NBA Free Agency: Ranking the Worst Deals from Day 1 of Free Agency

Yesterday marked the beginning of the NBA's free agency period, and nearly 50 contracts worth a total of more than $3 billion were agreed. Needless to say, this was an NBA record, and the flurry of deals provided an exciting evening for basketball fans.

When casting an eye over the early free agency deals, there is a lot to like, however, there were also a few nightmarish contracts handed out. So, here are our picks for the worst moves from Day 1 of free agency.

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#4 Nikola Vucevic: Four-year, $100 million deal with the Orlando Magic

Nikola Vucevic will now spend his peak years with the Orlando Magic

Nikola Vucevic enjoyed a career-year with the Orlando Magic, averaging 20.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, while also making his first All-Star appearance.

However, the Montenegrin disappeared during the first-round playoff defeat to the Raptors, and for a team focused on youth, it makes little sense to tie up $100 million on a big who will soon turn 29.

Re-signing Vucevic also ends any possibility that Mo Bamba will fulfill his promise with the Magic.

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#3 DeAndre Jordan: Four-year, $40 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets

DeAndre Jordan is following Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to the Nets

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are linking up with the Brooklyn Nets, and they will be joined by DeAndre Jordan. The former All-Star was among the most in-demand bigs on the market as most teams believed he was available on a cheap deal.

However, the Nets didn't get the message, as the franchise signed the soon-to-be 31-year-old to a four-year $40 million deal. Admittedly, KD and Kyrie took less so Jordan could join, however, the center's impact has continued to dwindle in recent years, and it's difficult to see how his game will fit with the Nets' style of play.

#2 Trevor Ariza: Two-year, $25 million deal with the Sacramento Kings

Trevor Ariza struggled for form during the 18-19 season

Ahead of free agency, Trevor Ariza was linked with a move to the likes of the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers. A one-year deal with either contender seemed like a perfect fit for the veteran, however, the Sacramento Kings emerged out of nowhere to sign Ariza to a two-year $25 million deal.

Ariza represented both the Suns and Wizards during the 18-19 season, averaging 12.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. But, the veteran shot under 40% from the field and his performances failed to match the same heights as his spell with the Rockets.

Ariza turned 34 earlier this year and it is worth noting that Phoenix's attempt to add him to their young roster last season was a resounding failure. A similar outcome can be expected in Sacramento.

#1 Terry Rozier: Three-year, $58 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets

Terry Rozier is perhaps the biggest winner of free agency, although the Hornets are the biggest losers

In the build-up to free agency, it was difficult to pinpoint how much interest Terry Rozier would command. The young point guard was outstanding during the 2018 playoffs, however, his time in Boston was mostly underwhelming.

However, desperate to replace the outgoing Kemba Walker, the Charlotte Hornets moved quickly, signing Rozier to a three-year $58 million deal.

The decision to pay the unpredictable, and often problematic, backup point guard almost $20 million a season for three years already appears to be one of the worst decisions in free agency history. It is also an especially infuriating move as the Hornets were unwilling to provide Kemba Walker with the deal that he deserved.

Anyway, the Hornets now possess one of the worst starting point guards in the NBA, and the franchise looks doomed for the foreseeable future.