Rashard Lewis is the 29th highest-earning American athlete, with $20,323,711 in earnings last year, according to Sports Illustrated. The 13-year NBA veteran is ranked just behind Boston Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford and just ahead of Philadelphia Phillies ace Roy Halladay.
Lewis signed a six-year, $118 million contract with the Orlando Magic before the 2007-2008 season. It is generally considered to be one of the worst contracts in NBA history. The forward has never been better than a fringe all star at any point in his career, and since testing positive for steroids in 2009, he has been no better than mediocre. The Wizards are counting down the days until his contract expires in 2013.
Perhaps the only NBA contract considered worse than Lewis' right now is that of Gilbert Arenas, who the Wizards traded to Orlando to get Lewis. He checks in at No. 36, just behind Los Angeles Angels outfielder Torii Hunter and ahead of Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph. Magic fans have to wait until 2014 for Gil's contract to expire.