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NBA Free Agency: Top 5 best contracts this offseason

By Holden Walter-Warner

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 25: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz pressures Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of their game at the Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 25, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 25: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz pressures Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of their game at the Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 25, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /
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NBA Free Agency
MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 09: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 09, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

NBA Free Agency: Top 5 best contracts this offseason: 2. Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks

The New York Knicks appeared to have two goals at the start of free agency – sign Jalen Brunson and keep Mitchell Robinson. The former came at a high price, but the latter seems to have come at a bargain.

The Knicks re-signed the big man with a four-year, $60 million deal. He made $1.8 million just a year ago but was expected to command more than the $15 million average over the life of his deal. The contract won’t even make Robinson one of the top ten paid players at his position this coming season, based on average.

Part of the reason the Knicks were able to get Robinson for a bargain is that he’s not a big scorer. He has little issue feasting on dunks inside, but only averaged 8.5 points per game last season. With Brunson feeding him the ball, he should be able to push that up next year.

Robinson also has a questionable injury track record. Two years ago, the rim protector had his season decimated by injuries. He seemed to overcome that last year, though, playing in a career-high 72 games.

The former second-round pick is still only 24 years old. His skills as a rim protector are unparalleled and he could be one breakout season away from becoming one of the best centers in the league, which would really make his deal seem like a bargain.

As long as Robinson stays healthy, there’s nobody that’s going to stop him from maximizing his potential in the league and exceeding the value of his contract.