NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 most puzzling contract decisions

2. Cavaliers sign Kyle Korver to three-years, $21 million guaranteed

Kyle Korver is one of the best shooters ever and playing with LeBron James gives him the best looks he’s ever had. He shot 48.5 percent from 3 after being acquired from the Hawks last year. The thing that makes this deal cringe-worthy is Korver’s age. He is 36 and has slipped noticeably, which is why he came cheap. But to guarantee Korver money until he is almost 40 will make this deal look poor before it’s over.

Korver, once a capable defender, has slipped as he has aged. He should almost exclusively be used defensively on small forwards at this point. Korver’s jump shot will always be an asset, but that is about all he brings to the table at this point. He struggled in the playoffs this year as shots were harder to come by, and those postseason looks won’t get easier as the miles add up. He could have moments for the Cavaliers yet, but won’t really move the needle much at this point.

If LeBron James stays in Cleveland, then this deal won’t haunt the Cavaliers beyond the luxury tax payments. Korver will fill the same role Mike Miller and James Jones have carved out alongside LeBron. But if LeBron leaves and the Cavaliers are forced to pay Korver when they need flexibility to re-tool, then this deal really stings.  In one way or another, this contract will end up costing the Cavaliers in the future.