The Worst NBA Contracts in NBA History: A Closer Look
The history of the NBA is replete with contracts that were not only shocking in terms of salaries but also detrimental to the franchises that signed them. From the early 1990s to the modern era, instances of poorly calculated business decisions have not only cost millions of dollars but have also significantly impacted the teams’ standings and future prospects. Let's examine some of the most glaring examples of these mistakes in contract management.
1. Jim McIlvaine, Seattle SuperSonics (1996)
In 1996, the Seattle SuperSonics signed Jim McIlvaine to a seven-year, $33.6 million contract. This deal was not only outrageous in the context of the era but also detrimental to the team. McIlvaine, who was brought in to replace the superstar Shawn Kemp, played less than 40 minutes per game over his tenure. This contract led to a significant loss of team morale and ultimately contributed to the franchise's decline and the eventual departure of Shawn Kemp.
Why This Contract Was Terrible?
To put it into perspective, McIlvaine's contract dwarfed the salaries of Steve Hawkins and Hasheem Thabeet, while even eclipsing the salary of Shawn Kemp at the time. This not only allocated precious cap space away from more impactful players but also worsened team chemistry and performance.
2. Lou Duane Deng and ?ydrūnas Ilgauskas, Los Angeles Lakers (2016)
The Los Angeles Lakers under Jerry Buss Jr. and Mitch Kupchak were notorious for outrageous contract decisions. The signing of Lou Duane Deng to a four-year, $72 million contract and ?ydrūnas Ilgauskas to a four-year, $64 million contract were particularly egregious examples. Together, these contracts represented a staggering $136 million in wasted resources—a testament to how poorly Buss Jr. and Kupchak oversaw the team. The Lakers performance during the time significantly declined under their control.
Why This Contract Was Terrible?
Both Deng and Ilgauskas did not match the expected level of performance, and their salaries represented a significant financial burden. Moreover, these funds could have been utilized to acquire more capable players or improve other areas of the roster, potentially leading to a more competitive team.
3. Bismack Biyombo, Charlotte Hornets (2023)
As a Charlotte-based fan, the notion of paying a player $17 million per year, given their performance, is highly disconcerting. Bismack Biyombo, a player known for being undersized and lacking in sheer athleticism, earns a salary that defies logic. Specifically, Bismack Biyombo, who averages 1.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.2 assists, commands a salary that invites scrutiny. While the numbers don't align, the reality of roster management often leaves such disparities.
Why This Contract Was Terrible?
The Charlotte Hornets seem to value Biyombo considerably more than the actual player on the court, which raises serious questions about the team's strategic foresight and financial management. Paying a multi-million dollar salary to a player who barely contributes meaningfully to the game is a significant misallocation of resources.
4. Greg Oden, Portland Trail Blazers (2007)
The Portland Trail Blazers made a critical mistake by selecting Greg Oden in the 2007 draft over what could have been a game-changing acquisition in Kevin Durant. Instead, Oden was drafted, and his struggling career led to a sink of resources. The team paid $46.62 million for Oden during his four years in the league, knowing that he was underperforming significantly.
Why This Contract Was Terrible?
Not only was the money spent on Oden not well-utilized, but it also came at the expense of a player who had the potential to elevate the team to a higher level. Oden's underperformance and injury history serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved in such significant investments and how they often backfire.
5. NBA/ABA Merger and Sinla Brothers (1976)
One of the most egregious and costly business deals ever negotiated by the NBA is the agreement with the Sinla brothers following the NBA/ABA merger in 1976. The brothers owned an ABA team that was dissolved during the merger. In exchange, they received $2.2 million upfront and one-seventh of the revenue from the broadcasting of the remaining four NBA teams. This contract became incredibly lucrative once the league expanded in popularity, with the brothers earning millions of dollars annually without performing any work.
Why This Contract Was Terrible?
The Sinla brothers' deal was a monumental blunder that led to a massive financial waste for the league. It demonstrated a lack of due diligence and foresight in contract negotiations and had long-lasting negative impacts on the financial structure of the NBA.
In conclusion, the NBA has seen its fair share of contract mismanagement, with several instances of outrageous salaries and poor business decisions. These examples highlight the importance of strategic financial management and careful player evaluation. Fans and analysts alike are often left questioning the decisions and strategies of respective teams, as illustrated by these historical contract debacles.