Hoops Habit
Fansided

2019 NBA free agency: 5 players most likely to be overpaid

By Simon Smith

TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 02: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 02: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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.

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.