It's no coincidence to compare the worst NBA contracts for 2024 and realize that the teams with these players may not be able to compete at the highest level next season.
All teams have made mistakes in free agency in the past, and they obviously hope things go well and are even gladly willing to bypass the luxury tax at the time, only to realize they could have spent their money much better.
The 5 Worst NBA Decades in 2024
Whether due to injuries, bad luck, or just because the player wasn't worth the type of deal, we'll take a look at some of the highest-paid NBA players and let you know the worst NBA contracts in 2024.
Trae Young
Trae Young’s numbers are beyond impressive. He’s been one of the league’s leaders in points and assists per game since joining the NBA, but that hasn’t exactly translated into winning basketball. Aside from a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Atlanta Hawks haven’t had much success with him at the helm.
Now, Young is set to make $43 million this season and $45 million next. He’s a very good player, but this type of contract, his willingness to give the ball away, his lack of defensive commitment, and some reports that he’s uncoachable or incapable of being a good teammate, all make it nearly impossible for a resurgent Hawks to trade him.
Ben Simmons
The truth is that Ben Simmons should be behind bars. He stole millions of dollars from the Philadelphia 76ers so he wouldn’t play for them, and he kept cashing his checks even though he could barely play for the Brooklyn Nets. And even on the rare occasions he did play for the Nets, he was never particularly good.
Simmons, who was among the players selected first overall, was a talent, but his love for the game may not have been. His neglect has drawn more criticism than his persistent injuries and lackluster performances, and the Nets still have to pay him more than $40 million next season.
Deandre Eaton
The Phoenix Suns agreed to make a similar offer to the Indiana Pacers for DeAndre Ayton in hopes of trading him. In the end, they found the perfect suitor. The Portland Trail Blazers could afford to take the risk and gamble on the player, but it wasn’t long before the team realized that might have been a mistake.
Ayton has been criticized for his work ethic and lack of sharpness, and now they have selected Donovan Clingan as a potential big man of the future. Unfortunately, they still have to pay Ayton nearly $70 million over the next two years, making him virtually untradeable.
Bradley Beal
Speaking of non-tradable players, giving Bradley Beal a no-trade clause was the worst mistake the Washington Wizards could have ever made, and they have a long list to choose from. Essentially, they let him pick his next destination and walk away without offering them much in return.
He was barely able to play for the Phoenix Suns and wasn’t a difference maker when he did. Now they’re obligated to pay them more than $160 million over the next three years. He’s getting older, not a good defender, injury-prone, not the type of player they need. They’re stuck with him.
Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine no longer wants to be with the Chicago Bulls, and the Chicago Bulls don’t want him there either. They’ve been trying to trade him for more than a season, but no one has done so. And it’s easy to understand why when you look at his contract.
LaVine is a huge earner for being an average player. He can score goals, but he hasn’t led a winning team. He can provide assists, but he’s not a playmaker. He’s a liability on defense most of the time, and he has a strong stance. No one wants to sign a player like that who’s prone to injury, especially one who’s making close to $50 million a year for the next three seasons.
