Nick Crain | 1/17/23

While most of the highest paid players across the NBA get most of the national attention, some of the most valuable athletes are the ones that outperform their contract by a large magnitude. Especially on teams that are wanting to compete, impactful players that don’t make much money can be the difference in having enough cap space to put together a championship roster. In other situations, these up-and-coming players can become cornerstone pieces of teams that are nearly ready to emerge as playoff teams out of a rebuild. Using ProFitX’s real-time value models, let’s take a look at five players that are performing at a level so high that their production is worth at least five times their current contract value.

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Cole Anthony

A major spark off the bench for a much improved Orlando Magic team, Anthony is averaging 12.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game this season. He’s a great secondary creator and facilitator that’s in the third year of his rookie scale deal. When he’s due for an extension, he’ll be well worth a major pay raise.

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Tyrese Maxey

One of the best young players in the NBA, Maxey is of tremendous value for a contending Philadelphia 76ers team. They’ve been able to assemble a roster with stars while also having a huge contributor in Maxey on a cheap deal. Despite missing time due to injury this season, he’s averaging 21.5 points, 4.2 assists and 3.1 rebounds per contest while shooting 40.8% from deep. Being rookie extension eligible this summer, Maxey could be worth the full rookie max.

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Naz Reid

In a contract season, Reid is having a breakout 2022-23 campaign. Especially in the absence of an injured Karl-Anthony Towns, he’s been a key piece in keeping the Minnesota Timberwolves afloat this season. He’s produced 10.4 points and 4.7 rebounds in just 17.6 minutes per game this season. He’s one of the more efficient bigs in the league, which will make him attractive as he finishes out the final year of his initial NBA contract.

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Terance Mann

One of the most underrated role players in the NBA is Mann, who is a key piece of the LA Clippers’ success. He’s averaged 8.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game this season while shooting 34.5% from deep and 60.1% from inside the arc. He’s played in 41 games (16 starts) this season, proving to be one of the most durable players on an otherwise always injured roster. His two-year, $22 million extension kicks in next season, but Mann is already outperforming that deal as well.

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Chimezie Metu

A former second-round pick, Metu is amidst a contract season. He plays a limited role for the Sacramento Kings, but is an effective big off the bench. He’s played in 16 games this season, averaging 16.4 points and 9.9 rebounds per 36 minutes. On a team that’s looking to make the playoffs this season, Metu is playing great ahead of becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer.