2017 NBA free agency: 5 worst signings of the summer

4. Cristiano Felicio, Chicago Bulls: Four years, $32 million

The Bulls clearly have some faith in the undrafted Brazilian, having played just 97 games in his two seasons in Chicago.  In his second season, Cristiano Felicio did display some signs of progress, which would lead the Bulls making such a considerable investment. For the season, Felicio averaged 4.8 points and 4.7 rebounds in 15.8 minutes per game.

Although he did not make a starting appearance throughout the season, Felicio had 19 games in which he played at least 20 minutes. Over this stretch, he averaged 7.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Impressively, he was a +54 as he was able to utilize his terrific athleticism and renowned work ethic.

But as much promise as Felicio has shown, the numbers don’t stack up to the contract he’s been awarded. Despite being listed as a center, Felicio is just 6’9″, and did not attempt a single three-pointer in his 66 games last season. Furthermore, 78.2 percent of his total field goal attempts last season came within five feet of the basket, per NBA.com. When he ventured outside of five feet from the rim, Felicio converted at just a 31.3 percent clip.

Therefore, paying an $8 million annual salary for an undersized backup center who doesn’t spread the floor seems like a stretch, especially when you compare it to some of the deals handed out to players in a similar role. Center Willie Reed, formerly of the Miami Heat, recently signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal. Having opted out of the second year of his two-year deal with the Heat, both Reed and Miami were surprised with the amount Reed had to settle for.

But in an offseason that saw the Bulls’ front office deal away Jimmy Butler for far less than market value, such a signing should not come as a complete shock.