NBA Free Agency: Top 5 best contracts this offseason

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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 12: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz jokes with Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 12, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah, NBA Free Agency: Top 5 best contracts this offseason. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

NBA Free Agency: Top 5 best contracts this offseason: 4. Joe Ingles, Milwaukee Bucks

Basketball fans would do well to remember Joe Ingles is not far removed from finishing second in the Sixth Man of the Year award voting. If he can perform even close to that level, the Milwaukee Bucks could win their second title in three years in 2023.

As first shared by Ingles’ wife, Ingles signed a one-year deal with the Bucks. The deal will reportedly pay Ingles $6.5 million, according to Chris Haynes.

Last season was partially a lost one for Ingles, who missed about half the season with an injury. It resulted in him getting traded from his longtime home in Utah to the Portland Trail Blazers, who he never played for.

When Ingles is healthy, he’s effective, particularly as a three-point shooter. While he only hit 34.7 percent of his threes last year, he’s a lifetime 40.8 percent shooter from beyond the arc.

The “if healthy” is an important caveat. Ingles suffered a torn ACL last year, a difficult injury to come back from, even before considering his age. The 34-year-old suffered the injury at the very end of January.

Still, the risk carried for a one-year deal seems small. Ingles averaged 7.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 24.9 minutes per game last year – production that would be much appreciated off the Milwaukee bench.

Ingles was a very healthy player before this injury, so the track record is good. Milwaukee may still have to be patient, though, as Ingles is a candidate to start the season injured. A contender starring Giannis Antotokounmpo also needs shooters, though. There’s no harm in taking a flyer on one of the best on a short-term, inexpensive deal.