We see this type of thing all the time. Players will decline massive deals to bet on their playing ability in free agency. Sometimes it works, and other times it doesn’t.
I am willing to bet Latrell Sprewell would love to have that $21 million in his bank account. And, who can forget about Bonzi Wells who turned down a five-year $38.5 offer from Sacramento?
Most recently the former Kentucky stand out, Nerlens Noel, turned down a four-year $70 million deal to test the free agency market. He ended up with a one year deal for $4 million.