Every NBA team's best and worst contracts: From bargain to nightmare
By Cal Durrett
Northwest Division
Minnesota Timberwolves
Bargain contract: Anthony Edwards
Edwards is having quite the season, averaging 26.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists while only being 22. He is also still on his rookie contract this season before starting his new 5-year rookie max extension.
Nightmare contract: Karl-Anthony Towns
Despite having an all-star season, Towns edges out Rudy Gobert for a nightmare contract. Gobert has been key to the Wolves' top-ranked defensive rating and the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, justifying his deal. Meanwhile, Towns is owed $110 million over the next three years and is the most likely player from their core to be moved as a result.
Portland Trail Blazers
Bargain contract: Scoot Henderson
While the 2023 third overall pick hasn't had a particularly good rookie season, he is clearly still the Blazers best prospect and could make a big leap next season while still on an affordable rookie contract.
Nightmare contract: Robert Williams
Former Celtic Robert Williams was acquired in the deal that sent Jrue Holiday to Boston and he was acquired with the intention to flip him later on for a first-round pick or two. Unfortunately, he only played six games this season before being shut down. With a long injury history and his status for next season uncertain, they might not get a lot in return for him in trade or on the court for the Blazers.
Denver Nuggets
Bargain contract: Nikola Jokic
Despite being on a max contract, it's hard to say that two-time MVP Nikola Jokic hasn't exceeded the value of his contract. He continues to be a top-three player in the NBA and any team that is lucky enough to have one of those players is often a contender, and the Nuggets are the defending champions.
Nightmare contract: Michael Porter Jr.
Before Nuggets fans get up in arms, Denver doesn't really have a nightmare contract, but if I had to choose one, Michael Porter Jr. would be it. Porter Jr. is arguably the third-best player on the Nuggets but will make between $38–47 million a season over the next four years. That will make Denver wildly expensive once Jokic and Jamal Murray are eligible for new contracts, and they may have to move on from Porter Jr. as a result.