Gauging the value of NBA contracts is complex. The value constantly changes based on player performance, league trends, and the fluctuating cap. Good value contracts are determined by the player’s impact exceeding their salary’s perceived impact. Additionally, good value contracts are far cheaper than players on the same level. Due to the league’s cap structure, oftentimes good value contacts are younger players on their rookie deals. Here is every Western conference team’s best value contract.
Every Western Conference Team’s Best Value Contract
Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic (4 years, 178 million)
It’s rare that a contract this large is great value. But the Mavericks don’t have a ton of great deals and Luka Doncic is a special talent. At 24, Luka is already a top-five player and arguably the league’s best scorer. Due to his age, Luka’s peak has yet to happen which is a scary sight for the league. Luka is worth every penny of this massive contract.
Denver Nuggets: Aaron Gordon (3 years, 67 million)
Since arriving in Denver, Aaron Gordon has blossomed into one of the league’s best defenders. Gordon has a unique combination of size, quickness, and athleticism that allows him to be one of the most versatile defenders in the league. During the Nuggets finals run Gordon displayed his incredible defense guarding the opposing team’s best player in each series. Offensively Gordon is an efficient interior scorer and athletic finisher. Gordon was one of the Nuggets most important players last year. Paying Gordon 21 million annually is a bargain for his value and overall impact.
Golden State Warriors: Kevon Looney (2 years, 15 million)
Kevon Looney is one of the most under-appreciated role players league-wide. While Looney’s stats don’t jump out at first he consistently does the little things that lead to winning. Rebounding is Looney’s strong suit, averaging nine boards per game. In the playoffs, Looney put together several games with 20 rebounds. In addition to rebounding Looney is a good rim protector and solid interior scorer. Looney has long been one of the Warriors glue guys and plays a pivotal role in the team’s success. These on-court contributions far exceed his salary.
Houston Rockets: Alperen Sengun (2 years, 8 million)
Alperen Sengun is a gifted young center with a high basketball IQ and passing ability who impacts the game in multiple ways. Playmaking centers are thriving in the league right now. Sengun could be the next player with the archetype to become a star. With an improved roster around him, Sengun is poised to take another jump. Even if he doesn’t become a star, Sengun’s all-around impact is enough to make this contract great value.
Los Angeles Clippers: Russell Westbrook (2 years, 7 million)
Russell Westbrook has had a shaky last couple of seasons and at 34 it’s clear his best days are behind me. However, Westbrook had a resurgence with the Clippers last year including an impressive first-round series against the Suns. Ultimately proving he was a great fit with the Clippers and gave them a needed playmaking guard. Russ will play hard every night and is a nice change from the Clippers’ load management culture. This is a cheap deal that’s low risk and high reward for both sides.
Los Angeles Lakers: Austin Reaves (4 years, 53 million)
Re-signing Austin Reaves was a top priority for the Lakers this off-season. Reaves was a crucial part of the Lakers mid-season turnaround and playoff success last year. Proving to be the Lakers third-best player and a perfect fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Reaves is a high IQ all-around offensive threat who thrives in PNR action and is a knockdown shooter. At 24 years old Reaves will continue to improve and is an important part of the Lakers future. This is incredible value for the production and potential of Reaves.
Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr. (3 years, 75 million)
Jaren Jackson Jr is a two-way presence with elite defense. The reigning defensive player of the year is the ultimate disrupter on defense with elite shot-blocking and help-defense skills. Paying under 30 million annually for one of the league’s top defenders with two-way abilities is a great deal. On top of this at 23 Jackson has time to develop and could become a consensus top 15 player in the league.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Jaden McDaniels (1 year, 3 million)
Jaden McDaniels is in line for a hefty extension before the season starts but currently, this is his salary. McDaniels has incredible versatility, IQ, and athleticism. Making him one of the most impactful defenders in the league. On offense, McDaniels is a great 3-point shooter. Defense and 3-point shooting allow McDaniels to impact winning making him a valuable role player. If McDaniels improves as a creator he could be a most improved candidate. Whether he stays an awesome role player or develops into a star this contract is amazing value.
New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Murphy (2 years, 8 million)
In his second season last year, Trey Murphy had a breakout year. Establishing himself as an important part of the Pelicans core. Murphy has tons of value as a 3-point shooter who is also an athletic finisher and capable wing defender. Right now Murphy is an awesome role player but he’s on track to blossom into a star wing. This cheap rookie contract is great value for the skillset and potential Murphy has.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Josh Giddey (2 years, 14 million)
In his first two seasons, Josh Giddey has been an integral part of OKC’s rebuild and is due for a lucrative extension. Getting quality production out of a young player on his rookie deal is awesome for the Thunder. What makes Giddey’s game stand out and perfectly suits him for the modern NBA is Positional versatility. With great size, IQ, and playmaking, Giddey can play any position one through four. This past year Giddey became much more comfortable as a shot creator and scorer. With steady improvement, it’s likely the 20 will develop into a true star.
Phoenix Suns: Eric Gordon (2 years, 6 million)
Phoenix has one of the most expensive rosters in the league. With four players making over 30 million and two players making over 40 million a number that will go up when Devin Booker’s super-max extension begins in 2024-25. As a result, this offseason the Suns had to round out their roster with minimums. The best value of those minimums was signing Eric Gordon. A capable veteran scorer who can also handle some ball-handling and playmaking duties. Although he is 34 Gordon still has plenty left in the tank and will be an important piece on Phoenix’s roster.
Portland Trail-Blazers: Shaedon Sharpe (3 years, 21 million)
Shaedon Sharpe had an impressive rookie with the Blazers. He is an athletic wing and a great finisher. As the Blazers fully embrace a rebuild Sharpe will get more opportunity and is a centerpiece for Portland’s future. With opportunity and another year of development Sharpe is poised for a breakout year. Sharpe has already proved to be a quality rotational player with more development this rookie deal will be amazing value.
Sacramento Kings: Malik Monk (1 year, 9 million)
Malik Monk was a key piece to the Kings success and high-powered offense last season. Last season Monk found consistency as a scorer and established himself as one of the best sixth men in the league. Monk is a gifted three-level scorer and shot-creator. Monk’s value far exceeds the nine-million-dollar range. With one year left on his deal, re-signing Monk will be a top priority for Sacramento next off-season.
San Antonio Spurs: Keldon Johnson (4 years, 74 million)
Last season Keldon Johnson was a bright spot for San Antonio’s tank year. Johnson is a versatile wing and a great finisher. With the arrival of Victor Wembanyama, Johnson will be a second option and complementary wing. Locking up a productive 23-year-old who has room to grow on a long term deal that never exceeds 20 million annually is an incredible value.
Utah Jazz: Lauri Markkanen (2 years, 35 million)
In his first year with the Jazz, Lauri Markkanen had an incredible breakout year en route to winning the Most improved pla yer award. Markkaenen greatly benefited from a change of scenery going from a rotational guy to an all-star level player. At seven feet tall Markkanen has guard-like skills including 3-point, shooting, a pull-up game, and ball handling. The league-wide value for a player of Markkanen’s caliber is around 30 million annually. Paying less than 20 million for an all-star in his prime is great value.
