Russell Westbrook received a new five-year, $78 million contract less than a week ago. Kevin Love was just given a four-year deal worth in excess of $60 million.
While it’s up for debate if those two players are really worth that kind of cash, there is no disputing the fact that there are quite a few NBAers who are being ridiculously overpaid for bringing very little to the court.
Here are just some that will make some owners, and fans, cringe.
New Orleans Hornets C Chris Kaman: $12,200,000
Hard to believe, right? As part of the trade that sent Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers, Kaman is having some trouble adjusting to his new surroundings in New Orleans. He is averaging 9.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg and 1.2 bpg, which are all down from his All-Star production from last year.
At 3-14, the Hornets posses the worst record in the Western Conference. Obviously, that’s not all Kaman’s fault, but when you are shelling out $12.2 million to one guy, he better be averaging well over 9.8 ppg.
Orlando Magic SF Hedo Turkoglu: $10,600,000
This one has been well documented and is fairly obvious. However, it isn’t no much that Turkoglu is having a terrible season production-wise (14.5 ppg, 4.9 apg, 3.3 rpg), it’s that the $10.6 million that is locked up in his contract is handcuffing the Magic in their attempts to grab young talent that would entice center Dwight Howard to stay in Orlando.
Turkoglu is a big reason why the Magic are off to a 12-5 start, but even looking past the whole D-Howard fiasco, one has to wonder if Turks is really the caliber of player who deserves to be making $10.6 million at this stage in his career .
Philadelphia 76ers PF Elton Brand: $17,059,726
That’s right, Sixers fans, you’re paying a 32-year-old power forward who is past his prime that kind of jack.
Look, Brand is still a good player who is having a decent season thus far (10.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg,1.4 bpg. And with the surprise Sixers off to a 12-5 start, the best record in the Atlantic Division, I’m sure the team could care less who they are paying what as long as they keep winning.
But will all of the games that Brand has missed over the years with knee injuries, his current contract can’t help but look a little suspect. Brand isn’t worth $17.1 million at this stage of his career, but if he stays healthy and the Sixers continue winning, not as many people will notice his ridiculous contract.
Washington Wizards SF Rashard Lewis: $22,152,000
Wow. What else can you say?
The sad thing is the Washington Wizards actually had the chance to rid themselves of Rashard Lewis’ obscene $22.1 million contract by using the amnesty clause. However, the team believed that the 32-year-old was “a big part of their plans now and in the future.”
If by “big plans” they meant the worst record in the NBA at 2-15, then yeah, I’d say his contract is paying off.
Lewis is currently averaging near career lows in all major statistical categories, with only 8.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 0.9 apg so far this season. But even if he was putting up LeBron-like numbers, he still wouldn’t be worth that kind of cash—not on a 2-15 team.
That sound you hear is Lewis laughing all the way to the bank.
