We’ve spent the last month and a half evaluating the best and the worst of this year’s free agent deals, but there’s another series of big-money contracts going into effect this season that have been somewhat overlooked during that time.
Eight players signed contract extensions in 2017 that will begin in 2018/19, as our 2017 extension tracker shows. Those players are as follows:
Russell Westbrook (Thunder): Five years, $206,794,070- Joel Embiid (Sixers): Five years, $147,710,050
- Andrew Wiggins (Timberwolves): Five years, $147,710,050
- Gary Harris (Nuggets): Four years, $74,000,000
- T.J. Warren (Suns): Four years, $47,000,000
- Robert Covington (Sixers): Four years, $46,879,127
- Norman Powell (Raptors): Four years, $41,965,056
- Josh Richardson (Heat): Four years, $41,965,056
All of these extensions were completed in September, October, or November of 2017, meaning they’re less than a year old. Nonetheless, it’s fascinating to consider how differently many of them look now, as opposed to when they signed.
Powell, for instance, took a step backward last year for the Raptors, posting new career lows in PPG (5.5), FG% (.401), and 3PT% (.285), among other categories. Now, a signing that initially looked like a savvy move to lock up a promising young wing seems like it could become an albatross.
On the other hand, Richardson – who signed the same deal as Powell – improved his stock in 2017/18, starting 81 games for the Heat and averaging 12.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 2.9 APG with a .451/.378/.845 shooting line. Richardson looks like a key piece in Miami going forward, and the team looks smart for having extended him early.
The pair of Sixers extensions appear more team-friendly now than they did 10 months ago too. Embiid is coming off a monster season in which he was able to stay on the court for most of the year, and his deal includes some injury protection if the 76ers need it. As for Covington, his extension was technically worth $60MM because he was able to renegotiate a big raise on his 2017/18 salary. Now that the new years are taking effect though, the $46.9MM price tag for the next four seasons looks even more manageable.
What do you think? Which of the 2017 contract extensions taking effect this season do you think is the most team-friendly deal of the bunch?
Trade Rumors app users, click here to vote.
On the other end of the spectrum, which of these extensions is the least favorable from a team’s perspective?
Trade Rumors app users, click here to vote.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
How can it be anyone but Wiggins.
Do you even go here?
Yeah, Wiggins’ contract definitely provides the worst value, by far.
However, I actually voted Covington for providing his team with the best value. He’s a do it all, versatile 3-4, and plays extremely well on both sides of the floor. Popularity wise, he gets overshadowed by Embiid and Simmons, and they are all-star players, but Covington is the glue that helps this team win..When Covington is healthy aND playing at a high level, it takes this 76ers team to a whole different level..
Embiid is making his contract look very cheap indeed.