These players are raising eyebrows for their salaries!
The 2024 NBA Free Agency period has witnessed some major signings, including Paul George joining the Philadelphia 76ers to form a new Big Three with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, and Klay Thompson departing the Golden State Warriors. Additionally, stars like Pascal Siakam and James Harden have secured significant contracts. We will compile a list of the five most overpaid players this summer.
At 34, Paul George is no longer the dynamic, all-around threat he once was. While he is still a significant contributor on both ends of the court, his recent seasons have been plagued by injuries. Last year, he played 74 games, his highest since 2018-19, averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. However, his consistency and availability remain concerns due to his history of shoulder and leg injuries. The 76ers' investment in George banks on his star power and leadership, but it's a gamble. With the injury-prone Joel Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey, George's reliability is uncertain.
At 22, Patrick Williams has shown potential, but his $90 million, 5-year contract isn't justified by his current production. Last season, he averaged 10.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, shooting 39.9% from three-point range. While promising, these stats don't indicate star power or game-changing ability yet. The contract reflects a bet on his future development rather than his present impact. The team hopes he'll become a cornerstone player, but it's a significant risk, considering he played only 43 games last year and 17 games in his second season. Williams hasn't been healthy or consistent enough to warrant $90 million.
Given his injury history, Jonathan Isaac's $84 million, 5-year contract is perplexing. At 26, Isaac has struggled to stay on the court, playing only 58 games last season and averaging 6.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. His defensive powers is undeniable, but his offensive game needs development, and his health is a major question mark. The team's decision seems rooted in his potential rather than actual output. Isaac has played only 205 career games in seven seasons, making the substantial investment a significant risk.
Isaiah Hartenstein's $87 million, 3-year contract is surprising given his limited role and production. The 26-year-old centre averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game last season, numbers that typically don't justify such a lucrative deal. While solid as a backup centre with strong defensive instincts and a high motor, Hartenstein's offensive capabilities are limited, and he hasn't proven himself as a consistent starter. The Thunder are banking on his potential to develop, but the price tag suggests they may have overpaid for his services.
Immanuel Quickley's new $175 million, 5-year contract is a hefty commitment for a player still establishing himself in the league. At 25, Quickley averaged 17.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game last season, displaying flashes of brilliance alongside bouts of inconsistency. While his scoring is evident, concerns linger about his efficiency (43.4% FG) and ability to lead the offence consistently. The Raptors are banking on Quickley's potential to evolve into a star, but the sizable contract puts pressure on him to deliver All-Star-calibre performances consistently.
OG Anunoby, Tobias Harris, James Harden, Pascal Siakam, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are also players vastly considered overpaid in free agency!
