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NBA free agency: Each team’s worst signing in franchise history

By Josh Cornelissen

Eddy Curry, New York Knicks, Ben Wallace, Chicago Bulls. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Eddy Curry, New York Knicks, Ben Wallace, Chicago Bulls. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Jerome James, New York Knicks
Jerome James, New York Knicks. (Photo by Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Worst free agent signing in New York Knicks history: Jerome James

5 years, $30 million

The New York Knicks’ history is a veritable library of bad contracts. From Isiah Thomas to Phil Jackson, this franchise has handed out money to a number of players who deserved less. A team desperate for anything resembling contention has had them grasping at straws for years, and largely failing.

In the summer of 2005, Jerome James hit free agency at the high point of his career. After barely registering in the box score for a few years, he had the playoff run of his life with the then-Seattle SuperSonics.

After averaging 5.1 points per game in four seasons with the SuperSonics, he put up 12.5 points per game during the first two rounds of the playoffs. Enamored, Thomas signed James to a five-year, $30 million contract.

James’ deal is a relatively mild contract compared to albatross deals given to Amar’e Stoudemire, Joakim Noah or Eddy Curry. What about Alan Houston or Stephon Marbury? Jared Jeffries got way overpaid. Recently, Ron Baker got a guaranteed contract for no reason.

But in 2005, Thomas signed a bad player to a five-year, $30 million deal and it made no sense at the time. James was out of shape and gave the Knicks nothing — not from unexpected injuries, but complete lack of talent and effort.