Is Jon Leuer worth $10 mil a year?

[Marcus92]

According to the Detroit Pistons brass, the answer is yes.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/16706689/jon-leuer-agrees-deal-detroit-pistons

Entering his sixth NBA season, Leuer appeared in 67 games last season with 27 starts. His stats: 18.7 mpg (7th on the Phoenix Suns), 8.5 ppg, 38.2 3PT%, 5.6 rpg and a PER of 16.2.

Overall, he's played in 253 of 410 possible career games, starting in 45.

Numbers like those suggest he's at best an average NBA player. At this point in his career, his upside is likely limited. While he's clearly earned a place in the league, I don't see the economic case for a 4-year, $42 million contract — almost half the amount Kevin Love will earn over the same period — when the average salary in the NBA is $6.5 million (median salary $4.0 million) for the 2016-17 season.

What am I missing here?

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

The salary cap is ridiculous and they're recuired to fill at least 90% of that cap. Not hard to figure out.

[tower912]

He's 6'11 with a pulse and a decent shot.   By today's NBA standards, sadly, yes.

[MU82]

The Pistons are willing to pay him $10 million. Ipso fatso, that's what he is worth. If the Kings were willing to pay him $11 million, he'd be worth that!

Look around at some of the salaries going to total mediocrities all around the NBA. It seems crazy, but it's simply the way it is.

[Dish]

The salary cap is ridiculous and they're recuired to fill at least 90% of that cap. Not hard to figure out.

That's not accurate, teams are not required to hit the salary cap floor.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

That's not accurate, teams are not required to hit the salary cap floor.

I know but may as well sign another player for depth than have ever one else paid out more. I just didn't feel like expanding on the cap rules.

[brandx]

According to the Detroit Pistons brass, the answer is yes.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/16706689/jon-leuer-agrees-deal-detroit-pistons

Entering his sixth NBA season, Leuer appeared in 67 games last season with 27 starts. His stats: 18.7 mpg (7th on the Phoenix Suns), 8.5 ppg, 38.2 3PT%, 5.6 rpg and a PER of 16.2.

Overall, he's played in 253 of 410 possible career games, starting in 45.

Numbers like those suggest he's at best an average NBA player. At this point in his career, his upside is likely limited. While he's clearly earned a place in the league, I don't see the economic case for a 4-year, $42 million contract — almost half the amount Kevin Love will earn over the same period — when the average salary in the NBA is $6.5 million (median salary $4.0 million) for the 2016-17 season.

What am I missing here?

They shake the money tree and it doesn't matter how much they pay and to whom.

NBA ownership is a windfall. That is why Ballmer can pay $2 billion for the Clippers and know that it was a steal.

[MerrittsMustache]

Steve Novak averaged 4.7 pts, 3.8 rebounds in just over 12 minutes per game and made over $20M.

There's money to be made for tall guys who can shoot.

[4everwarriors]

Big man's game, ai na?

[Herman Cain]

Big man's game, ai na?

Luke will get some loot.

[tower912]

Only if he learns to shoot from distance and defend in space. 

[GGGG]

Luke will get some loot.

From the NBA?  Probably not.  As tower said, centers in today's NBA either have a good inside out game, or are athletic rim defenders.  Luke is neither.

[Herman Cain]

From the NBA?  Probably not.  As tower said, centers in today's NBA either have a good inside out game, or are athletic rim defenders.  Luke is neither.

With his background he is a natural for the German league.

[muwarrior69]

The Pistons are willing to pay him $10 million. Ipso fatso, that's what he is worth. If the Kings were willing to pay him $11 million, he'd be worth that!

Look around at some of the salaries going to total mediocrities all around the NBA. It seems crazy, but it's simply the way it is.

What! Affirmative action actually practiced in the NBA.

[MU82]

Luke will get some loot.

Stop it.

You've finally given up on Vander's NBA chances and now this? Who next? Sandy?

If Luke improves 50% from last year, he still will not be an NBA player. And I say this as an MU fan who actually likes Luke as a player, unlike a few here.

[4everwarriors]

Miles Fookin' Plumlee, hey?