versatile defender in Simmons who could blossom in a new situation. It’s clear Hield and the Kings aren’t going to be together for much longer, but I just hope they can get Ben Simmons in return.
San Antonio Spurs – Derrick White
Remaining Contract: 4 years / $68 million
Derrick White is getting paid this much? Kind of forgot that they gave him this extension last year. Hasn’t gotten off to the best start as White only played in 36 games this season and wasn’t great or anything. Scoring went way up but efficiencies went way down.
The Spurs have some weird contracts (ex. Zach Collins, Doug McDermott, etc.), but this one is definitely the worst. It’s 4 years and Derrick White is 27 years old. I don’t know if he’s the long-term answer at SG for the Spurs and he’s not an All-Star caliber player.
If he is an All-Star caliber player, then this contract isn’t as bad, but this seems like a lot for a player who doesn’t have a set position in the Spurs, who are the definition of a revolving door. If the Spurs want to move White (likely), maybe for Ben Simmons. Obviously the 76ers would want Dejounte Murray and some picks, which the Spurs might accept as Simmons could help accelerate their retooling period.
I don’t know who else could use White, really. He’s kind of old but at the same time he’s not. He’s just kind of in between in terms of age and contract, which isn’t great. Interesting to see how his 2022 goes, it will be really important that it goes well for both his and the Spurs sake.
Toronto Raptors – Pascal Siakam
Remaining Contract: 3 years / $106.3 million
Pascal Siakam is incredibly interesting. You know the talent is there. In 2019, he won Most Improved Player and was a major part of the Raptors 2019 title run. In 2020, he was an All-Star and All-NBA 2nd team player. But his 2021 was really weird, however I kind of give him a pass.
I know his scoring and 3-PT% dropped and he just wasn’t the same player, but the Raptors couldn’t play in Canada and I think that he’ll be good again in 2022 when the Raptors get to play in Canada instead of Tampa Bay. But if he doesn’t rebound in 2022, Ben Simmons? Anybody?
I know he’s been mentioned a lot already in this article, but it makes sense. In a Raptors trade for Simmons, Siakam would be the anchor cap wise and talent wise. The Raptors already drafted Scottie Barnes, a incredibly versatile forward, 4th overall. They added Precious Achiuwa and in this scenario, they get Ben Simmons. The frontcourt is pretty good without Siakam, not to mention the ever underrated OG Anunoby.
Siakam is going to have a lot of pressure in 2022 as the #1 option. If he doesn’t live up to expectations, the Raptors have really good talent and depth behind him and Ben Simmons sounds really enticing. Siakam’s 2022 will also be incredibly interesting to see how his future with the team goes.
Utah Jazz – Jordan Clarkson
Remaining Contract: 3 years / $40 million (final season is a player option)
I don’t really agree with this and neither does BR, to be fair. The Jazz don’t have any bad contracts now. Rudy Gobert is worth the money the Jazz gave him (shocker to some people), and Donovan Mitchell is great. Jordan Clarkson is the reigning 6th Man of the Year and he’s going to be good for the next few seasons.
He’s in the perfect situation with the Jazz where he can just take any shots he wants. Obviously that’s a dangerous game, but he had 10 games with 25+ points this season, including two 40 points games off the bench. So it’s obvious his offense can be red-hot when it wants to.
The Jazz have a lot of contracts, but I think the Mike Conley deal will turn sour, maybe even this season. Conley signed a 3 year / $86 million dollar deal this offseason and even though the last year is only partially guaranteed, is it a guarantee that he’s going to be an All-Star caliber player again?
He’s 33 years old and he’s going to decline somewhat over the next few seasons. So it’s interesting to see how that contract plays out.
There’s another argument for Bojan Bogdanovic. Ever since his wrist surgery that kept him out of the Bubble, he hasn’t been the same player. He’s got two years and about $37.8 million left on his contract. Unless he returns to his 2020 form, he’s not going to be worth this money. He averaged just 14 points per game last year, so he could definitely be on the move if he gets off to another slow start.
The Jazz have a lot of interesting contracts, but I don’t think Clarkson’s is a bad one by any means. I think there is more of an argument for guys like Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdanovic.
Washington Wizards – Davis Bertans
Remaining Contract: 4 years / $65 million ($54 million guaranteed)
We’ve talked about sharp-shooter contracts a lot already. Joe Harris, Buddy Hield, and Duncan Robinson, in case you forgot. While you may not like those contracts, this is by far the worst contract. The Wizards gave Bertans an $80 million dollar deal last year and it continues to puzzle me.
They paid him that after averaged 15 points on 42% 3-PT shooting. Not bad or anything, but that was his first season with type of production and the Wizards gave him $80 million. 2021 did not go to plan. Bertans shot worse, played less, and scored less. Kind of a trifecta of crappiness.
But Bertans can shoot and that’s valuable. Maybe not to the Wizards who should be rebuilding, but maybe the Clippers want him in exchange for somebody like Luke Kennard, who has also been mentioned in this article. That would work out for both sides, but it’s still puzzling to me how Bertans got that big of a deal.
Oh yeah, that’s right. The Wizards aren’t very smart. It all makes sense now.
What Did You Agree/Disagree With This List? Leave A Comment Down Below!
Follow My Instagram To Never Miss A Post: @hoopnotions
