Ranking the 10 worst contracts in NBA history

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 28: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards warms up before a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 28, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

1. John Wall (4 years, $171 million)

Surprise, the Wizards appear on this list one more time. Washington drafted John Wall first overall in the 2010 NBA Draft. After coming off of a few seasons in a row with averages around 20 points and 10 assists per game, he had established himself as one of the best points guards in the league and a fan favorite.

Washington desperately wanted to keep the superstar around, so they inked a massive four-year, $171 million deal. Like others on this list, Wall started to run into chronic injury issues, missing about half of the next two seasons and the 2019-20 season completely. However, in December 2020, the Wizards dealt Wall, and 2023 lottery-protected first-round pick, to the Houston Rockets for Russell Westbrook.

Still plagued by injuries, Wall sat out the 2021-22 season with Houston, before being bought out. He signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he’s been operating under limited minutes. Wall remains one of the most talented point guards in the game, but after not having made it more than 41 games since the 2016-17 season, it’s easy to see how this contract can only be seen as a major failure.

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