12. Jerome James
Now we are getting into the truly mystifying contracts in NBA history.
Jerome James was not a hot commodity anytime in his college or pro career. He was a second-round pick out of Florida A&M, but was waived after just one year by the Sacramento Kings. James would then play overseas until eventually latching on to the Seattle SuperSonics.
With Seattle, James averaged a paltry 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. However, that would not stop the enterprising New York Knicks from offering James an incredible five year, $29 million deal. The journeyman center must have been shocked that a team, even the Knicks, would offer that much money to below-average center with little upside.
James would go on to average three points and two rebounds for the Knicks in his debut season. He would finish his contract with the Knicks and then never play in the NBA again.
Next: 11 - Vince Carter