theScore
1
Kemba Walker,
Knicks
Since the Thunder bought out the remainder of Kemba's last deal, New York is only on the hook for $17.9M, split between the next two seasons. Not bad for a guy just one year removed from his fourth straight All-Star selection.
Dustin Satloff / Getty
2019-21 with the Celtics
Injuries are a concern, but Kemba remains a force when healthy.
Dustin Satloff / Getty
2
Luguentz Dort,
Thunder
After going undrafted, OKC snatched up Dort on a two-way deal before converting the pact to a team-friendly four-year contract. The 22-year-old will make just $1.8M next campaign and $1.9M in 2022-23.
Adam Glanzman / Getty
Sophomore breakout
With the Thunder rebuilding, Dort received ample opportunity in Year 2. The youngster has already earned a rep as a defensive stopper on top of his encouraging growth on offense.
Adam Glanzman / Getty
3
Domantas Sabonis,
Pacers
Making an average of $18.7M per year on his current deal, Indiana's franchise player enters next season with just the 64th-largest individual cap hit in the league — and he's under contract through 2024.
David Sherman / Getty
Undervalued All-Star
Sabonis finished with the NBA's 34th-best Player Efficiency Rating in 2020-21 — ahead of other young standouts like Devin Booker, Brandon Ingram, and Pascal Siakam.
David Sherman / Getty
4
Malik Monk,
Lakers
Ring-chasing usually doesn't start until the end of a player's career, but the 23-year-old Monk clearly left money on the table for a shot at winning a title with the Lakers. After making $15.7M on his rookie deal, the former Hornet guard signed a one-year deal in L.A. for only $1.8M.
Kent Smith / Getty
Budget-friendly boost
Coming off a nice 2020-21 season in Charlotte, Monk could be a dangerous 3-point threat playing alongside LeBron, AD, and Russell Westbrook.
Kent Smith / Getty