NBA 18/19: 3 worst contracts on the Phoenix Suns roster

There is no doubting the Phoenix Suns are currently undergoing a major, multi-year rebuild. After being regulars in the Playoffs for much of the early 2000s, the Suns have failed to reach the post-season since 2010. Last year, they finished with a hugely disappointing 21-61 record.

This was the worst record across the entire NBA, which marked the third consecutive season where the Suns failed to record more than 25 wins. However, some good did come out of the season, as they received the first pick of this year's Draft - used on DeAndre Ayton.

Nevertheless, despite another high draft selection, they've continued to struggle. Their 9-27 record is the second worst across the league's 30 teams. While they have moved a number of overvalued contracts this season, we will here look at the three worst deals remaining on the Suns' roster:

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#3 Josh Jackson

Jackson (no.20) in action against the San Antonio Spurs

After playing a year of college basketball with the Kansas Jayhawks, Josh Jackson was selected fourth in the 2017 NBA Draft. Being a high pick, he immediately earned a large base salary - which will continue to rise over the next few years. The 21-year-old is earning over $6m for this season and it will grow to nearly $12m in 2021, should the Suns opt to use their team option.

Jackson had a somewhat impressive first season in the NBA and was named as part of the league's All-Rookie second team. Despite this though, he has struggled during the early stages of 2018/19.

His minutes have dropped to 21.9 per game and he's averaging just 8.9 points while shooting 38% from the field. Ultimately, he's failed to consistently showcase the same potential as both Ayton and Devin Booker, so the Suns may opt against their future team options.

#2 Dragan Bender

Bender (no.35) playing a pass against the Sacramento Kings

Dragan Bender stands at over seven feet tall and is able to play both the power forward and center positions. His physical size and ability to shoot the ball made him an exciting International prospect in the 2016 NBA draft, and the Suns opted to take him with the fourth overall pick.

However, despite the huge amount of hype surrounding the big man, Bender has failed to demonstrate he can be a long-term success in the NBA. The Croatian is currently in his third season with the Suns and he's only played 11 times this term, averaging 2.1 points and 1.4 rebounds per game.

Averaging less than ten minutes per game, he has offered little in return for his $4.6m salary. His deal is set to expire next summer and the Suns are likely to let him go.

#1 Ryan Anderson

Anderson, 30, has struggled for regular minutes

Over the summer, Ryan Anderson and De'Anthony Melton were traded to the Suns in exchange for Brandon Knight and Marquese Chriss. Anderson was halfway through a four-year, $80m contract with the Houston Rockets - although the franchise quickly realised they had vastly overpaid the power forward.

The Rockets had been looking to trade Anderson for more than a year, and the Suns finally agreed a deal given their current inability to contend. Despite this, they must now pay the 30-year-old over $20m per season until 2020, and he's contributed little to the Suns while on the court.

Anderson has featured in just 15 games for the team this season, averaging 3.7 points, 3 rebounds and 1.1 assists. His three-point shooting has plummeted from 38% to a career-low 20%, and the Suns will be looking forward to the expiration of the veteran's contract.