8 Worst-Value Contracts in the NBA Right Now
Some NBA contracts look fine until you line them up against recent performance. Injuries, reduced minutes, or shifting team dynamics can turn a big payday into a long-term question mark. Let’s talk about the ones that make you pause and double-check the numbers.
Bradley Beal
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No player contract looks worse right now than the one tied to Bradley Beal. His scoring remains solid, but ball-handling duties expose his turnover issues. Defense has cratered, and injuries persist. That $161 million deal, paired with a no-trade clause, is weighing Phoenix down like few other deals in the league.
Joel Embiid
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Few can dominate the paint like Joel Embiid, but the 76ers can’t cash in on that talent if he’s not playing. He appeared in less than a third of games this season, with knee problems sidelining him again. A $244 million deal loses its shine when availability remains this uncertain.
Paul George
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The Clippers walked away from Paul George’s max extension, and Philadelphia took the risk. Year one hasn’t paid off. Injuries keep piling up, and at 34, his durability only declines further. He’s still a skilled two-way player, but $211 million feels rather overpriced.
Kawhi Leonard
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Chronic injuries have reduced Kawhi Leonard’s minutes and shifted his role. He remains a quality player when active, but availability has become an issue. Even with a reduced term, the $149.5 million contract is inflated for someone who can’t be counted on for nightly impact.
Patrick Williams
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Invisible on the court and inconsistent on the stat sheet–Patrick Williams hasn’t delivered any way you look at it. Chicago gave him five years and $90 million, betting on upside. Instead, he’s struggled to rebound or create shots, and despite strong 3-point numbers, he fades into the background far too often.
Khris Middleton
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Milwaukee fans hoped Khris Middleton’s resurgence would continue into 2024, but injuries reemerged. While he still shows flashes of shot-making, his availability and mobility aren’t where they need to be. At over $31 million per season, the Bucks are paying elite money for part-time production.
Bruce Brown Jr.
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Since arriving in Toronto, Bruce Brown Jr. has failed to regain the edge he showed during Denver’s title run. His contract, worth over $20 million annually, hasn’t aligned with his middling stats.
Brook Lopez
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Milwaukee values Brook Lopez’s experience, but age is catching up. At 37, he struggles more with defensive switches and can’t always anchor the paint like before. The team secured him at $48 million, but the decline is clear, especially compared to his recent peak seasons.
Rudy Gobert
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Minnesota extended Rudy Gobert for three years and $109.5 million, in October 2024. While he is an elite defender, his offensive limitations and age, coupled with the hefty salary, restrict team flexibility. The Wolves paid a steep price for his acquisition and then committed significantly again.
Damian Lillard
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An Achilles tear ended Damian Lillard’s 2024-25 season, and he’s expected to miss most of 2025-26. His $58.5 million salary next season and $63.2 million player option in 2026-27 create massive financial challenges for Milwaukee, given his age and extended absence from play.
De’Jounte Murray
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After signing a four-year, $120 million extension, De’Jounte Murray was traded to the Pelicans. His production dipped, and a season-ending Achilles tear followed. There’s around $86 million remaining on his deal.
Immanuel Quickley
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Toronto signed Immanuel Quickley to a five-year, $175 million extension. His efficiency fluctuated, and he missed time with injuries during the 2024-25 season. Questions persist about his consistency as a full-time lead guard.
Brandon Ingram
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Toronto acquired Brandon Ingram in February 2025 by quickly signing him to a three-year, $120 million extension. However, his injury history continued to prevent him from playing for the Raptors after the trade. Toronto is now paying a premium salary for a player with significant availability concerns.
Jaylen Brown
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Sure, a championship ring and Finals MVP make Jaylen Brown’s value seem strong. However, his 32.4% three-point shooting for the 2024-25 season and deeper metrics raise concerns. For a player on a 5-year, $304 million supermax deal, his current production doesn’t significantly outpace second-tier wings earning far less.
Jerami Grant
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Portland expected more from Jerami Grant after handing out a 5-year, $160 million contract. He hasn’t consistently delivered inside scoring, and his defense no longer looks like a standout trait. He’s paid like a star but often produces like a backup.
Jamal Murray
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Denver’s championship glow likely influenced Jamal Murray’s 4-year, $208 million extension signed in September 2024. That glow has faded. His regular-season output for 2024-25 hasn’t matched the contract, and with no All-Star appearances yet, the deal looks more like a loyalty reward than a reflection of league-wide value.
Deandre Ayton
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There’s always potential in Deandre Ayton’s game, but execution tells a different story. Despite averaging a double-double, his reluctance to absorb contact and shaky rim protection hurt Portland. His $132.9 million total deal, with $35.6 million due next season, now blocks progress for younger centers like rookie Donovan Clingan.
Terry Rozier
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Miami needed a boost when it acquired Terry Rozier. Instead, they got a commitment to a cold shooter for 2024-25. With $24.9 million guaranteed for the 2025-26 season, his poor three-point shooting and limited defensive contributions are a concern. Bounce-back potential exists, but at this salary, it’s a costly gamble.
Ben Simmons
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Brooklyn faced the numbers: Ben Simmons was due $40.3 million for the 2024-25 season but sat more than he played. His defense still flashed at times, but without offensive confidence or durability, his presence became a significant financial liability before his contract was bought out in February 2025.
Klay Thompson
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This version of Klay Thompson isn’t the same one who built Golden State’s dynasty. While his previous $43.2 million salary once made sense, injuries and declining efficiency have made him a defensive target and a streaky offensive option on his new contract for 2024-25. The team needs more for his current price