With less three weeks until the craziness of 2019 NBA free agency commences, here are the five players most likely to be overpaid.
While NBA free agency is an exciting time for all involved, it can also be fraught with danger.
One need only take a look back at 2016, when the explosion of the salary cap saw multiple teams around the league jump at the chance to sign players to enormous contracts. From the $64 million awarded to Ian Mahinmi to $72 million for Bismack Biyombo to $75 million for Allen Crabbe, many front offices simply couldn’t help themselves when it came to landing the player they desired.
Fast forward to the present, and the 2019 free agent class is, without a doubt, one of the strongest in recent memory. Despite their recent major setbacks, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson are nonetheless expected to receive maximum contracts come July 1.
In addition to this duo, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving and Kebma Walker are just some of the stars who are most likely going to receive the max from both their current team and prospective suitors.
What could happen to Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler and Kemba Walker in NBA free agency now that Kevin Durant injured his Achilles? @ChrisRyan77 and @JustinVerrier explore the impact of the injury on the 2019 free-agency class here: https://t.co/I3sU75HpQJ pic.twitter.com/FsWhxhBHol
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 12, 2019
While these deals are no-brainers, it’s the periphery deals that can also have an enormous impact on the immediate future of a franchise, for both good and bad reasons. Furthermore, with the salary cap rising from $101 to $109 million next season, the potential for teams to overpay for players who are certified role players certainly increases.
With this in mind, here are five players most likely to be overpaid during the 2019 NBA free agency period.