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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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Raef LaFrentz, Dallas Mavericks
Raef LaFrentz, Dallas Mavericks. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Worst free agent signing in Dallas Mavericks history: Raef LaFrentz

7 years, $70 million

After playing well at the University of Kansas alongside Paul Pierce, Raef LaFrentz was the No. 3 overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft. He started from the jump for the Denver Nuggets at center, combining his physical tools with a strong motor.

The Dallas Mavericks liked what they saw. In February 2002, they traded for LaFrentz as part of a larger package of players. He became a part-time starter for the Mavericks, as they looked to build around Dirk Nowitzki.

That following summer, the Mavericks did not want to lose their rim protector and rebounder, so they offered him a massive contract totaling $70 million over seven years. It was an overpay from the start for a player who had little hope of living up to it.

Eventually, the Mavericks made the call to move on and traded him to the Boston Celtics in a package containing fellow bad-contract member Antoine Walker. LaFrentz carved out an 11-year NBA career, but he never had a chance at making his contract a good deal.