The Worst Deals
Now for the fun part. We take a look at the worst deals that were given out this summer. The ones that didn’t make sense and the ones where teams spent too much, even for this market.
What The Mozgov?
- Timofey Mozgov: four years, $64 million with the Lakers
- 2016-17 salary: $16,000,000
- About 17% of the cap
- 2015-16 averages: 17.4 minutes, 6.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.8 blocks, 0.4 assists
- 2015-16 slash line: .565/.143/.716
https://youtu.be/4VDh6b4piS8
Not only did the Lakers give Timofey Mozgov an absurd contract, but they couldn’t wait to do it. They committed long-term deal with him taking up almost 20 percent of the cap shortly after the free agency period began. For some reason Mozgov was their guy.
Teams shot 64.9 percent against the Lakers last season in the restricted area so they desperately needed a rim protector. That’s why they were so eager to pick up Mozgov, but there were other better targets out there.
Mozgov had a miserable season and fell out of the rotation for the Cavs. The champions outscored opponents by 8.4 points per 100 possessions without Mozgov on the floor, per NBA.com. Yet, the Lakers gave him $64 million.
The Rajon Rondo Trap
- Rajon Rondo: 2 years, $28 million with the Bulls
- 2016-17 salary: $14,000,000
- About 15% of the cap
- 2015-16 averages: 11.9 points, 11.7 assists, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals
- 2015-16 slash line: .454/.365/.580
Under the guise of a career resurgence in Sacramento, Rajon Rondo cashed in with the Chicago Bulls. Somebody had to fall into the trap. This deal makes no sense for the Bulls.
They traded away Derrick Rose and replaced him with someone older and well past his prime. The trade was thought to signify a changing of the guard from Rose to Jimmy Butler, but instead he will be competing for touches with Rondo and new acquisition Dwyane Wade.
A starting lineup of Rondo, Wade, and Butler limits the squad’s floor spacing. At a time when the rest of the league is placing an emphasis on the 3-point shot, the Bulls made a conscious effort to ignore it.
Chicago will regret signing the big names in lieu of building a team that fit into a winner.
The Knicks Did Another Knicks Thing
- Joakim Noah: 4 years, $72 million with the Knicks
- 2016-17 salary: $17,000,000
- About 18% of the cap
- 2015-16 averages: 21.9 minutes, 4.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.0 blocks
- 2015-16 slash line: .383/.000/.489
Continuing in the tradition of acquiring washed up former stars, the Knicks traded starting center Robin Lopez for Derrick Rose and signed Joakim Noah as a replacement.
Noah is a downgrade from Lopez both offensively and defensively. His last two seasons have been riddled with injuries and mediocre play. After having shoulder surgery, it’s a questionable decision to give him a four year contract at the age of 31.
It’s a huge gamble to think that Noah will return to his prior form. He better, though, for the Knicks sake because he’s costing the team significantly more than Lopez’s team friendly deal would have.
3-point Shooting Be Damned!
- Evan Turner: 4 years, $70 million with the Trail Blazers
- 2016-17 salary: $16,393,443
- About 17% of the cap
- 2015-16 averages: 28.0 minutes, 10.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.0 steals
- 2015-16 slash line: .456/.241/.827
It’s hard to question the Portland Trail Blazers front office. Neil Olshey is one of the best general managers in the game. But until we see evidence of Evan Turner going off in a Trail Blazers uniform, this deal should be subject to strong criticism.
According to Basketball-Reference, 31.1 percent of Turner’s career FGAs have been 10-16 feet from the basket. Because of his tendencies, Turner advocated for himself as a high-priority free agent by saying that the mid-range shot was coming back. Unless you play for the San Antonio Spurs, it isn’t.
If the Blazers’ plan is to go small with Al-Farouq Aminu at power forward in the starting lineup, they will at least be fun to watch.
Somebody Likes Delly
- Matthew Dellavedova: 4 years, $38 million with the Bucks
- 2016-17 salary: $9,607,500
- About 10% of the cap
- 2015-16 averages: 24.6 minutes, 7.5 points, 4.4 assists, 2.1 rebounds, 0.6 steals
Matthew Dellavedova is reaping the benefits of playing with LeBron James. Four years and $38 million for a backup point guard is absurd in any market.
Nearly 60 percent of Dellavedova’s attempts last season came when he was open, per NBA.com. He won’t have that luxury on a James-less Bucks team. With the lack of jump shooters in Milwaukee, it’s likely that teams will focus on Dellavedova.
D.J. Augustin signed for 4 years, $29 million with Orlando. Unlike Delly, Augustin proven himself.
Will The Rockets Stop Anyone?
- Ryan Anderson: 4 years, $80 million with the Rockets
- 2016-17 salary: 18,735,364
- About 20% of the cap
- 2015-16 averages: 30.4 minutes, 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.4 blocks
The Houston Rockets hired famous offensive guru Mike D’Antoni as their new head coach. D’Antoni never did place much emphasis on defense, even with his great Suns teams. His 2004-05 squad that won 62 games finished first in points scored per game, but dead last in opponents points scored. It looks like the Rockets are going the same way, except they don’t have Steve Nash.
Ryan Anderson is an excellent 3-point shooter, but he can’t cover anyone. His career defensive box plus-minus is a putrid -2.1. There’s a reason he’s been at his best when he’s coming off the bench during his career. He could fit well next to Clint Capela, if Capela can cover up the defensive issues, but it will put a huge burden on the young center.
Anderson is a one tool player not worthy of $20 million per season.
