In the fast-paced world of NBA contracts, some players have made decisions that cost them millions. Here’s a look at the top bag fumbles of the past decade:
6. Donatas Motiejūnas (2016)
Donatas Motiejūnas had a promising start with a four-year, $37 million offer from the Brooklyn Nets, matched by the Houston Rockets for $31 million. He turned down physicals and ended up with a $1.5 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, missing out on $35+ million.
5. Shabazz Muhammad (2017)
After rejecting a potential $40 million extension with the Timberwolves, Muhammad signed a minimum-salary contract and played minimal minutes, ending up with Milwaukee and out of the league without a significant payday.
4. Montrezl Harrell (2020)
Coming off a stellar season, Harrell declined a larger offer from Charlotte, instead opting for the Lakers’ $19 million deal. His tenure saw mixed results, and he has since earned around $25 million, potentially missing out on an $80 million payday.
3. Dennis Schröder (2021)
Schröder declined a $84 million extension with the Lakers, eventually signing for $5.9 million with the Celtics. After subsequent contracts totaling $34 million, he lost out on a massive long-term deal.
2. Nerlens Noel (2017)
Noel turned down a $70 million offer from the Mavericks, took the $4.2 million qualifying offer, and ended up with much smaller deals in subsequent years, a big drop from what he could have earned.
1. James Harden (2021-2024)
Harden declined a $161 million extension with the Nets, aiming for a $227 million deal later. He settled for a much lower contract with the 76ers due to market dynamics, losing over $60 million in potential earnings.
These players each made decisions that impacted their financial futures significantly, highlighting the high-stakes nature of NBA contract negotiations.
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