Top 10 NBA Free Agents Most Likely To Disappoint Their New Teams

There’s nothing quite like getting that shiny new toy you’ve wanted so badly only to find out it’s actually pretty boring or not as cool as you originally thought.

That’s kind of like NBA free agency in 2016, where billions of dollars will be doled out, most of which into the trash.

Players officially can begin negotiating contracts with new teams on July 1, so in honor of the next bad contract we predicted 10 free agents who likely will disappoint their new teams.

Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks
Horford is an injury waiting to happen, as evidenced by the multiple problems he’s had throughout his career. He’s also 30 and his next contract likely will take him through his age 34 or 35 season. There’s nothing worse than an overpaid, declining big man.

Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets
Howard’s numbers (13.7 points, 11.8 rebounds) were the worst of his career last season. He’ll demand a max contract, and he simply isn’t worth it anymore. In 2004, Erick Dampier signed a seven-year, $70 million contract at age 28 and then averaged 6.1 points and 7.1 rebounds over the life of it. If Howard gets a four-year max deal, it might be even worse.

Harrison Barnes, Golden State Warriors
Here’s the thing: Barnes is a very good player, and the 24-year-old still has room to grow. But teams will try to pry him away from Golden State with a max contract expecting him to be the guy. He wasn’t at North Carolina, where he was the No. 1 recruit in the country, and he hasn’t become that in Golden State. Getting his own team won’t change that.

Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls
See Horford, Al and Howard, Dwight. The Washington Wizards reportedly are considering offering Noah a max deal. Why are people so dumb?

Jared Sullinger, Boston Celtics
Everyone thought he was a steal when the Celtics drafted him 21st overall in 2012. Now, it’s obvious that’s exactly where he should have gone. Sullinger just had his best season heading into restricted free agency, but he’s an overweight, underachieving player best suited for a bottom rotational role. If a team is silly enough to try to price him out of the Celtics’ comfort zone, they’d be smart to let him walk.

Brandon Jennings, Orlando Magic
He’s a mid-tier point guard that’s never averaged 20 points on a bunch of bad teams, and he’s already had major surgery on his legs. Pass.

Matthew Dellavedova, Cleveland Cavaliers
Believe it or not, Delly probably is going to be overpaid by someone. He’s nothing more than a mediocre backup point guard best suited in an agitator role. The Milwaukee Bucks reportedly are interested, and the Cavs almost certainly will let them have him.

Rajon Rondo, Sacramento Kings
Rondo is a four-time All-Star and deserved every one of those appearances, but he’s best suited in an environment with clear leaders, alpha dogs and best players in place. If you bring Rondo in to be one of those things, you’re going to be disappointed, as evidenced by his post-Kevin Garnett/Paul Pierce Celtics era, his stint with the Dallas Mavericks and last season with the Sacramento Kings.

Jeff Green, Los Angeles Clippers
Green might be the most frustrating player in the NBA. He’s always had an incredible amount of God-given talent and athleticism, but constantly takes plays off and just doesn’t try. His inconsistency could get the most patient coach or fan base to rip their hair out, and he’ll likely command a price tag that is far too rich for what he provides.

Lance Stephenson, Memphis Grizzlies
Another talented player who can’t consistently perform. His best seasons were a few years ago while surrounded by a great team and a terrific coach in Indiana. He probably won’t get overpaid, but even a cheaper contract might not be worth the hassle.