The NBA landscape is filled with massive contracts, and the biggest ones aren’t always linked to the brightest stars. The expectation is that players will meet the high standards set by their contracts, but things don’t always go according to plan.
Whether it’s due to injury, declining performance, or a team’s urgency to avoid losing a player for nothing, some of the league’s worst contracts end up becoming financial burdens for their teams.
Bradley Beal (3 Years, $161 million)
Trade Proposal:
•San Antonio Spurs receive: Bradley Beal, 2026 second-round pick (via DEN), and two 2031 second-round picks (via DEN and PHO) •Phoenix Suns receive: Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, and Julian Champagnie Bradley Beal’s contract is widely considered one of the worst in the league, especially given his declining production and the presence of a no-trade clause. The Phoenix Suns, lacking assets and over the salary cap, would likely be eager to move Beal’s contract.
In this hypothetical trade, the Spurs take a calculated risk by acquiring Beal. While his recent performance hasn’t justified his massive salary, the Spurs may see him as a valuable addition to their team, especially with the potential to mentor and complement Victor Wembanyama. Meanwhile, the Suns would receive a package centered around Keldon Johnson, a promising young scorer, along with the veteran presence of Harrison Barnes, and the development potential of Julian Champagnie. This trade could allow the Suns to reshape their roster while shedding one of the NBA’s worst contracts.
Jerami Grant (4 Years, $132.4 million)
Trade Proposal: •Los Angeles Lakers receive: Jerami Grant •Portland Trail Blazers receive: D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxwell Lewis, and a 2029 first-round pick
Jerami Grant’s contract, while substantial, might be more suitable in a different context, like with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers, with an aging LeBron James still performing at an MVP level, need to take advantage of their championship opportunity. Grant, known for his defensive versatility and improved three-point shooting, could serve as an ideal third or fourth option behind LeBron and Anthony Davis.
In exchange, the Portland Trail Blazers would get D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract, which they could either use for more assets or let expire to free up cap space. Jarred Vanderbilt provides the Blazers with a young, defensive-oriented forward who fits their rebuilding timeline, while the inclusion of a future first-round pick sweetens the deal. The Blazers could also explore developing Maxwell Lewis, adding another piece to their long-term plans.
Zach LaVine (3 Years, $138 million)
Trade Proposal: •Denver Nuggets receive: Zach LaVine and a 2029 first-round pick swap (top-three protected) •Chicago Bulls receive: Michael Porter Jr. and Zeke Nnaji
Zach LaVine is a scoring force when healthy, but his contract and injury history make him a challenging asset to move. The Denver Nuggets, who lost key veterans after their 2023 championship, might see LaVine as the offensive spark needed to stay competitive. Pairing LaVine with Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray could form an unstoppable offensive trio, alleviating the scoring load on Jokić.
For the Chicago Bulls, this trade represents a reset. Michael Porter Jr.’s contract is substantial, but he’s younger and has the potential to excel in a less rigid offensive system. Zeke Nnaji, though unproven, could develop into a rotational player. The first-round pick swap adds extra value for Chicago, providing a potential asset if Denver’s performance declines in the future.
Jordan Poole (3 Years, $95.5 million)
Trade Proposal: •Los Angeles Clippers receive: Jordan Poole
•Washington Wizards receive: Norman Powell and P.J. Tucker
Jordan Poole’s contract has become a significant burden for the Washington Wizards, particularly after a tough season. The Los Angeles Clippers, still seeking the right mix of players to support Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, could take a gamble on Poole, hoping he can rediscover his form that contributed to the Golden State Warriors’ 2022 championship.
For the Wizards, this trade is about gaining financial flexibility. Norman Powell’s contract, while not cheap, is more manageable than Poole’s, and P.J. Tucker brings veteran leadership or a buyout option. This trade would allow Washington to reset without attaching additional assets to Poole’s contract.
