who have three players in the top seven highest-paid for the 2024–25 season, the Blazers only have one: Deandre Ayton.
Ayton signed a five-year, $180 million contract with the Blazers in the summer of 2023. At the time, it seemed like a reasonable deal for a young center with a lot of potential. However, Ayton’s production has not matched his salary.
In the 2023–24 season, Ayton averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds per game. While these are solid numbers, they are not exactly what you would expect from a player making $36 million per year. Ayton’s lack of offensive development and inconsistency on the defensive end have raised questions about his value to the team.
The Blazers are now stuck with a hefty contract for a player who may not be living up to his potential. Ayton’s future in Portland is uncertain, as the team may look to trade him in order to shed salary and bring in new talent.
In conclusion, bad contracts in the NBA are a reality that teams have to deal with. While some players may be overpaid based on their production, it is ultimately up to the teams to make the best decisions for their future. As we have seen with players like Tobias Harris, Kevin Durant, and Deandre Ayton, big contracts can sometimes lead to big disappointments.
