The NBA free agency is finally here now that the draft is over. Following are some of our predictions and agency rumors for the biggest NBA free agents of this year
The NBA free agency opens this Monday on 2nd August at 6pm EST and the deals which come as a result will become official when the free agency moratorium ends on August 6 at 12.01pm ET. Kawhi Leonard is the biggest name on the market this year, beside the likes of Chris Paul and Kyle Lawry. Read on to know our predictions for where they will sign.
NBA Free Agency And Agents Rumors And Predictions 2021
1. Kawhi Leonard
Despite a partially torn ACL, Kawhi Leonard has the ability to lock up as big a contract as he wants. Even Kevin Durant had signed a four-year, $164 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets, several months after he tore his Achilles in the NBA Finals.ย The Clippers accommodated Kawhi in 2019 and they shouldn’t hesitate to do it again.
Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers
2. Chris Paul
One of the best NBA point guards at the age of 36 years old, Chris Paul is coming off an inspired season with the Phoenix Suns, where he lead them on an unlikely run to the NBA Finals. Heโs definitely set for another big pay day.
Prediction: Phoenix Suns
3. Mike Conley
Trading Mike Conley two years ago was a gamble for Jazz which paid off better than expected as he lead Jazz to the best NBA record during the regular season.ย Whether or not the Jazz want to fully run it back next season, thereโs a rumored three-year, $75 million deal for him to return to Utah.
Prediction: Utah Jazz
4. John Colllins
John Collins had a great run in the NBA Playoffs as the Hawks reached the Eastern Conference Finals. Though they have some big salaries on the books, it would be unwise to let Collins slip away. Though the Spurs, Pelicans, and Thunder all are rumored to be interested in him, Hawks is more probable to match a contract since heโs a restricted free agent.
Prediction: Atlanta Hawks
5. Jarrett Allen
ย The Cavs had made a sharp move when they acquired the Jarrett Allen as part of the trade that sent James Harden to Brooklyn. He fits the bill as a bouncy center who can protect the paint and catch lobs. Also a restricted free agent, he should return to Cleveland with a $100 million deal.
Prediction: Cleveland Cavs
6. Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry is possibly the biggest name on the free agent market who is expected to change teams. Among the many teams who need a point guard this offseason, Miami Heatย andย New Orleans Pelicans are two who covet Lowry.
Prediction: Miami Heat
7. Spencer Dinwiddie
Spencer Dinwiddie averaged 20 points per game for the Brooklyn Nets and showed serious creation ability during the 2019-2020 season but he suffered a partially torn ACL in late December. He is definitely not returning to Brooklyn with options like The Pelicans, Knicks, and Mavericks all open.
Prediction: New York Knicks
8. Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball seems to have gotten better and fully fixed his three-point shot. Rumors have been siding with the Chicago Bulls for the last eight months or so, though New Orleans and Pelicans also have potential.
Prediction: Chicago Bulls
9. DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan is on the open market too after spending the last three seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. He may return to San Antonio but a change in teams is more likely. He is being connected to the Lakers, but the Knicks seem like a more convenient option for him.
Prediction: New York Knicks
10. Norman Powell
Portland Trail Blazers had traded Powell from the Raptors midseason. He is coming off a breakout season in his sixth year in the league and a return to Portland seems likely. But a surprise team could still snatch him away with a huge offer.
Prediction: Portland Trail Blazers
ALSO READ: NBA Kawhi Leonard And The Top 10 Free Agents Along With The List Of The Free Agency