Gauging the value of NBA contracts is complex. The value of contracts is constantly changing based on player performance, league trends, and the fluctuating cap. Many factors determine bad value contracts. Including the length of the agreement, the player’s overall impact, age, injury history, and how it compares to other contracts around the league.

Just because a player’s contract is bad value doesn’t mean that player is bad or overrated. It largely means they’re on impact doesn’t warrant the salary. Here is every Eastern Conference team’s worst-value contract.

Every Eastern Conference Team’s Worst Value Contract

Part One

Atlanta Hawks: Clint Capela (Two years, $45 million)

It appears that Clint Capela isn’t a part of Atlanta’s long-term plans, with recent rumors that Atlanta is looking to trade Capela in favor of the younger big man Onyeka Okongwu. Capela is a good rim runner and rebounder. He is paid the 10th highest paid center but ultimately has a replaceable skillset. A skillset you could also find for much cheaper. Ultimately the center position is filled with so many quality role players it’s tough to commit big money to a nonstar like Capela.

Boston Celtics: Jaylen Brown (Six years, $334 million)

The Celtics recently signed Jaylen Brown to a supermax extension worth 303 million over the next five years. Including an absurd 69 million dollars in the final year of his contract. This gives Brown the largest assurance in NBA history. Boston didn’t have a choice other than to extend Brown. The top priority for the Celtics should be keeping the Tatum and Brown nucleus in place and winning a championship. However, from a value perspective, this contract is still an overpay. Brown is a great two-way wing but is the clear number two on this Celtics roster. Giving him the largest contract in league history doesn’t match his value as the second-best player on the team and maybe the 20th-best player in the league.

Brooklyn Nets: Ben Simmons (Two years, $78 million)

The mysterious decline of Ben Simmons has been one of the weirder stories in recent history. Simmons went from one of the most promising young stars to a guy struggling to get consistent minutes. He is unable to make the same positive all-around impact he did in Philadelphia. Simmons’ time with Brooklyn has been marred with injuries, a clear loss of confidence, along with serious questions surrounding his character and work ethic. As things currently stand, this is one of the worst contracts in the league. However, if Simmons can return to the player he once was this contract won’t look as bad.

Charlotte Hornets: Gordon Hayward (One year, $31 million)

Gordon Hayward’s time with the Hornets has been filled with injuries, and at 33, his play has declined. Even putting injuries aside, this contract doesn’t match Hayward’s production. With old age and injuries, Hayward doesn’t fit Charlotte’s timeline. The good news for the Hornets is there’s one year left. This gives the Hornets the option to package Hayward as an expiring deal in a trade or wait for him to be off the books and open up cap space next off-season.

Chicago Bulls: Zach LaVine (Four years, $178 million)

Zach LaVine is an extremely talented player, but this is a gross overpay. LaVine can score in bunches and is an elite athlete. But over the past 5 years, he hasn’t developed as a defender or playmaker. LaVine has yet to contribute to winning a basketball and at 27, that’s a concern. Ultimately there are still a lot of questions surrounding LaVine, and that’s not someone you give a max contract to.

The Worst Contracts in the Eastern Conference

Cleveland Cavaliers: Caris LeVert (Two years, $32 million)

Caris LeVert is a talented yet streaky iso scorer. At face value, this contract isn’t that much of an overpay. But LeVert isn’t the type of complementary wing Cleveland needs. Last year it was clear LeVert wasn’t the best fit for this roster which was highlighted by inconsistent play and inability to impact the game outside of scoring. LeVert’s up-and-down season made this off-season contract surprising.

Detroit Pistons: Marvin Bagley (Two years, $25 million)

Marvin Bagley had high hopes coming into the league as the number two overall pick in 2018. Unfortunately, Bagley hasn’t panned out in his first five seasons. Bagley has struggled to find consistency on offense while being one of the league’s worst defenders. His contract isn’t huge, but Bagley gives Detroit close to no on-court value.

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