Last night was a good night for both Stephen Curry and Blake Griffin, signing huge contracts, per ESPN. But it wasn't only a good night for them. Tony Snell, Patty Mills, Cristiano Felicio, Shaun Livingston, and Jrue Holiday have now all found themselves with large contracts as well, per ESPN. Let's break down who is worth the money, and who isn't.
Golden State Warriors resign guards
Stephen Curry has just signed the richest contract in NBA history, and this probably won't be the largest for long. The Golden State Warriors have agreed to resign Stephen Curry to a five-year $201 million dollar contract.
It is pretty bananas how out of hand the contract situation has become, but I don't hate this move by the Warriors.
Although there was no chance Steph leaves, you don't want to upset the face of your franchise, or a player who has been with you for nearly a decade. Not to mention that it was mainly on the back of his outrageous performances in the past four years that you have won a multitude of championships, and seen outrageous success. But is Curry really worth $201 million?
The Warriors made the best business decision that was available to them. It is unfortunate they have to sign him to such a large contract, but in this day and age, if they don't, someone else will. Therefore, I can't believe some people say he isn't worth it, because I guarantee you they would want their team pony up $201 million for Curry in a heartbeat.
But Curry isn't the only Golden State guard getting a contract last night. In addition, Shaun Livingston was rumored to agree to a three-year extension worth $24 million. I almost love this one more than the Curry deal, because people underestimate how good Livingston is off the bench for the Warriors. His back down turnaround jump shot is amazing.
He isn't afraid to play with his back to the basket, which is an unusual skill to find in a guard, and he would have definitely lured in offers of over $24 million. Golden State Warriors made some good deals here, despite the possible repercussions with Kevin Durant later on in the free agency period.
Pelicans backed into a corner
The New Orleans Pelicans, on the other hand, were not in a great position to resign Jrue Holiday. What I mean by this, is that they evidently overpaid him because bringing in a replacement wasn't a choice they had. With that being said, I actually am a big fan of Jrue Holiday, and I'm excited to see him participate in a full season with DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis. But it doesn't take an NBA expert to see that this is too much money for a guard who hasn't holistically proved himself. But when bringing in a replacement isn't a viable option, you take matters into your own hands and make the choice necessary to compete; so I do like this contract. But I wouldn't be surprised if they shed it in a few years if Davis or Cousins decide to leave for free agency and they go through an overhaul.
Mills headed back to San Antonio
Patty Mills has agreed to a four-year $50 million dollar extension. I hate to say it, but I do like this contract. I do find it hard pressed to believe that he could be the point guard of the future in San Antonio, but I suppose that price is better than what you would pay most starters. In addition, Mills did have a better year last season than his career averages, and the other guards aren't getting any younger. Not to mention you probably can't get that much production out of many 55th picks in the NBA draft.
The Spurs believe in their guy, and you have to respect that they're sticking with him. Morale definitely plays a large part in performance these days, despite how many NBA fans don't agree.
Overall, good extension decision by the Spurs.
Bulls bet big on big man
Cristiano Felicio and the Chicago Bulls have reached the conclusion of a four-year extension at $32 million. This is the first contract I can't see being worth it. With Jimmy Butler gone, the Bulls have to bring in someone who can score. I get that Felicio is young and can develop, but I don't think paying a big man who averaged 4.8 points and 4.7 rebounds in 15.8 minutes through 66 games is the future of your franchise.
This is also not a situation that I see the Bulls being forced into. That production is nothing to get excited about, and although Felicio would have a market, he isn't exactly someone I would be worried about seeing on another team at this asking price.
I am a fan of Felicio and his work ethic, and I suggested the Bulls keep him, but not at this price. Sorry Bulls fans, another bad move here.
Bucks spend big on Snell
And now we come to the Tony Snell contract. The Bucks have made an interesting move, to say the least, by agreeing in principle with Tony Snell to a four-year extension worth in total around $46 million. In fair play to the Bucks, there are incentives that push the contract that high, but Tony Snell averaged 8.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists through 29.2 minutes in 80 games this past season. That is by no means worth a contract of this caliber.
Even with salaries being through the roof, a replacement with that production could certainly be found for cheaper.
Or at least a replacement who is more consistent than the likes of Tony Snell. Looks like Giannis Antetokounmpo will have to wait a little longer for some assistance in Milwaukee.
Bottom line
With salaries going through the roof, you have to look at everything in a different light. These "supermax" contracts might be revolutionary right now, but soon they will be old news yet again. The main point here is you have to take a lot of factors in when judging the contracts besides solely the money. Mainly you have to factor in the cost of a replacement, not just if the current player is worth it. We are reaching a new dawn in the NBA.
