In the NBA’s intense arena, players often chase bigger paydays, believing they can secure even better deals. However, for some, this gamble backfires spectacularly. Let’s explore the stories of 15 NBA stars who turned down significant contracts and learned that sometimes the best offer is the one on the table.
Latrell Sprewell
When the Timberwolves offered Sprewell $21 million over three years in 2004, he declined. He claimed it wasn’t enough to “feed his family.” What followed? No offers. Sprewell’s career ended shortly after, and fans were left to wonder what it would have been like if he hadn’t balked at the big bucks.
Nerlens Noel
In 2017, Noel rejected a $70 million deal from the Mavericks and opted to prove his worth in a one-year contract. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistent play tore down his market value. Instead of earning a max deal, he struggled to secure even modest agreements in the following years.
Dennis Schröder
In February 2021, the Lakers approached Schröder’s representatives about a potential extension, but they opted to wait until he became a free agent. Turning down an $84 million offer from the Lakers, Schröder believed he could command a nine-figure payday. The result? He signed with Boston for $5.9 million instead.
DeMarcus Cousins
Boogie Cousins was a dominant force, but injuries derailed his momentum. In 2018, he turned down a two-year, $40 million deal from the Pelicans because he believed he’d cash in later. On the contrary, health issues led him to settle for a $5 million one-year contract with Golden State.
James Harden
James Harden’s pursuit of glory turned into a financial misstep when he rejected a two-year, $103 million extension with the Rockets in 2020. Hoping for a bigger payday, he later declined a three-year, $161 million offer from the Nets, ultimately signing a lesser two-year, $68.6 million deal with the 76ers.
Isaiah Thomas
Once a near-MVP with the Celtics, Thomas passed on extending his contract in the summer of 2017, betting he’d secure a massive deal after leading Boston deep into the playoffs. But a devastating hip injury changed everything and forced him into minimum contracts after rejecting what could’ve been his career payday.
Shabazz Muhammad
After a decent season with the Timberwolves, Muhammad turned down a four-year, $40 million offer, convinced he could fetch more. Instead, he found himself without any offers and returned with the Wolves for a minimum deal, which marked a swift decline from his earlier expectations.
Bonzi Wells
Wells shone in the playoffs with the Kings and averaged 23.2 points and 12 rebounds. However, he declined a five-year, $36 million contract, hoping for a more lucrative offer. He ended up with a mere two-year, $5 million deal with the Rockets that led to a steep decline in his career.
Joe Smith
Drafted No. 1 in 1995, Smith was expected to cash in on a major contract. In 1997, the Warriors offered Smith an 80 million dollar contract extension over six years, which he rejected for free agency. His career became less prestigious when that didn’t happen, with controversies and short stints with various teams.
Donatas Motiejūnas
The promising big man, Donatas Motiejūnas, fumbled a $37 million deal with the Nets in 2016 due to contract disputes with the Rockets. The failed negotiations led to him becoming an unrestricted free agent, signing for much less with the Pelicans, a costly mistake he likely regrets.
Victor Oladipo
After rejecting a whooping 112 million extension from the Pacers, Victor Oladipo’s confidence in his recovery was shattered by recurring injuries. He later turned down a two-year, $45 million offer from the Rockets. He’s back with the Heat on a veteran minimum deal, starkly contrasting his earlier expectations.
Michael Beasley
Beasley was always a wildcard. The Miami Heat selected him second overall in 2008, but he passed on an extension after his rookie season. However, inconsistent performances and off-court issues, including legal troubles and substance abuse, led to multiple brief tenures with different teams that prevented him from securing a major deal.
J.R. Smith
J.R. Smith, drafted 18th overall by the New Orleans Hornets in 2004, passed on a four-year, $24 million contract extension with the Knicks in 2013. Known for his streaky shooting, he won an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016 but complained about missing the opportunity for long-term financial security.
John Amaechi
In 2000, a six-year, $17 million contract from the Lakers slipped away when John Amaechi chose loyalty over financial gain. Rather, he re-signed with the Magic for just $600,000. This costly decision ultimately limited his earnings and served as a cautionary tale about missed opportunities in the NBA.
O.J. Mayo
Previously hailed as a future superstar, Mayo had his moments but never fully capitalized on them. After rejecting a 3-year, $24M Mavs deal in 2013, his marketability dropped drastically. Eventually, off-court issues led to a two-year ban from the NBA, ending any hope of reclaiming a significant payday.
15 NBA Players Who Fumbled Big Money Contracts