5. Larry Hughes, Cleveland Cavaliers
The contract: 5 years, $65 million (2005)
After a sensational season in which he averaged 22 points, six rebounds, and five assists with the Washington Wizards, Larry Hughes entered the 2005 offseason as one of the top free agents. And in an attempt to make a splash around LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers took a chance on Hughes. And while it wasn’t disastrous of a move, you can make the argument that it was at least part of the reason why LeBron ultimately left Cleveland.
If LeBron is playing with another all-star caliber player or even wins a title in Cleveland, perhaps he never leaves in 2010. Who knows; perhaps it is one of the biggest “what ifs” in Cleveland sports history. Either way, Hughes wasn’t the 20-point player that the Cavs thought they were getting after they signed him. But the biggest reason why Hughes may not have worked out in Cleveland is the fact that he missed 100 games during his three years (before he was traded to the Chicago Bulls) with the Cavs.
Again, if Hughes remains completely healthy and if he is that all-star caliber player the Cavs thought they were signing, perhaps LeBron and the Cavs win a title before 2010 ever happens. It makes you rethink LeBron’s entire career.