5 Worst NBA Free Agency Signings
By Max Scoli
The first day of free agency was as entertaining as everybody expected. Several teams netted themselves high-profile superstars to build around. However, some organizations weren't as lucky, and were forced to settle for lower-tier players before the market became stale. What were the worst signings so far?
5. Khris Middleton - Milwaukee Bucks
We know the Milwaukee Bucks couldn't afford to lose some of their key players, but signing Khris Middleton to a $178 million contract might be considered insane. He averages just 15.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists for his career. Why not just re-sign Malcolm Brogdon for half the price? In his first three NBA seasons he's gone for 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
4. Tomas Satoransky - Chicago Bulls
Tomas Satoransky signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Chicago Bulls. For those of you not good at math, that's $10 million a year to a player who has never averaged a double-digit scoring figure in his career. Paying a point guard who averages 3.7 assists per game that much hardly makes sense.
3. Terrence Ross - Orlando Magic
If you're wondering why the Orlando Magic are never relevant, it is because of bone-headed decisions like these. Terrence Ross agreed to re-sign with the organization on a four-year, $54 million contract, and he certainly hasn't earned it. While the former Slam Dunk Champion did average 15 points per game last season, he plays sporadically and can have tunnel vision at times when driving to the rim. These tendencies have cost Orlando several games over the years, and it appears that will not change.
2. Al Horford - Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers already have the best center in the NBA in Joel Embiid, so why sign Al Horford to a four-year, $109 million deal? Also, he will be 37 years old by the time this deal is over. Although still effective, his numbers have slightly dipped as the years have progressed, and you can believe that trend will continue.
1. Kristaps Porzingis - Dallas Mavericks
Yes, Kristaps Porzingis is an incredible talent. Yes, Kristaps Porzingis is a 7-foot-3 freak of nature who can drive, shoot, pass and defend. But for the Mavs to give a player a max contract (five-year, $158 million) coming off a torn ACL and a rape allegation is inexplicable. You have no idea how he will respond to that severe of an injury against top-level talent. It appears Dallas is putting all their eggs in one basket.