The 20 worst free agent signings in NBA history

#8. Bismack Biyombo: 4 years, $72 million

Center Bismack Biyombo was taken seventh overall in the 2011 NBA draft and was expected to be a project. He definitely was, and it took until the 2015-16 season for him to come into his own. Biyombo had a strong regular season and playoff run with the Toronto Raptors. He averaged 6.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in just 25.3 minutes, proving that he could be a terrific rim protector and rebounder.

Still, the decision by the Orlando Magic to sign him to a 4-year, $72 million deal was suspect at best in the summer of 2016. Two other players that were signed that summer also make the list, for the same reasons as Biyombo.

Biyombo, while good at the time, simply wasn’t worth the inflated contract, even though the salary cap had spiked. It quickly became apparent that he wasn’t worth $17 million a year, and he was traded back to Charlotte, where he had started his career, to finish out his contract.

All in all, he averaged just 5.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1 block over the course of four seasons, which is good for a backup center but not one making $72 million. To his credit, unlike many players on this list, Biyombo still had a career after underperforming on a big contract. He is a capable and cheap backup center in Phoenix, a role he is much better suited to play.