The 6 best and 6 worst contracts of the 2019 NBA offseason
There are still some moves to come this summer in what's been a bonkers offseason, but now that most of the free agents have signed their contracts, it's a good time to figure out the best and worst signings of 2019.
It's a little tricky because contract lengths are so short these days -- and, as Paul George just proved, does the length of a deal really matter? -- but there are a few players who signed who felt like steals ... and some others that felt like overpayments.
Let's be optimists and start with the good and work our way down to the not-so-great.
Best deals
JJ Redick -- two years, $26.5 million
The modern NBA is all about shooters, and the guy who hit over three treys a game and totaled 18.1 ppg for the 76ers got an average of over $13 million a year? That feels like a steal even though he's 35.
Tomas Satoransky -- three years, $30 million
After taking over the injured John Wall, Satoransky looked every bit like a starting point guard in the NBA, and now he'll get to be one with the Bulls for just $10 million per season. I would rather have him than Terry Rozier at $28 million more (see below).
Derrick Rose -- two years, $15 million
Yes, he's 30. Yes, he's not the MVP he once was. But dude just scored 18.0 ppg for the Wolves. A nice get for the Pistons.
Isaiah Thomas -- 1 year, $2.2 million
Same as Rose -- he's probably not what he once was, but he'll prove he needs to be in a contender's rotation by midseason on a minimum contract.
Kevon Looney -- three years, $15 million
I'm wondering if the Warriors convinced one of their more important rotation players in the postseason to sign for less than he was worth because of their cap and tax situation, because that's the only way I can explain this.
DeMarcus Cousins -- 1 year, $3.5 million
He will end up being worth so much more than that and earn a long-term deal for it next summer.
Worst deals
Terry Rozier -- three years, $58 million
The Hornets are hoping they get Scary Terry, but they're banking A LOT on Rozier being the player he was for the Celtics in the 2018 playoffs. How good will he be on a bad team?
Khris Middleton -- five years, $178 million
Let me start this off by saying I am a HUGE Middleton fan. He does a lot on both ends of the floor. But he's being paid superstar money when he isn't a superstar. It's totally fine for the Bucks, who need Middleton to both keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy and keep Milwaukee competing for a title. But without that context? It's too much.
Ricky Rubio -- three years, $51 million
We all know the Suns needed a point guard, but I just don't think the veteran who isn't the best of shooters will end up being worth that contract.
Bobby Portis -- two years, $31 million
His numbers are great on paper (14.3 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 40.3 from three). But Marcus Morris (I know, he's older) just signed for $11 million less.
Harrison Barnes -- four years, $85 million
The Kings had to retain Barnes after trading for him, but that is way too much money for a player who is good, not great.
Jonas Valanciunas -- three yeas for $45 million
This doesn't matter to the Grizzlies, who are in the middle of a (very good) rebuild. But if it was any other team paying the center that amount after seven just-okay seasons in Toronto, it would be perplexing.
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