Top 5 Worst NBA Contracts

With the end of the NBA season rapidly approaching, here are 5 of the worst NBA contracts ever given out:

1. Gilbert Arenas – Washington Wizards (2008-2014): Gilbert Arenas signed a six-year, $111 million contract in 2008, but injuries and off-court issues plagued his career. He played only 55 games in the three seasons following the signing and was eventually traded to the Orlando Magic. The contract hampered the Wizards’ ability to build a competitive team.

2. Allan Houston – New York Knicks (2001-2007): Allan Houston signed a six-year, $100 million contract in 2001. While Houston had been a productive player, injuries limited his playing time, and he played just 70 games in the final three years of the contract. The Knicks struggled to contend during that period due to the financial burden of the contract.

3. Rashard Lewis – Orlando Magic (2007-2012): Rashard Lewis signed a six-year, $118 million contract in 2007. Although he played a role in the Magic’s run to the NBA Finals in 2009, his production declined significantly in subsequent seasons, and he was eventually traded to the Washington Wizards. The contract was considered a significant overpay for his declining performance.

4. Eddy Curry – New York Knicks (2005-2010): Eddy Curry signed a six-year, $60 million contract in 2005. Despite high expectations, Curry’s production on the court did not meet the investment made by the Knicks. He struggled with weight and injury issues and played only 222 games during the contract’s duration.

5. Joe Johnson – Brooklyn Nets (2010-2016): Joe Johnson signed a six-year, $119 million contract in 2010. While Johnson was a skilled player, the length and amount of the contract were viewed as excessive. The contract limited the Nets’ flexibility to build a championship-contending team, and Johnson’s production declined towards the later years of the deal. These contracts are often considered among the worst due to poor performance, injuries, inflated salaries, and their negative impact on the team’s salary cap flexibility.