Every NBA Team's Most Overpaid Player For The 2024-25 Season

As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, every team boasts at least one player who might be overpaid taking into account their talents and impact. While it is seldom a player’s fault for being overpaid because they simply accept the offer presented to them, there are some NBA players whose production has dipped since signing a large contract and we have made sure to name them accordingly. After seeing the most underpaid player on every roster in 2024-25 , it is time to find out who the most overpaid player for each NBA team is this season.

Atlanta Hawks - Clint Capela ($22,265,280)

Clint Capela is a solid defensive presence and a proficient rebounder for the Atlanta Hawks , averaging 11.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game during the 2023-24 season. However, his offensive limitations and inconsistent performances in critical moments have raised questions about his value relative to his salary. While Capela's contributions on the defensive end cannot be understated, his lack of offensive versatility and struggles with free-throw shooting make his $22 million salary seem excessive, especially considering the Hawks' need for more scoring from their frontcourt.

Boston Celtics - Kristaps Porzingis ($29,268,293)

Kristaps Porzingis was critical for the Boston Celtics to win the NBA championship in 2023-24, posting 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in the regular season and 12.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in the playoffs. The reason the Latvian is overpaid is that his injury history is more than concerning, as he only appeared in seven playoff games this year and played at least 65 games only three times in his career. For a player who isn’t an All-Star who is constantly injured, Porzingis is overpaid even if he is a key player for the reigning NBA champions.

Brooklyn Nets - Ben Simmons ($40,338,144)

Ben Simmons remains one of the most polarizing figures in the NBA. Despite his exceptional defensive skills and playmaking ability, his offensive shortcomings and health issues have made his $40 million salary difficult to justify. Simmons' scoring average dropped to 6.1 points per game in the 2023-24 season, and his reluctance to shoot from beyond the arc continues to hamper the Nets' offensive spacing. While his defensive versatility is valuable, the lack of offensive development has frustrated fans and analysts alike.

Charlotte Hornets - Grant Williams ($13,025,250)

Grant Williams provides the Charlotte Hornets with defensive tenacity and a decent three-point shot, averaging 10.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in 2023-24. However, his $13 million salary is steep for a role player who hasn't consistently impacted games at both ends of the floor. Williams' offensive game remains limited, and while his defensive capabilities are notable, they do not entirely justify his salary, particularly for a team that needs more dynamic scoring options.

Chicago Bulls - Lonzo Ball ($21,395,348)

Lonzo Ball's situation is a complicated one for the Chicago Bulls. Once viewed as a transformative player with his exceptional passing and defensive prowess, Ball's recurring knee injuries have severely limited his contributions on the court. He has unfortunately missed two straight seasons with a knee injury, which makes his $21 million salary particularly burdensome for the Bulls, who are struggling to maintain competitiveness in the Eastern Conference. Even if Ball is healthy (despite playing 252 total games in seven seasons), he might not be on the level of a player who deserves over $20 million because

Cleveland Cavaliers - Max Strus ($15,212,068)

Max Strus signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers with the expectation of providing perimeter shooting and floor spacing. However, his performance in the 2023-24 season has not lived up to the $15 million salary, as he averaged 12.2 points while shooting 35.1% from three-point range. Strus' inconsistency and defensive liabilities have made it difficult for him to justify his paycheck, particularly on a team with playoff aspirations.

Dallas Mavericks - Maxi Kleber ($11,000,000)

For the Dallas Mavericks , who are building around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, every dollar counts in assembling a competitive supporting cast. Kleber's contract, while not exorbitant, limits the Mavericks' ability to invest in more dynamic or reliable contributors. The big man averaged 4,4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in 2023-24 but the team's Finals run highlighted the need for more consistent production from their role players because they could not compete with the stacked Celtics.

Denver Nuggets - Michael Porter Jr. ($35,859,950)

Michael Porter Jr. is a gifted scorer, capable of putting up points in bunches thanks to his size and shooting touch. However, his $35 million salary becomes problematic considering his defensive weaknesses and injury history. In the 2023-24 season, Porter Jr. averaged 16.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game but his numbers slightly dipped to 15.8 points per game in the playoffs. His inconsistency on defense doesn't mean Porter Jr is a bad player by any means but he will be paid on the level of the top players in the NBA.

Detroit Pistons - Tim Hardaway Jr. ($16,193,183)

Tobias Harris might be an obvious choice because he will make over $25 million next season, but Tim Hardaway Jr. is a player who is far less productive making only $9 million less. Hardaway Jr. only posted 4.4 points per game in the playoffs for the Mavericks and the team somehow was able to overcome that to make the NBA Finals. The Pistons are tanking so they won’t be too concerned the shooting guard is the second-highest-paid player on the team. Luckily for them, Hardaway Jr. will be a free agent after next season.

Related: 2025 NBA Free Agent Class Ranked In Tiers

Golden State Warriors - Andrew Wiggins ($26,276,786)

Draymond Green might come to mind considering he is making $24,107,143 next season, but he will always be an impact player defensively and with his leadership. Most of what Draymond does cannot appear on the stat sheet, whereas Andrew Wiggins’ impact comes and goes. Wiggins played a crucial role in the Golden State Warriors' success during their 2022 championship run, providing defense and timely scoring. However, his $26 million salary is steep for a player whose production can be inconsistent. In the 2023-24 season, Wiggins averaged 13.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, which, while solid, does not fully justify his high salary, especially with his streaky shooting performances.

Houston Rockets - Fred VanVleet ($42,846,615)

Fred VanVleet is not a bad player at all and has helped change the culture in Houston but the fact that he is getting paid more than Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown means he is overpaid. VanVleet’s floor leadership is commendable as he posted 17.4 points and 8.1 assists per game but any player making at least $40 million will have to be a top-15 player at least which VanVleet isn’t. Still, the Rockets had plenty of cap space before the 2022-23 season and it won’t affect them much going forward.

Indiana Pacers - Obi Toppin ($12,975,000)

Obi Toppin was brought to the Pacers to provide athleticism and energy, but his $12 million salary seems excessive for his current level of production. Toppin averaged 10.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, showing flashes of potential but struggling with consistency. His impact on the game is often limited to highlight-reel plays rather than sustained contributions so until he can take his level up, he might be slightly overpaid although the Pacers have done well with their salary cap.

Los Angeles Clippers - PJ Tucker ($11,539,000)

PJ Tucker brings toughness and defensive grit to any team he joins, but at 39 years old, his $11 million salary is hard to justify. Tucker averaged 1.7 points and 2.7 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, contributing more through his intangibles and veteran presence than statistical production. While his leadership and experience are valuable, the Clippers' financial commitment to him seems excessive given his declining physical capabilities.

Los Angeles Lakers - Rui Hachimura ($17,000,000)

Rui Hachimura showed promise with his scoring ability and physical presence for the Los Angeles Lakers , but his $17 million salary raises eyebrows given his inconsistency. Hachimura averaged 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, displaying flashes of potential but also enduring periods of underwhelming performance. While his size and skill set are valuable, his salary reflects expectations he has yet to consistently meet.

Memphis Grizzlies - Brandon Clarke ($12,500,000)

Brandon Clarke is a high-energy player who brings hustle and defensive versatility to the Grizzlies. However, his $12.5 million salary appears high considering his production, as he averaged 11.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in only six appearances last season before an injury ended his run. Clarke's offensive game remains limited, and his injury history (243 career games in five seasons) further complicates his value proposition for Memphis who want to continue to rise in the Western Conference and eventually look to make the NBA Finals.

Miami Heat - Terry Rozier ($24,924,126)

Terry Rozier was acquired by the Miami Heat to bolster their backcourt scoring, but his nearly $25 million salary appears excessive. Rozier averaged 19.8 points and 5.6 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, but his numbers were 16.4 points and 4.6 assists per game on 42.3% from the field with the Heat before missing the postseason with injury. While his ability to create his own shot is valuable, his defensive shortcomings and streaky shooting make his high salary difficult to justify.

Milwaukee Bucks - Khris Middleton ($31,666,667)

Khris Middleton has been a key player for the Milwaukee Bucks , providing scoring and playmaking alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, his $31 million salary is significant, especially considering his injury history and declining production. Middleton averaged 15.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, showing signs of decline in efficiency and defensive prowess.

Minnesota Timberwolves - Rudy Gobert ($43,827,586)

Rudy Gobert is a four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner and one of the most dominant paint protectors of all time. Even if his toughness and lack of offensive ability get highlighted more often than not, Gobert is an impact player who posted 14.0 points and 12.9 rebounds per game in 2023-24. At the same time, he is overpaid because making over $40 million means he is the highest-paid player on the roster ahead of Anthony Edwards and that shouldn’t be the case.

New Orleans Pelicans - Zion Williamson ($36,725,670)

Obviously, if Zion Williamson was not often injured and living up to his potential, he might be underpaid. Rather, the big man played at least 65 games once in his career and it came in 2023-24 when he averaged 22.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. No surprise, Zion was absent in the postseason due to injuries and that led to the Pelicans getting swept in the first round. The Pelicans continue to pay Zion max money without him being healthy and that has to mean the player is being overpaid. Unfortunately, he might continue being overpaid unless he can magically remain healthy.

New York Knicks - Mitchell Robinson ($14,318,182)

Mitchell Robinson is a defensive anchor for the Knicks, known for his shot-blocking and rebounding. However, his $14 million salary seems high for a player with limited offensive impact. Robinson averaged 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game in 31 appearances last season, showcasing his defensive prowess but also highlighting his offensive limitations and injury concerns.

Oklahoma City Thunder - Isaiah Hartenstein ($30,450,000)

Isaiah Hartenstein's contract with the Thunder is a major surprise, considering his role as a backup center. With a $30 million salary, Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points and 8,3 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, numbers that do not justify such a hefty contract. While he provides energy and solid interior defense, his offensive game is limited, but the Thunder paid a hefty premium to make sure size won't be a problem for them in 2024-25.

Orlando Magic - Jonathan Isaac ($25,000,000)

Nobody can give a definitive answer as to whether Jonathan Isaac can remain healthy for the long term, but he was given an extension this summer that will pay him $15 million per season until 2028-29. That contract could end up being a great one if Isaac can remain on the court, but so far, the forward has only played 205 games in seven seasons which is almost catastrophically bad. However, Isaac did average 6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season while playing high-level defense so there is hope he can be an impact player for the Magic going forward.

Philadelphia 76ers - Paul George ($49,205,800)

Paul George remains an elite two-way player, but his $49 million salary ties him for the sixth-highest in the league, raising eyebrows because there is a reason why the Los Angeles Clippers let him walk for free because a decline in his production is expected over the next few seasons. In the 2023-24 season, George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, but his injury history and age are significant concerns. While his talent is undeniable, the 76ers could be in trouble because they are paying Joel Embiid and George max money and both are incredibly unreliable when it comes to remaining on the court.

Phoenix Suns - Bradley Beal ($50,203,930)

Bradley Beal's scoring ability is well-known, but his $50 million salary places immense pressure on the Suns' cap space. Beal averaged 18.2 points and 5.0 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, but his defensive liabilities and injury history make his contract a significant concern. While Beal's offensive prowess is valuable, the Suns need more balanced contributions to complement their core of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. If Beal averages less than 20 points per game once again, they will go on to regret trading for the former All-Star shooting guard who is on the decline right now.

Portland Trail Blazers - Deandre Ayton ($34,005,126)

Deandre Ayton is only 26 years old and has a solid interior presence when it comes to scoring and rebounding, but he isn’t impactful enough to be a franchise player making over $30 million. There is a reason why the Phoenix Suns decided to trade Ayton and the Portland Trail Blazers could be looking for a new suitor for him as well. Ayton averaged 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game last year but that doesn’t take away the fact that he is overpaid.

Sacramento Kings - Kevin Huerter ($16,830,357)

The Kings are building around De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, and every financial commitment is needed to support their ascent in the Western Conference. Kevin Huerter provides shooting and spacing for the Kings, but his $16 million salary seems high given his inconsistent production. Huerter averaged 10.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, struggling with efficiency at times (36.1% 3-PT FG) considering he is known to be a shooter.

San Antonio Spurs - Zach Collins ($16,741,200)

Zach Collins' contract with the Spurs is a bit of a head-scratcher, given his injury history and inconsistent production. Collins averaged 11.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, showing flashes of potential but also struggling to be impactful enough. His $16 million salary is significant for a player who has yet to establish himself as a reliable and consistent contributor whether he starts or comes off the bench.

Toronto Raptors - Bruce Brown ($23,000,000)

Bruce Brown is a versatile defender and capable playmaker, but his $23 million salary is a significant overpayment for his level of production. Brown averaged 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, providing valuable intangibles but not enough to justify such a high salary. The Raptors felt that Brown would reach another level following his championship run with the Denver Nuggets in 2023 but that never proved to be the case.

Utah Jazz - John Collins ($26,580,000)

John Collins provides athleticism and scoring for the Jazz, but his $26 million salary is steep given his inconsistent production and defensive limitations. Collins averaged 15.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, showing offensive potential but also struggling with efficiency and defensive assignments. Collins is certainly a serviceable scorer and rebounder but earning $26 million means he should be a fringe All-Star which he simply isn't.

Washington Wizards - Jordan Poole ($30,151,786)

Jordan Poole was expected to bring scoring and playmaking to the Wizards following his ugly exit from the Golden State Warriors, but his $30 million salary is substantial for his current level of production. Poole averaged 17.4 points and 4.4 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, but his inefficiency and defensive shortcomings raise questions about his value. Poole isn't a franchise player despite getting paid like one and that is another example of how poor the Wizards franchise is operating right now.

Related: 15 NBA Stars Waiting For Massive Contract Extensions

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