50 Fattest Contracts in NBA History

Michael Vick just inked a six-year, $100 million dollar contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles, sending the sports world into an all too familiar frenzy that ensues every time a lucrative contract is issued.

Professional athletes are notoriously known for being overpaid, a stereotype that stretches far beyond the NFL and into almost every professional sport on the planet, including the NBA. The league may not issue nine-figure contracts as frequently as the MLB, but players like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett have signed contracts guaranteeing them the type of money most us will never see in our entire lifetime.

While the NBA has been home to some bad contracts (is Gilbert Arenas blushing right now?), it has also seen its share of fair contracts, fair of course being in line with what other athletes in their sport have made, not what we as fans think are reasonable.

That being said, we are not here to discuss the bad contracts, the fair contracts or the really good contracts. We are here to take a look at the 50 fattest contracts in NBA history and who they belong to. 

Whether the players were worth the money or not, well, I'll leave that up to you.

Just to clarify, we are not focusing on salary per year, but over the life of the contract. While the term of the contract is not the main focus, if players have similar contracts in terms of dollar amount, but different years, it does affect the placement in order to avoid having an excessive number of ties.

Shawn Marion: 6 Years, $80 Million from Phoenix Suns in 2002

In 2002, the Phoenix Suns offered Shawn Marion a fat contract extension worth $80 million over six years that took effect in the 2003-2004 NBA season,

Marion, at the time, was known as one of the league's premiere defenders, and still gets some of that splash now. He is not the first name that comes to mind when you mention the word "superstar," but this contract is one of the first that does come to mind when you mention the word "lucrative."

Or in this case, "fat." 

Andre Iguodala: 6 Years, $80 Million from Philadelphia 76ers in 2008

Andre Iguodala landed himself quite the payday in 2008, signing a six-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers worth $80 million.

The plan was that he and Elton Brand could contend for championships for years to come, but that hasn't quite panned out, and now the 76ers are known to be shopping him. 

Iguodala may find it tough to leave Philadelphia, so hopefully he made a copy of this fat contract so that he could use it to comfort himself if it gets that far.  Yes, the contract is that excessively big.

David Lee: 6 Years, $80 Million from Golden State Warriors in 2010

In a sense, David Lee is the Golden State Warriors' poor Amar'e Stoudemire, having signed him to a contract via a sign and trade after the Knicks inked Dr. Swagger to a five-year deal, rendering Lee expendable.

The only problem with such a notion though is that Lee is anything but poor, having signed a fat six-year contract himself last summer. How fat? Unhealthily, bad for the heart and hips fat. Lee's deal is worth $80 million, giving him one of the largest contracts in NBA history.

Not bad for arguably the third option on offense behind Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry is it? 

Carmelo Anthony: 5 Years, $80 Million from Denver Nuggets in 2006

In 2006, when he was still rocking the cornrows, Carmelo Anthony signed a freakishly fat five-year, $80 million deal with the Denver Nuggets.

As one of the most prolific scorers the game has ever seen, Anthony was thought to be worth the money for the Nuggets. However, after forcing his way out of Denver this past season, the Nuggets may beg to differ.

Making the move to New York official, Anthony sold his mansion in Denver, and apparently took a bath on it, losing a ton of money. That being said, I'm pretty sure he headed back to his penthouse in New York after the closing and took an actual bath in the millions he has left over from a monstrous contract like this one.

Dwight Howard: 5 Years, $80 Million from Orlando Magic in 2007

Back in 2007, proclaiming that he and Mickey Mouse would be there forever, Dwight Howard signed a cosmic five-year, $80 million deal with the Orlando Magic.

As one of the most dominant centers the NBA has ever seen and having carried the Magic on his back for years, Howard is one of the athletes that didn't draw criticism for his lucrative deal. Additionally, new CBA willing, Howard could be poised for an even fatter payday next summer.

One little caveat though. Do we think Mickey Mouse would ever forgive Howard for going back on his word and leaving Orlando?

Damon Stoudamire: 7 Years, $81 Million from Portland Trail Blazers in 1999

Remember Damon Stoudamire? He was one of the oft-troubled Portland Trail Blazers who was at one time the highest paid guard in the league.

Stoudamire signed a fat seven-year, $81 million contract with Portland immediately after the NBA lockout was lifted in 1999. The money was impressive and so was Stoudamire at the time, but you have to wonder how much of that money went to drugs/legal fees. 

Eventually Stoudamire seemed to get it together just before he retired and it's probably a good sign we haven't seen any Antoine Walker-like comeback attempts from him. That should hopefully mean he has spent this enormous amount of coin somewhat wisely.

Brandon Roy: 5 Years, $82 Million from Portland Trail Blazers in 2009

Brandon Roy became the owner of a fat five-year deal worth around $82 million thanks to the generosity of the Portland Trail Blazers in 2009.

Is Roy worth such an amount of money? Will Portland opt to trade him?

That much is unclear. What is clear though is that Roy is now an incredibly rich man, and should trade rumors gain momentum next season, he should remain content knowing he is making out like an absolute bandit.

Rudy Gay: 5 Years, $82 Million from Memphis Grizzlies in 2010

Rudy Gay was the surprising recipient of a max-level contract last summer, signing a five-year, $82 million deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Gay's first season under his new contract was going as planned, until he suffered a season-ending injury, forcing the Grizzlies to carry on without him. While his loss should have been detrimental to the team, Memphis went on an impressive playoff run that included them upsetting the first-seeded San Antonio Spurs in the first round.

A healthy Gay could now prove to be the missing piece to a Memphis championship run and with this notion, along with the hefty contract he now has under his belt, the small forward must be feeling pretty good about himself these days.

Kobe Bryant: 3 Years, $83.5 Million from Los Angeles Lakers in 2010

Kobe Bryant signed a very lucrative three-year contract extension last summer that will earn him an impressive $83.5 million through the 2013-2014 NBA season.

This fat contract also will make Bryant only the second player in league history to earn $30 million or more in a single season, Michael Jordan being the first, when he earns about $30.5 million in its last year.

Bryant, and probably anyone else for that matter with the exception of Antoine Walker and Eddy Curry, could easily find a way to live out the rest of his life comfortably with just his 2013-2014 season salary alone, yet his contract is worth much more than that.

Additionally, as we will soon see, this will not be Bryant's only appearance on this list.

Larry Johnson: 7 Years, $84 Million from Charlotte Hornets in 1993

Larry Johnson signed an enormous contract with the Charlotte Hornets in 1993, earning him a whopping $84 million dollars over seven years.

Keep in mind this is 1993 we are talking about, nearly 20 years ago, so this is even more incredible of a contract than it seems. 

Johnson was eventually traded in 1996 to the New York Knicks where his production continued its steady decline, yet you would be hard pressed to find a New Yorker who thought he was overpaid after his four-point play in 1999.

Johnson's contract was one for the ages, and a luxury he will be able to enjoy for the rest of his life. Literally.

Zach Randolph: 6 Years, $84 Million from Portland Trail Blazers in 2004

After winning the NBA's Most Improved Player award the previous season, Zach Randolph was rewarded with a six-year, $84 million contract from the Portland Trail Blazers.

His career started to subside shortly after, and after being traded away from Portland, he spent stints with the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers before finally landing with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he has found his niche.

In Randolph's case, the enormity of this deal may have turned out to be a necessity. I mean, I'd hate to think what his legal fees must have been over the years.

Gary Payton: 7 Years, $85 Million from Seattle Supersonics in 1996

Gary Payton was an old school elusive point guard with a modern day salary. In 1996, he signed a whale-like contract extension by the Seattle Supersonics that paid him $85 million over seven years.

This contract clearly indicates the Supersonics valued Payton's playmaking abilities. One could even argue based on this deal that they valued him a little too much, but that's neither here nor there.

Payton's payday remains one of the fattest contracts to this day, and while it was almost 15 years ago when he signed this extension, I'm inclined to believe that he may have some of it left over.

Steve Francis: 6 Years, $85 Million from Houston Rockets in 2002

If there was any ever doubt about Steve Francis truly being "Stevie Franchise," it was put to bed once he signed a six-year deal worth $85 million.

The deal came just a season after Francis emerged as one of the elite guards in the league, but all too soon his numbers began to drop as he began his free fall into NBA oblivion. This downward spiral included a backcourt experiment of Francis and Stephon Marbury while both were on the New York Knicks.

Francis' career did not pan out exactly as he would have liked, but after a contract like this, I'm sure he found a way to survive.

Paul Pierce: 6 Years, $85 Million from Boston Celtics in 2001

As we will come to see in this slideshow, the current "Boston Three Party" has really made bank over the years, and we'll start with Paul Pierce.

Pierce signed a colossal 6-year contract extension worth $85 million with the Boston Celtics in 2001, a contract that makes the four-year, $61 million extension he signed with the team last summer seem slightly insignificant.

Pierce's legacy has already been solidified through his dominant offensive ways, but should even those attributes be overlooked in the future, this fat contract ensures him a prominent place in NBA history.

Ray Allen: 5 Years, $85 Million from Seattle Supersonics in 2005

The Seattle Supersonics were never shy about throwing money at their franchise players, and Ray Allen was no exception.

In 2005, Allen signed a humongous five-year contract worth $85 million. The deal was especially impressive considering that Allen was 30 at the time, making him 35 at its conclusion.

That being said, Allen's quick and accurate release gave Seattle reason to throw caution to the wind, and it's hard to blame them.

Allen, to this day, remains one of the purest shooters to ever play the game, and after this contract he became one of the richest ones too.

Vin Baker: 7 Years, $86 Million from Seattle Supersonics in 1999

Vin Baker was an extremely dominant low-post player in his hay day, prompting the Seattle Supersonics to offer him a gargantuan sized seven-year deal worth $86 million in 1999.

After inking this fat contract, Baker experienced struggles both on and off the court, and never lived up to the money he was being paid.

Unfortunately for Baker, he will be most remembered not for his production but for battling both alcohol and weight issues in addition to signing this extremely beefy deal.

Penny Hardaway: 7 Years, $86 Million from Phoenix Suns in 1999

Penny Hardaway severely injured his knee back in 1997, so what was the only logical thing for the Phoenix Suns to do in 1999? Offer him a contract worth $86 million over seven years, naturally.

Hardaway never reclaimed his superstar status though, thanks to reoccurring knee injuries. His contract became more of a liability for Phoenix that they could not wait to get rid of, eventually shipping him off to the New York Knicks.

Hardaway would certainly like to be remembered for his better days, when he was an All-Star and helped bring the Orlando Magic to the finals. Unfortunately for him, he may be remembered most for signing this monstrosity of a contract.

Brian Grant: 7 Years, $86 Million from Miami Heat in 2000

Brian Grant was as good a role player as there ever was. Well, maybe not, but he was definitely in the top half, and if that isn't worth $86 million then I don't know what is.

Back in 2000, the Miami Heat signed Grant to an obscurely large seven-year, $86 million deal. His production never quite matched up to his salary, but he was key in making the Shaquille O'Neal trade work financially.

It must of hurt Grant deeply though to have Miami just up and abandon him at the first future Hall of Fame center that came along. Somehow I think looking at his bank statement helped him power his way through such a tragedy.

Jayson Williams: 6 Years, $86 Million from New Jersey Nets in 1998

Jayson Williams was always a pretty good player, despite being plagued by numerous injuries. He could score in the low post and was an okay rebounder, nothing too incredible though, which is something the New Jersey Nets felt his contract should compensate for.

In 1998, the Nets inked Williams to a fat six-year deal. How fat was this deal? Double-chinned fat, paying Williams $86 million over its lifespan.

Once Williams signed the contract though, everything went downhill for him, both on the court, and off. Injuries forced him to retire early and in 2002, he accidentally shot and killed his limousine driver. 

This series of tragic events was by no means the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae of a contract that Williams was hoping for.

Andrei Kirilenko: 6 Years, $86 Million from Utah Jazz in 2004

The Utah Jazz were absolutely smitten with the versatile Andrei Kirilenko once upon a time, so smitten, in fact, they paid him dearly to retain his services back in 2004, to the tune of six years and $86 million.

Once the pen hit the paper, it was supposed to be the start of something incredible, but instead it wound up being one of the craziest rollercoaster rides an NBA team has ever seen.

Kirilenko never truly achieved bonafide superstar status, something that he is probably not losing sleep over, but perhaps something he is paying someone else to lose sleep over.

Yes, this contract was that obscenely fat.

Pau Gasol: 6 Years, $86 Million from Memphis Grizzlies in 2004

Pau Gasol's first contract removed from his rookie one was quite a fat one, earning him $86 million over six years.

The Memphis Grizzlies, who were not especially known for dulling out big money contracts at the time, truly believed that Gasol was the cornerstone for their future. In a sense he was because he helped put them on the map, but they eventually sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008.

Kobe Bryant and the Lakers may have gotten Gasol his championship ring, but it was the Grizzlies who are responsible for giving him the contract that made him an obnoxiously rich man.

Kevin Durant: 5 Years, $86 Million from Oklahoma City Thunder in 2010

Opting not to air his decision on national television the following summer, Kevin Durant signed a fat 5-year deal worth $86 million in July of 2010.

The deal officially kicks in for the 2011-2012 season, and all indications are that Durant will not be known as a contractual bust. In fact, don't be surprised if five years from now he appears on this list again by signing an even fatter contract. 

For now though, Durant will have to make due with his $86 million, and I think he might be alright with that.

Michael Redd: 6 Years, $91 Million from Milwaukee Bucks in 2005

In 2005, the Milwaukee Bucks extended a highly lucrative six year deal worth $91 million to the sharp-shooting Michael Redd.

Redd just finished the last year of this deal, barely playing over the past couple of seasons due to injuries. He will not see nearly as much money in his next contract as he did this one, but I'm inclined to believe that this contract was massive enough to hold him over for the rest of his life. Give or take a couple of months.

Grant Hill: 7 Years, $92.8 Million from Orlando Magic in 2000

Via a sign and trade, Grant Hill signed a lavish seven-year deal with the Orlando Magic worth $92.8 million in 2000. 

Hill joined Tracy McGrady in Orlando, forming a duo that the Magic hoped would contend for titles for years to come. Unfortunately, they didn't, largely because of the oft-injured Hill.

After signing this mega deal, Hill's career started an abrupt decline because of injuries, both old and new. Don't expect him to ever complain about it though after securing a fat contract like this one.

Tracy McGrady: 7 Years, $92.8 Million from Orlando Magic in 2000

In 2000, via a sign and trade with the Toronto Raptors, Tracy McGrady inked a seven-year, $92.8 million deal with the Orlando Magic, joining the previously featured Grant Hill with an identical contract.

McGrady is one of the most gifted athletes to ever play the game; he could score and fly through the air with such ease and incredible height, and his ability to draw fouls was unlike what the NBA had ever seen.

The Magic's plan was to contend for a title year in and year out with McGrady and Hill, but the two didn't even win a single playoff series together, and McGrady's career was eventually hindered an unfortunate string of injuries.

Though not being able to fully live up to his potential may be slightly unsettling for McGrady, word on the street is he has done alright for himself, due largely in part to this mountain of a contract. 

Eddie Jones: 7 Years, $93 Million from Miami Heat in 2000

In a sign and trade deal with the Charlotte Hornets in 2000, the Miami Heat acquired shooting guard Eddie Jones, signing him to a seven-year $93 million deal.

The previous year was the only season that Jones put up 20 points per game,and this combined with his lethal shooting abilities led Miami to offer Jones one of the fattest contracts in NBA history. After five seasons with the Heat, Jones jumped around a bit spending stints in Memphis, Miami once again and Dallas before retiring in 2008.

Did Jones' production ever live up to his contract? Not exactly, but I doubt Jones and his bank account are inclined to make any apologies.

Jalen Rose: 7 Years, $93 Million from Indiana Pacers in 2000

Jalen Rose inked a seven-year deal worth $93 million dollars back in 2000, ironically the same contract that fellow 1994 NBA Draftee Eddie Jones signed with the Miami Heat.

Rose was a bona fide scorer who averaged over 20 points per game numerous times of his career. He was best known for the instant offense he provided almost right up until his last season in the league.

Okay, that is not entirely true, he may be best known for signing this incredibly lucrative contract that was worth nearly nine figures. 

Kenyon Martin: 7 Years, $93 Million from Denver Nuggets in 2004

It seems that seven-year deals worth $93 million are quite popular, Kenyon Martin being the third player on this list to boast such a deal. 

Back in 2004, the Denver Nuggets acquired Martin via sign and trade with the New Jersey Nets, and made the then dominant low-post scoring, rebounding savvy power forward one of the highest paid big men in NBA history.

Martin just finished up the last year of this fat deal and is thought to be looking for a four or five-year contract worth in the ballpark of $33 million. 

I've only got one question: How is he to have the means to survive if he takes such a pay cut?

Just kidding.

Vince Carter: 6 Years, $94 Million from Toronto Raptors in 2001

The high-flying Vince Carter once drew serious comparisons to Michael Jordan, and it was these comparisons that prompted the Toronto Raptors to offer the shooting guard a six-year deal worth $94 million back in 2001.

At the time, Carter was coming off a season in which he averaged 27.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. His prolific offensive ways captivated fans from every NBA organization and the sky was the limit for him in terms of achievement.

While Carter is no longer the high-flying force he wants was, his career average of 22.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game put him among the league's best. His career averages also make you wonder what would have happened should he have not developed knee problems.

Carter's potential is one of the greater unanswered questions from the NBA, and while we may harp on what could have been, he may not be as apt to. The blow to Carter personally as a result of his unfortunate decline may have been significantly softened by the enormity of this deal. 

Amar'e Stoudemire: 5 Years, $99.7 Million from New York Knicks in 2010

Amar'e Stoudemire fell just short of a nine-figure deal when he signed a five-year, $99.7 million contract with the New York Knicks last summer, but somehow I'm thinking he got over it.

Stoudemire got a payday from the New York Knicks that almost no other team, including the Phoenix Suns, was willing give. He averaged 25.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game in his first season with the team and also put questions regarding the strength of his knee to bed.

That being said, by the end of the postseason, the health of Stoudemire's back was now in question. Is Stoudemire's contract for the Knicks going to turn out to be a complete bust? If his first season is any indication then no.

Let it be known though, this is not the first time the Knicks gave a pile of money to a player that other teams had reserves about, and we all remember how that turned out.

So is Stoudemire worth the money? Debatable, unlike the obese waistline of his contract. 

Allan Houston: 6 Years, $100 Million from New York Knicks in 2001

Allan Houston signed one of the fattest contracts the NBA has ever seen back in 2001, when he inked a six-year, $100 million dollar deal with the New York Knicks.

Houston had one of the best pull-up jump shots the game has ever seen and he was basically automatic from the charity stripe. Knee injuries hindered Houston after he signed the deal though, preventing him from truly attempting to live up to a contract that he probably could never have lived up to.

The Knicks' thought process during negotiations was questionable, but if off-the-court attitudes were being taken into account, Houston was worth every penny of that $100 million. He was one of the most likable guys to ever step foot on the court and was almost always smiling.

 This may not be surprising though because after all, he did have 100 million reasons to smile. 

Kevin Garnett: 5 Years, $100 Million from Minnesota Timberwolves in 2003

Here's another spoiler alert: This will not be Kevin Garnett's last appearance on the list either.

Coming out of an even more lucrative contract, which will be featured later on, Kevin Garnett signed a five-year, $100 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2003. Proving to be one of the best power forwards to play the game, it was an easy offer for Minnesota to make.

This fat contract of Garnett's was not enough to keep him loyal, basically forcing his way out of a Timberwolves uniform when he came to the realization that they weren't going anywhere.

Some will deem Garnett's time with the Timberwolves a waste, and the postseason heartbreaks he endured there seem to verify such a notion. However, let this contract be the first example of how Garnett was paid more than generously for his time in the middle. 

Shaquille O'Neal: 5 Years, $100 Million from Miami Heat in 2005

Spoiler alert: This will not be Shaquille O'Neal's only appearance on this list.

After only one season with the Miami Heat, the organization offered O'Neal a five-year contract valued at $100 million. It was a contract many deemed a bargain, and one that resulted in an NBA championship in 2006.

Additionally, as we will soon see, O'Neal saw his share of large paydays over the course of his 19-year career. 

Michael Finley: 7 Years, $102 Million from Dallas Mavericks in 2001

Michael Finley signed a seven-year, $102 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks back in 2001, an obscenely large contract that remains one of the fattest of all time.

Coming off a season in which he averaged 21.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game, Dallas felt it needed to lock up the shooting guard long term. Finley proved to be on the decline though soon after he inked the deal, prompting the Mavericks to waive him in 2005 in order to avoid luxury tax repercussions.

Finley meant a lot to the Mavericks organization at one time, but before he knew it, his time at the top was over. Don't feel too bad for him though, Dallas still had to pay him every penny of that lucrative contract.

Jason Kidd: 7 Years, $103.5 Million from New Jersey Nets in 2003

After having arguably the best season of his career, averaging 18.7 points and 8.9 assists per game, the New Jersey Nets rewarded Jason Kidd with a seven-year deal with just over $103.5 million in 2003.

Kidd's leadership was invaluable to a relatively young Nets team and he was a major reason why they were able to contend for NBA titles during that stretch in the early 2000's. His court-vision and passing abilities are not matched by many, and his understanding of the game is incredible.

Kidd will always be known as one of the best point guards to play the game, and taking note of this monstrous contract, he solidified his spot as one of the highest paid ones as well.

Juwan Howard: 7 Years, $105 Million from Washington Wizards in 1996

Remember when Juwan Howard was one of the more dominant forwards in the NBA? Perhaps you do. Remember when he was worth $105 million? Probably not, because he never was.

The Washington Wizards, then Bullets, are not known for offering contracts that do not come back to haunt them, (keep reading for a few more slides) and the seven-year deal they signed Howard to back in 1996 may have been where it all started.

After averaging 22.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game during the 1995-1996 season, Howard earned himself a huge payday while Washington thought they retained a talented cornerstone for their franchise.

Howard had a few solid seasons after signing the deal but, he never amounted to a nine-figure contract type of player. In fact, he'll be best remembered around the NBA for his earnings rather than his actual on-court production.

Alonzo Mourning: 7-Years, $105 Million from Miami Heat in 1996

One of the greatest centers to ever play in the NBA is also the benefactor of one of the fattest contracts the league has ever seen.

In 1996, Mourning inked a huge contract worth $105 million over seven years. At the time, he was one of the most dominant centers in the game and the cornerstone of the Miami Heat franchise, yet it's astounding to still see that he was offered this kind of money in 15 years ago.

Mourning, despite his gritty facial expressions and in-game attitude was one of the more likable guys in the NBA, and his comeback from a kidney disease was nothing short of spectacular. 

Some of the players on this list make our eyes pop in terms of their fat contracts not only because of their talent on the court, but their stories and heroics off the court. Mourning is one of them. The era in which such a contract was extended is jaw-dropping, but the athlete it was extended to was not undeserving in terms of overall persona.

As one of the more charitable players from the NBA, we know that some of Mourning's huge earnings made their way into the lives of others.

Shawn Kemp: 7-Years, $107 Million from Cleveland Cavaliers in 1997

In his prime, Shawn Kemp was one of the NBA's greatest high-flyers, and it was prolific qualities such as these that helped land him a fat seven-year, $107 million deal from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

As Kemp aged, he got bigger, and not in a good way. If his contract was in anticipation to the weight he would gain and thus an attempt to pay him by the pound, then such an offer would have been understandable. Aside from that though, extending such a lucrative offer to Kemp was puzzling on the Cavs' behalf.

Regardless of whether or not Cleveland was justified in making Kemp so rich, the fact of the matter is they did, and they did it in style too. Kemp's monster of a deal remains one of the fattest contracts in NBA history even 14 years later.

Dwyane Wade: 6 Years, $107.5 Million from Miami Heat in 2010

Dwyane Wade is the pauper of the Miami Heat's "Big Three" because his contract is only valued at $107.5 million over six years.

As much as I'd like to sympathize with Wade—actually I wouldn't and I doubt he'd want anyone to either—his contract is still incredibly lucrative. Wade is one of the best shooting guards in the history of the NBA, and he averaged 25.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists in the first year of his new deal proving just that.

Chris Bosh and LeBron James may both have contracts with slightly higher accumulative salaries, but Wade's recent contract is one of the fattest the NBA has ever seen, so I doubt he cares even slightly.

Chris Bosh: 6 Years, $110 Million from Miami Heat in 2010

Chris Bosh signed a six year deal with the Miami Heat last summer worth just over $110 million, giving him one of the fattest contracts in NBA history.

In his first season in his new uniform and with his new salary, Bosh averaged 18.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, stellar numbers but not exactly nine-figure salary material. However, in Bosh's defense, what else is to be expected when he is the third option on offense?

Whether or not Bosh's contract is a result of Miami actually believing he is the low-post presence they need to win a title or just a result of Bosh, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade being a package deal is unknown.

What is known though is that Bosh inked one of the largest contracts in the history of the NBA, guaranteeing he'd go down in the record books in at least one regard.  

LeBron James: 6 Years, $110 Million from Miami Heat in 2010

LeBron James brought his talents to south beach last summer for the bargain price of six years, $110.1 million.

James is one of the best players to ever play the game, and even though the Miami Heat failed to win a title in his first season with the team, his average of 26.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and seven assists per game seems to indicate he's worth the money.

The self-proclaimed king could have made more money elsewhere, but opted to take a pay cut to play alongside Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. I guess chivalry isn't dead.

It must be noted though that income tax is non-existant in my Miami so James' pay cut really isn't a pay cut, and his display of chivalry is just a result of a really convenient loophole.

Gilbert Arenas: 6 Years, $111 Million from Washington Wizards in 2008

After a season in which he averaged 19.4 points and 10 assists per game, the Washington Wizards unwisely offered Gilbert Arenas a six-year, $111 million contract, one the point guard wisely accepted.

Arenas' claim to fame was jumpstarted by his prolific scoring and daunting passing abilities. Since signing the deal though, Arenas has become a shell of his former self, rarely exhibiting any of the qualities that landed him this deal.

Currently, Arenas is with the Orlando Magic, a team that took a chance on him hoping he could return to form and convince franchise player Dwight Howard to remain with the organization.

If I was Orlando, I wouldn't hold my breath for that to happen.

Joe Johnson: 6 Years, $119 Million from Atlanta Hawks in 2010

Joe Johnson signed a highly criticized contract with the Atlanta Hawks last summer, earning him a cool $119 million over six years.

Most teams believed Johnson not to be a max-level deal player, especially in terms of value to the Hawks because he was arguably only their second option on offense. Johnson is a career 18.2 points per game scorer, but other than that he does not contribute much else.

One year is gone from the shooting guard's fat contract, but Atlanta is on the hook for five more. Whether offering Johnson was a reaction to him being courted by the New York Knicks or just a straight fear of missing out on the free agency binge of 2010 is unclear.

What is clear though is that given the type of production Johnson is good for, and being that his contract is one of the largest in NBA history, there is a better than good chance that the Hawks try to move him before it's up.

Shaquille O'Neal: 7 Years, $120 Million from Los Angeles Lakers in 1996

The newly-retired Shaquille O'Neal was one of the most dominant centers to ever set foot on the basketball court and his lucrative contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 only further secures his ability to go down in history.

In 1996, O'Neal made the jump from the Orlando Magic to the Lakers, signing a seven-year deal worth $120 million, an unprecedented amount at the time.

I've often wondered why O'Neal did not try to ride the lockout out and attempt to play year No. 20 in the NBA. I guess after contracts like this one, O'Neal wasn't asking himself the same question.

Tim Duncan: 7 Years, $122 Million from San Antonio Spurs in 2003

Tim Duncan has been one of the most dominant big men to ever play the game, and his seven-year deal worth just over $122 million that he signed back in 2003 doesn't indicate otherwise.

To date, Duncan has averaged 20.6 points and 11.4 rebounds per game for his career, incredibly impressive numbers. While his game is currently on the decline, he will be best remembered for the dominance he exhibited while in his prime, as well as the lucrative contract featured on this slide.

Just some sarcastic food for thought, when you take a look at some of the players to follow, specifically Rashard Lewis, Duncan may have been slightly underpaid.

Chris Webber: 7 Years, $122.7 Million from Sacramento Kings in 2001

During the 2000-2001 NBA Season, Chris Webber put up 27.1 points and 11.1 rebounds per game for the Sacramento Kings, playing his way toward a seven-year contract worth nearly $123 million.

The season before Webber signed this deal turned out to be the best season of his career, as his production began a steady decline shortly after. He still produced respectable numbers for much of this contract, retiring with a career average off 20.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.

This contract makes it tough though to decide whether we will remember Webber better for his excessive complaints and antics on the court or the paychecks he was cashing off it.

Yes, this deal was that fat.

Kevin Garnett: 6 Years, $126 Million from Minnesota Timberwolves in 1999

Kevin Garnett is bound to go down as one of the best power forwards to ever play in the NBA, but even if he didn't, he secured his legacy by signing one of the fattest contracts the league has ever seen.

Back in 1999, Garnett inked a six-year, $126 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, one for the ages, especially considering this amount of money was offered over 10 years ago.

Many believe that Garnett stayed in Minnesota out of sheer loyalty for as long as he did, and while loyalty may have played a part in his decision, I'm also inclined to believe that over this six year period he was given 126 million other reasons not to go elsewhere.

Rashard Lewis: 6 Years, $126 Million from Orlando Magic in 2007

Rashard Lewis, a career 16.3 points per game scorer, signed a six-year, $126 million deal with the Orlando Magic back in 2007 after he came off a career year with Seattle.

The contract was still a little much despite the fact he was coming off a 22.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game season, and I use the phrase "a little much" loosely.

To be fair, Orlando thought Lewis was the star that would help Howard lead the team to a title. To be even more fair, this contract cannot be justified by that either. The Magic did move this contractual mistake last season over to the Washington Wizards, but acquired another one in Gilbert Arenas.

With this contract, Lewis seem poised to go down as one of the best forwards to ever play the game. That is not going to happen, but at least he'll go down as one of the highest paid players in general to ever play the game. 

Jermaine O'Neal: 7 Years, $126.5 Million from Indiana Pacers in 2003

Back with the Indiana Pacers, Jermaine O'Neal signed a monster contract worth a little more than $126.5 million over seven years.

At the time, O'Neal was coming off a season in which he averaged 20.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, establishing himself as one of the premiere centers in the league. This fat payday of O'Neal's certainly makes it seem as if he should go down as one of the greatest centers in the history of the league.

That being said, such a notion is more than debatable, but he at least secured a spot in NBA history with this lucrative deal. 

Kobe Bryant: 7-Years, $136.4 Million from Los Angeles Lakers in 2004

The fattest contract in NBA history belongs to Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers who inked him to a seven-year, $136.4 million contract back in 2004.

Byant's average yearly salary throughout the contract was nearly $20 million, almost as impressive as the total contractual value.

The refreshing aspect about Bryant's contract is at least he is a future Hall of Famer and one of the best to ever play the game, making it easy for us to justify him having the fattest deal in NBA history as opposed to players like Rashard Lewis or Jermaine O'Neal.

With a contract the size of this under his belt, one has to wonder if he cannot afford better quality food to chew on than his jersey.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @DannyFavs2033.