As the NBA 2020-2021 season comes to an end, all eyes are turning towards the upcoming free agency period. With some of the biggest names in the league set to hit the open market, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the moves that will be made. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top NBA free agent contracts for 2021 and what they could mean for the league.
1. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard is widely regarded as the top prize in the 2021 free agency class. The 2-time Finals MVP and 5-time All-Star has the ability to change the trajectory of any team that signs him. Leonard is coming off a season where he averaged 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. With the LA Clippers falling short of expectations in the playoffs, Leonard may be looking for a new suitor in the hopes of winning another championship.
2. Chris Paul
Despite being 36 years old, Chris Paul proved to be an All-Star caliber player in the 2020-2021 season. He led the Phoenix Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance in over a decade and brought a newfound competitiveness to the franchise. Paul averaged 16.4 points, 8.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game this season, solidifying his value as a top-tier point guard. The Suns will likely do everything in their power to retain Paul, but other teams will also be vying for his services.
3. Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball has flown under the radar for much of his young career, but he’s set to make a big splash in free agency. The 23-year-old point guard has continued to improve each season and has shown flashes of All-Star potential. Ball averaged 14.6 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game in the 2020-2021 season while shooting a respectable 37.8% from three-point range. With his youth and upside, Ball could be a valuable asset for a team in the market for a point guard.
4. John Collins
John Collins is a rising star in the NBA and is set to cash in on his potential during free agency. The 23-year-old power forward is coming off a season where he averaged 17.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. Collins is a versatile player who can score from anywhere on the court and is also a strong rebounder and shot-blocker. With his combination of youth and skill, Collins is sure to be a hot commodity on the free agency market.
5. DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan may not have the same name recognition as some of the other players on this list, but he’s certainly a force to be reckoned with. The 31-year-old shooting guard has been a consistent scorer throughout his career and had another strong season in 2020-2021. DeRozan averaged 21.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game while shooting a career-high 49.5% from the field. While he may not be the flashiest player on the market, DeRozan’s ability to score and create for his teammates make him a valuable commodity in free agency.
In conclusion, the 2021 NBA free agency class is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With a mix of established veterans and rising stars available, teams will have plenty of options to choose from. Whether it’s Kawhi Leonard looking for a new championship contender or Lonzo Ball looking to take the next step in his career, the moves made during free agency will have a significant impact on the league as a whole.