NBA free agency: Worst contracts of 2016

10. Jamal Crawford – Clippers (3 years, $42 million)

Anyone who says that Jamal Crawford hasn’t been an integral part of the Los Angeles Clippers rise to prominence in recent years hasn’t been using their eyes. Though the big three in the starting lineup is obviously huge for the Clippers, Crawford’s ability to alleviate pressure on the reserves with his instant offense off of the bench and ability to create for himself has been of paramount importance. That being said, he’s been less of the player in a highly apparent way over the past two seasons, which is why this $14 million per year contract is so appalling.

As we’ll touch on later as well, one of the chief goals of this Clippers team coming into the season should’ve been to make sure they improve their bench and to not in essence stand pat while key Western Conference contenders are improving. That’s exactly what they did, though, and signing Crawford is a huge sign of that.

Despite the immense talent of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan, the window for those three in Los Angeles is closing quicker than many may realize and signing Crawford only puts another hand pushing that window down. He’s well past his best years as even a sixth man and his production is evidence of that. So to sign him to this contract that not only pays him so much but also locks him up until he’s 39 years old just seems asinine.

Next: No. 9 Jeff Green