Jusuf Nurkic
$13,250,000, next year – $14,138,889, 2022 – $13,250,000 ( partially guaranteed )
Jusuf Nurkic not only has the best value contract on the team by far, he has one of the most valuable contracts in the entire NBA.
We are assuming that Nurk comes back healthy when the NBA returns. But this should just be a formality when you look at him training and the great shape that he’s in.
Nurk is a top 10 center in the NBA, with a skill set that not many other big men in the NBA have. His versatility combined with the fact that he never shirks his key responsibilities means he’s the perfect new age center.
Nurk loves the rough and tumble, while also being one of the best defensive centers in the league. He can pass, he can finish at the rim, he gets to the line. And even more promising he can shoot it a bit with his range looking like it may be out to three now.
There are a lot of centers being paid around $20 million a year, and then some being paid $30 million a year. Nurk, unlike some centers who get played off the court in playoff series, can hold his own on both ends meaning he can be of value in the playoffs.
Rudy Gobert, Steven Adams, Enes Kanter, Clint Capela, DeAndre Jordan, all players who have been paid more than Nurk but have been unable to stay on the court due to defensive issues or free-throw woes.
Nurk is one of the most versatile centers in the league. He does it all, without having glaring weaknesses that stop him from playing a major role.
His health overall is a small concern, but broken bones aren’t exactly a long-term concern like Derrick Rose‘s knees, or a similar injury.
Nurk’s $13 odd million for next season is such a great deal. Then having a partial guarantee on the final year, makes it even better. It’s looking pretty likely that when he comes back healthy, they will guarantee this final year.
But for now they have one of the best centers in the league under contract for two more full years at under $20 million. Well done Neil.