Looking at the 5 best value contracts in the NBA right now

#3- Jae Crowder - 2-years/$19.9-million remaining

2021 NBA Finals - Game Five Detroit Pistons v Phoenix Suns

Jae Crowder started in every playoff game for the Western Conference champions last season, and still has two years of phenomenal value remaining.

Throughout those playoff appearances, Crowder tallied averages of 10.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and just under one block and steal per matchup while knocking down 41.3 percent of his field goals, 38.0 percent of his threes, and 88.6 percent of his free throws.

Defensive versatility from players that are 6'6" to 6'8" is highly sought after in the modern NBA, and Crowder's 6'6" frame, impressive strength, and typical dogged mentality make him ideally fit that mold.

It remains shocking that the Phoenix Suns were able to obtain his talents at the price they did considering his proven playoff impact with the Miami Heat, Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics.

While his three-point shot can be inconsistent at times, his willingness to let it fly from downtown provides enough spacing even through his slumps. Jae Crowder is one of those players that every NBA player loves to suit up alongside and hates to matchup against.

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#2 - Christian Wood - 2-years/$27.9-million remaining

Houston Rockets center Christian Wood finished fourth in Most Improved Player voting last season, and it's easy to tell why. After averaging 13.1 points and 6.3 rebounds during his final season with the Detroit Pistons, Wood bumped those averages to 21.0 points and 9.6 rebounds last season.

That type of jump deserves real consideration for Most Improved, and in other years could even secure the title. Along with a nightly average knocking on the door of 20 and 10, Wood was impressively efficient, securing 51.4 percent of his total field goals and 27.4 percent on 5.0 threes per night.

If Wood would have suited up for more than 41 total games last season, he could have won the award, but the Houston Rockets have to be thrilled with his growth no matter what. Just recently turning 26-years-old, the 6'10" big man can do anything on offense.

As aforementioned, he knocks down a significant amount of threes at an astounding rate, can put the ball on the floor and attack the rim, succeeds as a roll man, and is an active rebounder. His numbers knock on the door of All-Star production, and very few players making less than $15-million annually can claim that.

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#1 - Luguentz Dort - 2-years/$3.7-million remaining

Oklahoma City Thunder v Los Angeles Clippers

Luguentz Dort started 52 of 52 total games for the lottery-bound Oklahoma City Thunder last season. Defensive is the name of the game for the 6'3" Arizona State product who most people have seen perform exceptionally well against playoff James Harden in isolation during his rookie season.

With minimal guarantee of even making an NBA roster in his career, Dort converted his two-way deal to a 4-year/$5.4-million deal in June 2020. Since then, Dort has cemented himself as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA.

Oklahoma City is sitting on a treasure chest full of assets and Dort's current deal is one of the most valuable in the vault. Dort is likely the only starting caliber in the NBA currently contracted for near minimum value.

When you also factor in that Luguentz Dort converted 34.3 percent of his 6.3 (!) attempts per game last season, his value skyrockets. It wouldn't surprise me if he was considered a better player than Royce O'Neale, who also made this list and makes over $7-million more than Dort annually.