NBA Free Agency 2011: Tyson Chandler and the 5 Most Overpaid Free Agents

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The 2011 free agency class is getting paid like the 2010 free agency class, and I have a big problem with it.

Teams will invest these enormous amounts of money into players, only to complain when the player later fizzles out.

No team should pay anyone who averages less than 10 points per game $15 million per year. If you ride the bench the entire season, no $3 million contact.

Come on, GMs, let's stop this now!

5) Marcus Thornton

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Marcus Thornton is a baller and that is understood. I think he will have a bright future in Sacramento. That said, I still think the Kings paid too much cash way too early in Thornton's career.

Teams get into too much trouble financially banking on player's potential, and the Kings are the last team who need more financial woes.

A salary of $8 million per year for the next five years for a guy who can walk the streets of Sacramento unnoticed is pretty steep.

4) Daequan Cook

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Small-market teams complain about losing money yet continue to overpay their bench warmers.

Daequan Cook might hit a three-pointer every now and then, but no one is rushing to bring him in.

The Oklahoma City Thunder said we will not only bring you BACK, but we will pay you $3.5 million this year for your services.

I wish I could ride the bench for $3.5 million.

3) Caron Butler

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Caron Butler can be a stud on the basketball court at times. Three years ago, this would have been a great signing, but now it's just a waste.

We've been begging the L.A. Clippers to spend money for years and they invest $24 million into 31-year-old Caron Butler?

What a travesty...

2) Tayshaun Prince

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Tayshaun Prince will get $27 million over the next four years to return to the Detroit Pistons.

Is this a seniority move? An annual salary of $7 million for Prince is a Christmas gift for the player. In two months, Prince will be 32.

We'll see if he earns his $7 million next season when the Pistons make the playoffs.

1) Tyson Chandler

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Tyson Chandler was a big part of the Dallas Mavericks' title run last season. He was their defense and that should not be downplayed, but the fact that he stands to make $58 million over the next four years is laughable.

Congratulations, New York Knicks, you've done it again. I can't wait to see how long it is before the Knicks are crying to get Tyson's millions off their books.

To top it off, your amnesty clause isn't an option because you used it on your legitimate point guard, Chauncey Billups.

 

Good luck, New York.

 

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