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The Best Bargain Contract On All 30 NBA Teams

By Gerald Bourguet

January 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7, right) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30, left) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hornets 111-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7, right) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30, left) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hornets 111-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic guards New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca (right) controls the ball during the fourth quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 104-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

New Orleans Pelicans: Alexis Ajinca

2015-16 Salary: $4.4 million
2016-17 Salary: $4.7 million
2017-18 Salary: $5 million
2018-19 Salary: $5.4 million

Honorable Mention: N/A

I was sorely tempted to put Anthony Davis in this spot, even though he’s going to be paid $145 million over the next five years. That’s how bad this team is from a bargain hunters standpoint. Maybe Tyreke Evans qualifies on a $10 million annual salary, but he’s been so banged up and the New Orleans Pelicans are still so bad that it’s hard to slot anyone here.

Ryan Anderson would normally be a good candidate since he’s only making $8 million this season and is averaging 16.6 points and 6.2 rebounds off the bench while shooting 36.6 percent from three-point range, but he’s set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer and the Pellies have reportedly been trying to trade him.

That leaves us with Alexis Ajinca, a capable backup who could provide New Orleans with insurance if the front office ever realizes the true depths of their Omer Asik blunder (five years and $60 million? Seriously?). If the Brow proves himself capable of anchoring the defense at the 5, Ajinca’s meager salary could give the Pellies a cost-effective and capable backup for the future.

Next: New York Knicks