The 20 worst free agent signings in NBA history

#1. Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards: six years, $111 million

At one point, during the mid-to-late 2000s, Gilbert Arenas was one of the best offensive players in the NBA. That is an impressive feat for any player, but especially one that was taken in the second round by the Golden State Warriors.

He later signed with the Wizards and emerged as a star. In fact, over his first three seasons in Washington, he averaged a terrific 27.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. Then the wheels fell off in spectacular fashion. Unfortunately, injuries and some really bad judgment quickly caused his career to flame out.

He played 13 games in 2007-08, then 2 games in 2008-09, and then came the gun incident, which resulted in a big suspension from the league. In the first three seasons of his big contract, Arenas played just 47 games. He was later traded to the Orlando Magic in a deal that included Rashard Lewis, another player on this list. Orlando later amnestied Arenas, which allowed him to still get paid by the Magic even after signing with Memphis in 2011.

He lasted just 17 games before his career came to an end. All told, Arenas averaged only 13 points on 38.6% shooting in just 121 games over the first four seasons of his deal. However, even after his career came to an end in 2012, he continued to get paid until 2014, making $43.1 million to sit at home. That fact alone earns him the top spot on this list.