The Worst Contracts of the 2025 NBA Offseason

In the NBA, players earn significant salaries—often receiving around 50% of league revenue—so the term “bad contracts” is debatable. However, from a team-building perspective, some deals stand out as questionable investments. Here are seven of the most perplexing contracts signed during the 2025 offseason.

1. Myles Turner, Milwaukee Bucks – $27.2M AAV

Turner’s four-year, $108.9 million contract represents about 16% of the salary cap. While his on-court production (15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds per game) is solid, the deal raises concerns about Milwaukee’s ability to remain competitive. To clear cap space, the Bucks waived and stretched Damian Lillard’s $113 million deal, committing to pay him $22.5 million annually over five years—money that could have been better allocated. This limits their flexibility to build a true championship team and could pressure star Giannis Antetokounmpo to rethink his future with the team.

2. Duncan Robinson, Detroit Pistons – $16M AAV

The Pistons signed Robinson to a three-year, $48 million deal despite limited market interest, given his inconsistent defense and offensive value. While he remains an elite shooter, his defensive lapses and limited overall impact make this a questionable investment, especially since the Pistons are not contending any time soon.

3. Dennis Schröder, Sacramento Kings – $14.8M AAV

Schröder’s three-year, $44.4 million contract marks his ninth team in five seasons, often viewed as a journeyman. Sacramento’s decision to pay top dollar for a backup point guard raises doubts about their playoff aspirations, particularly given Schröder’s defensive struggles and limited contribution to winning basketball.

4. Clint Capela, Houston Rockets – $7M AAV

The Rockets signed Capela for $21.1 million over three years—a significant sum for a third-string center. With established starters and young talent, paying this much raises questions about roster construction and playing time distribution, especially since the team already pays more for other centers.

5. Luke Kornet, San Antonio Spurs – $10.2M AAV

Kornet, primarily a career backup, received a four-year deal worth over $40 million. While he can be a valuable role player, paying him at this level suggests high expectations for increased playing time, which may not materialize given his previous limited production.

6. Jake LaRavia, Los Angeles Lakers – $6M AAV

The Lakers quickly prioritized adding LaRavia, despite limited evidence of his impact or market demand. His low-cost deal raises questions about whether he is genuinely more valuable than other veterans willing to accept similar or lower salaries.

7. D’Angelo Russell, Dallas Mavericks – $5.8M AAV

Russell’s two-year, $11.7 million contract, despite his past as a former All-Star, is likely an overpay for a player whose efficiency and impact have been inconsistent. With him slated as an early starter amid injuries, doubts remain about his fit and contribution to the team’s long-term success.