At one point, Evan Turner was thought to be among the NBA’s most promising young players. Many had high expectations for him after he was selected second overall in the 2010 NFL Draft following a superb college career at Ohio State. At that time, big-money deals were becoming common in the league, and stars like Luka Dončić are now eyeing contracts that could break NBA financial records.
His four-year, $70 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2016 initially appeared to be a huge success. Nevertheless, the contract quickly gained controversy and was regarded by many as one of the most overpaid in NBA history. This deal is often contrasted with the fortunes of the richest NBA players of all time, showing the wide financial gap between successful investments and risky contracts.
Why Did Evan Turner Receive Such A Big Contract?
Evan Turner was once seen as a player full of potential. He was predicted to become a star when he was selected second overall in the 2010 draft. In 2016, he agreed to a four-year, $70 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, one of the largest offseason deals.
The NBA salary cap had recently gone up following a new television deal, so teams were spending a lot of money. To balance their roster, Portland thought Turner could contribute both defense and playmaking.
Many supporters and commentators at the time believed he might be the missing component to help CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard.
What Went Wrong After The Contract?
The issue started when Turner failed to live up to the high standards. Despite having good numbers, he was never a star.
During his time in Portland, he averaged about 9 points, four rebounds, and three assists per game. While these statistics are helpful, they are not what most people would anticipate from a player earning such a high salary.
Additionally, Turner found it difficult to adapt to Portland’s style, which depended on spacing and outside shooting. Although the team already had two guards who controlled the ball, he felt more at ease handling the ball.
As a result, his role became unclear, and his contract quickly appeared to be a burden on the team’s salary cap.
How Is His Contract Remembered Today?
Turner’s contract is now frequently regarded as one of the most overpaid deals in the NBA’s history. Many people point to it as an example of how teams sometimes spend too quickly when the salary cap rises. Turner was never a bad player himself.
He put in a lot of effort, made valuable contributions off the bench, and had significant postseason moments. But his pay never matched the worth of his play. Before leaving the league, he played for Atlanta and Minnesota after Portland.
His contract taught teams to be more cautious with their money, but it also showed how hard it is to determine a player’s actual worth in the constantly changing NBA market.
The post Evan Turner’s Massive Payday That Became A ‘Overpaid’ Tale originally published on Total Pro Sports.