Ranking the Worst NBA Contracts: Gary Trent Jr. and Joel Embiid Top List
An analysis of the worst NBA contracts highlights overpaid stars like Gary Trent Jr. and Joel Embiid, whose massive salaries fail to match their current on-court production.
Deni Avdija continues to hold one of the most cost-effective contracts in the NBA, earning roughly $25 million over the next two seasons while performing at an All-Star level. However, across the league, numerous players command massive salaries that vastly outweigh their on-court production. After four weeks of the season, a clearer picture has emerged regarding the worst contracts in professional basketball.
The Most Overpaid Stars
At the top of the list is Gary Trent Jr. of the Milwaukee Bucks, who signed a four-year, $64 million deal. Despite commanding a substantial salary, Trent has barely seen the floor, averaging just six minutes across four games while struggling mightily. Close behind is Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, whose three-year extension worth roughly $187.8 million looks increasingly burdensome amid mounting injuries and a sharp decline in efficiency, shooting just 37% from the field.
Struggling Stars and Shaky Investments
Other notable names include Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams, whose three-year, $58 million contract continues to baffle analysts given his modest offensive output. Meanwhile, Washington Wizards big man Anthony Davis, carrying a two-year deal worth approximately $122 million, faces an uncertain future as injuries take their toll and age catches up with the former superstar.
Teams across the league are already exploring trade options to unload these burdensome deals, proving that financial flexibility is often just as valuable as raw talent in the modern NBA landscape.
