NBA 2018/19: 3 of the best contracts from around the league

It is no understatement to say that the NBA is full of overvalued contracts. During the 2015 and 2016 off-seasons, a huge number of teams in the league appeared to go crazy and handed out mega-deals to average players, who had little chance of ever developing into a player that deserved a near max deal.

Due to this, a number of franchises are stuck in a state of limbo while they wait for these huge deals to expire, and teams have since become increasingly reluctant to offer players a big payday. This has caused a number of high profile names to take on smaller paydays in the last 12 months, and here we will look at three of the best contracts from around the NBA.

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#3 Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade returned to the Miami Heat in early 2018, after stints in Cleveland and Chicago

After the Cleveland Cavaliers committed a huge overhaul to their roster back in February of 2018, Wade was told that his role would be greatly reduced for the remainder of the season. The Cavs eventually traded him back to the Miami Heat before the trade deadline, and Wade went on to reach the playoffs with the team that drafted him back in 2003.

Wade was expected to retire over the summer, although in September, the 36-year-old opted to sign a veteran-minimum deal worth $2.4 million. The 12-time All-Star also declared his intention to retire at the end of the current season, however, Wade has still given his all to the team and remains one of the best-valued players in the NBA.

The shooting guard has embraced his role of leading from the bench, and he is currently averaging 13.9 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. Despite Wade's great contribution, the Miami Heat look as though they will struggle to make the postseason, and the Heat's future doesn't look bright without one of their greatest players of all time.

#2 Derrick Rose

The 2011 MVP has been terrific for the Minnesota Timberwolves this season

Derrick Rose has had well-documented problems both on and off the court over the last few years, although the 18/19 NBA season is proving to be a remarkable season for the 30-year-old. During the first half of the season, Rose has averaged 18.9 points and 4.8 assists per game while shooting a career-high .468 from beyond the arc. These stats are even more the impressive, as Rose has continued to be used from the bench, and is playing less than 30 minutes per night.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are paying Rose just $2.2 million for the season, and the franchise was unwilling to offer him a longer deal in the summer, due to doubts over his long-term fitness. This decision could come back to hurt the franchise, as Rose has proved to be one of the biggest steals of the season, and he will surely command a bigger salary next year.

#1 JaVale McGee

JaVale McGee has played a major role in the Los Angeles Lakers' early season success

The Lakers as an organisation were not fully sold on the prospect of adding JaVale McGee in the 2018 off-season, although the team eventually signed the veteran to a one-year $2.4 million deal after LeBron James personally campaigned for the Lakers to sign him.

Despite many Lakers fans being sceptical of McGee's addition, the 30-year-old has arguably been the team's second best player after James. The center has contributed well at both ends, and he is currently averaging 11.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.

The veteran has also provided vital experience to the Lakers young locker room, as McGee played a part in the Golden State Warriors' recent back-to-back Championship wins. Thanks to his impressive performances, Magic Johnson and the Lakers will be keen to tie McGee down to a longer contract, although the former Wizards man may opt for a bigger payday elsewhere.