It’s not a coincidence to compare the worst NBA contracts 2024 and realize that the teams that feature those players might not be able to compete at the highest level next season.
Every team has made free agency mistakes in the past, and — obviously — they hope things work out and are even gladly willing to go over the luxury tax at the time, just to realize that they could’ve spent their money significantly better.
The five worst NBA contracts in 2024
Either because of injuries, bad luck, or just because the player wasn’t worthy of that kind of deal, we’re going to take a look at some of the most overpaid NBA players and let you know about the worst NBA contracts 2024.
Trae Young
Trae Young‘s numbers are more than impressive. He’s been one of the league’s leaders in both points and assists per game since he entered the NBA, but that hasn’t exactly translated into winning basketball. Outside of a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Atlanta Hawks haven’t found much success with him at the helm.
Now, Young is slated to make north of $43 million this season and $45 million the next one. He’s a very good player, but that kind of contract, his proneness to turning the ball over, no defensive commitment whatsoever, and some reports about not being coachable or a good teammate make it almost impossible for the rebuilding Hawks to trade him.
Ben Simmons
Truth be told, Ben Simmons should be behind bars. He robbed the Philadelphia 76ers of millions of dollars not to play for them, and he has continued to cash in his checks despite barely being able to play for the Brooklyn Nets. Even on those rare occasions when he’s actually suited up, he’s been nothing special.
A former first-overall pick, Simmons’ upside and talent were clearly there, but the love for the game maybe wasn’t. His careless attitude has granted him more criticism than his constant injuries and subpar play, and the Nets are still going to have to pay him north of $40 million next season.
Deandre Ayton
The Phoenix Suns agreed to match the Indiana Pacers’ offer sheet for Deandre Ayton in hopes of trading him. Eventually, they found the perfect trade suitor. The Portland Trail Blazers could afford to take a risk and gamble on him, but it didn’t take long before they realized that may have been a mistake.
Ayton’s work ethic and lack of intensity have granted him plenty of criticism, and they’ve now drafted Donovan Clingan as their likely big man for the future. Unfortunately for them, they still have to pay Ayton nearly $70 million combined over the next couple of years, thus making him virtually untradeable.
Bradley Beal
Talking about untradeable players, giving Bradley Beal a no-trade clause was the worst mistake the Washington Wizards could ever make, and they have a long list to choose from. Essentially, they allowed him to pick his next destination and leave without giving them much in return.
He was barely able to play for the Phoenix Suns and wasn’t a difference-maker when he did suit up. Now, they’re on the hook for over $160 million over the next three years. He’s aging, not a good defender, injury-prone, and not the kind of player they needed. They’re stuck with him.
Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine doesn’t want to be a Chicago Bull anymore, and the Chicago Bulls don’t want him there, either. They’ve been trying to trade him for more than a season, but there haven’t been any takers. Truth be told, it’s easy to understand why when you look at his contract.
LaVine is making top-dollar despite being a mid-tier player. He can score, but he hasn’t led a winning team. He can get some assists, but he’s not a playmaker. He’s a liability on defense more often than not, and he also comes with an attitude. No one’s taking that kind of injury-prone player, especially if he’s making almost $50 million a year over the next three seasons.