We are currently nearing the end of NBA free agency. So far, we’ve seen superstars change teams and championship contenders signing reliable veterans.

However, one of the biggest stories of NBA free agency has been the failure of Dennis Schröder. Schröder rejected a $84 million contract extension offered by the Lakers. And as we all know, he had to settle with a $5.9 million deal with the Celtics.

Although Schröder still has an opportunity get another bank-breaking NBA contract next season, his future doesn’t look promising based on history. As we all know, professional basketball takes a huge toll on players' bodies. Because of this, players must make the most out of their limited windows before their bodies give in to age or injuries.

And failing to secure the bag during your best years could be a breeding ground for regrets. For this piece, let’s take a look at five players who faltered  after turning down a big contract offer.

NBA roller-coasters: DeMarcus Cousins

At some point in the past decade, DeMarcus Cousins was considered one of the premier centers of the league. As a big man, who can put the ball on the floor and dominate the post, Cousins was skilled enough to become a dominant modern center in the league. He is a four time All-Star and made the All-NBA Team twice.

Cousins was even considered to become the face of the Kings franchise. Although that didn’t work out, he did make an impact in New Orleans alongside Anthony Davis. Because of this, he was offered a two-year, $40 million NBA contract despite tending to an Achilles injury. However, Cousins would decline that offer and proceed to sign with the Warriors on a one-year, $5.3 million deal.

But despite joining a contender, his stock has reasonably fallen throughout the years, with major injuries sidelining him. Since declining the contract extension, Cousins hasn’t achieved much in the NBA. Although he helped the Warriors make the Finals for the fifth straight year, Cousins wasn’t healthy enough to help them seal the three-peat. Furthermore, he was also part of the Lakers squad that won the championship in the bubble. But then again, Cousins never played a game due to a torn ACL.

Cousins has managed to stay in the NBA by signing a couple of short-term deals. Last season, he suited up for the Rockets before getting traded to the Clippers. Although he did show glimpses, his production was nowhere near his peak form. He only averaged 8.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Currently, Cousins still finds himself without a team heading into the next season.

Victor Oladipo

Oladipo is one of the best shooting guards in the league. He is a two time All-Star and former Most Improved Player of the Year. Although Oladipo is no stranger to agreeing to big contracts, such as the four-year, $85 million deal he signed with the Thunder, things haven’t been smooth-sailing for him as of late. Aside from injuries that derailed his career, Oladipo has also missed big paychecks.

Oladipo proved to everyone he can reach NBA All-Star form while suiting up for the Pacers. Because of this, he was a crucial piece in the Pacers’ future plans. The Pacers offered Oladipo with a multi-year contract that had a starting salary of $25 million. Unfortunately, that was turned down by him.

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Furthermore, that wasn’t the only time Oladipo rejected a huge paycheck. After getting shipped to the Rockets in a blockbuster trade headlined by James Harden, the franchise offered him a two-year, $45 million deal.

The two time NBA All-Star would eventually be shipped to the Heat at the trade deadline. But after four games, Oladipo would succumb to an injury in his quadriceps tendon that would sideline him for the rest of the season. Oladipo registered the most underwhelming production for any team in his career. He posted only 12.0 points per game.

Just recently, Oladipo has recently agreed to re-join the Heat with a one-year deal amounting to an NBA veteran’s minimum, which is a far cry from his recently-expired contract of $85 million.

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Donatas Motiejunas

If you remember, Domantas Motiejunas was once a top prospect coming out of Europe. He was a lefty big man who can stretch the floor and provide versatility. The Lithuanian big man had his best year in the 2014-2015 season. He averaged 12.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

Montiejunas was originally supposed to leave the Rockets as an NBA restricted free agent after signing a $37 million deal with the Nets. However, the Rockets would match that offer and things got heated thereafter. Of the $37 million, $31 million was the declared the base salary with the remaining millions considered as incentives. The Rockets were only going to pay Motiejunas the declared base salary, which led to a protest by Motiejunas.

Despite still being penciled to earn $31 million, Motiejunas skipped his scheduled physical exam. It'd take a few long months before the Rockets would renounce his rights that would end the contract saga.

However, Motiejunas’ NBA career would go downhill from there. He'd agree to a one-year, $1.5 million veteran’s minimum contract with the Pelicans which was much less compared to matched offer by the Rockets.

Motiejunas would also struggle on the court. With a crowded frontcourt that had Anthony Davis, Omer Asik, and Alexis Ajinca, he hardly saw any NBA minutes. Motiejunas would average just 4.4 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.

After his stint with the Pelicans, Motiejunas would take his talents overseas. Although he would return to the NBA, his brief stint with the Spurs was uneventful. In three games, Motiejunas averaged just 2.0 points and 1.0 rebound per game before returning to China.

Brandon Jennings

Jennings had an explosive NBA rookie season. He averaged 15.5 points per game including a historic 55-point masterpiece. Due to his scoring prowess, the Bucks offered him a four-year, $40 million extension. However, Jennings reportedly turned down the offer with the desire to join the Pistons. The former Bucks sensation would be traded to the Pistons on a less lucrative three-year, $25 million contract.

Although Jennings’ first stint with the Pistons was respectable, his decline started in his second year with the franchise. Jennings suffered a dreaded Achilles injury. Because of this, he would never play the same again.

Jennings tried to put his NBA career on life-support by agreeing to short term deals. In fact, he immediately became a journeyman. In his stints with the Magic, Knicks, and the Wizards, Jennings won’t even break double-figures in points.

Jennings eventually took his talents overseas. Although he would make a brief return to the Bucks in 2018, his NBA career would stop there before heading back to Europe.

NBA stories: Bonzi Wells

Role players are significant for any contender. Because of this, Bonzi Wells truly shined after finally finding a home in the NBA with the Kings. In his Sacramento stint, Wells broke out in the postseason. He averaged 23.2 points and 12.0 rebounds per game.

With a groundbreaking performance, the Kings reportedly offered Wells a five-year, $36 million deal. Despite the lucrative offer, Wells declined it with the hopes of getting a better deal. However, this would eventually be the third biggest amount of money lost by an NBA player after turning down a contract.  He was forced to settle down with the Rockets on a two year, $5 million contract.

After not taking the Kings’ extension, Wells’ career would diminish from there. Wells experienced a drop in minutes, which took a hit on his production. Furthermore, his inability to thrive as the sixth man would send him to New Orleans just a season later. Unfortunately, he found himself out of the NBA not long after that.