NBA Free Agents 2021: Top 30 players who could hit market

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The 2020-21 NBA regular season is over, so let’s look ahead to some of the notable names on the free agent market this summer.

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1/30
<p><strong>Age: </strong>29</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Salary: </strong>$34.4 million (PO: $36 million)</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Stats: </strong>24.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 5.2 apg

Age: 29

2020-21 Salary: $34.4 million (PO: $36 million)

2020-21 Stats: 24.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 5.2 apg

2/30
 51.2% FG, 39.8% 3P, 88.5% FT</p>

<p>Leonard’s credentials are evident. A two-time champion and Finals MVP, he remains in the prime of his career and is coming off an All-NBA caliber season for a Clippers team that enters the postseason seeded fourth in the West. The question is if he’ll enter the market. Exercising that player option, or extending with the Clippers, are possibilities this offseason.</p>
51.2% FG, 39.8% 3P, 88.5% FT

Leonard’s credentials are evident. A two-time champion and Finals MVP, he remains in the prime of his career and is coming off an All-NBA caliber season for a Clippers team that enters the postseason seeded fourth in the West. The question is if he’ll enter the market. Exercising that player option, or extending with the Clippers, are possibilities this offseason.

3/30
<p><strong>Age: </strong>36</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Salary: </strong>$41.4 million (PO: $44.2 million)</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Stats: </strong>16.4 ppg, 8.9 apg, 4.5 rpg

Age: 36

2020-21 Salary: $41.4 million (PO: $44.2 million)

2020-21 Stats: 16.4 ppg, 8.9 apg, 4.5 rpg

4/30
 49.9% FG, 39.5% 3P, 93.4% FT</p>

<p>Paul continued his graceful, late-career surge by helping the Suns vault from fringe playoff contender to a 51-21 record and the second seed in the West. Could he opt out to try and secure a multi-year commitment? Extend his current contract? Or might that $44.2 million up front be too enticing? If he were to hit the open market, he’s coming off the best season of any available lead guard.</p>
49.9% FG, 39.5% 3P, 93.4% FT

Paul continued his graceful, late-career surge by helping the Suns vault from fringe playoff contender to a 51-21 record and the second seed in the West. Could he opt out to try and secure a multi-year commitment? Extend his current contract? Or might that $44.2 million up front be too enticing? If he were to hit the open market, he’s coming off the best season of any available lead guard.

5/30
<p><strong>Age: </strong>31</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Salary: </strong>$27.7 million</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Stats: </strong>21.6 ppg, 6.9 apg, 4.2 rpg

Age: 31

2020-21 Salary: $27.7 million

2020-21 Stats: 21.6 ppg, 6.9 apg, 4.2 rpg

6/30
 49.5% FG, 25.7% 3P, 88% FT</p>

<p>DeRozan could have been a headline name in last summer’s free agent class, but opted into the final year of his contract with the Spurs. In that season, he posted the highest assist average, and second-highest true shooting percentage (59.1), of his career while manning minutes at both forward spots, positioning himself for another big payday at age 31.</p>
49.5% FG, 25.7% 3P, 88% FT

DeRozan could have been a headline name in last summer’s free agent class, but opted into the final year of his contract with the Spurs. In that season, he posted the highest assist average, and second-highest true shooting percentage (59.1), of his career while manning minutes at both forward spots, positioning himself for another big payday at age 31.

7/30
<p><strong>Age: </strong>35</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Salary: </strong>$30 million</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Stats: </strong>17.2 ppg, 7.3 apg, 5.4 rpg

Age: 35

2020-21 Salary: $30 million

2020-21 Stats: 17.2 ppg, 7.3 apg, 5.4 rpg

8/30
 43.6% FG, 39.6% 3P, 87.5% FT</p>

<p>The Raptors stumbled through a 2020-21 campaign flush with extraneous circumstances, but Lowry still has a ton to offer as a dogged defender, offensive organizer and veteran leader. His name was reported to be linked to the Philadelphia 76ers (his hometown team), Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers at last offseason’s trade deadline.</p>
43.6% FG, 39.6% 3P, 87.5% FT

The Raptors stumbled through a 2020-21 campaign flush with extraneous circumstances, but Lowry still has a ton to offer as a dogged defender, offensive organizer and veteran leader. His name was reported to be linked to the Philadelphia 76ers (his hometown team), Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers at last offseason’s trade deadline.

9/30
<p><strong>Age: </strong>33</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Salary: </strong>$34.5 million</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Stats: </strong>16.2 ppg, 6.0 apg, 3.5 rpg

Age: 33

2020-21 Salary: $34.5 million

2020-21 Stats: 16.2 ppg, 6.0 apg, 3.5 rpg

10/30
 44.4% FG, 41.2% 3P, 85.2% FT</p>

<p>After a down first season in Utah, Conley revived in 2020-21, posting one of the more productive per-minute campaigns of his career — and earning his first All-Star nod — for the world-beating Jazz. He’ll have no shortage of suitors this summer, and probably at a high salary number.</p>
44.4% FG, 41.2% 3P, 85.2% FT

After a down first season in Utah, Conley revived in 2020-21, posting one of the more productive per-minute campaigns of his career — and earning his first All-Star nod — for the world-beating Jazz. He’ll have no shortage of suitors this summer, and probably at a high salary number.

11/30
<p><strong>Age: </strong>23</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Salary: </strong>$4.1 million</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Stats: </strong>17.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.0 bpg

Age: 23

2020-21 Salary: $4.1 million

2020-21 Stats: 17.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.0 bpg

12/30
 55.6% FG, 39.9% 3P, 83.3% FT</p>

<p>Collins exits his rookie contract one of the most coveted young names on the market because of his unique blend of athleticism and inside-out scoring ability in the frontcourt. His role diminished slightly as the Hawks revamped their roster through free-agent signings and trades, but they will have the ability to match any offer sheet he may sign elsewhere.</p>
55.6% FG, 39.9% 3P, 83.3% FT

Collins exits his rookie contract one of the most coveted young names on the market because of his unique blend of athleticism and inside-out scoring ability in the frontcourt. His role diminished slightly as the Hawks revamped their roster through free-agent signings and trades, but they will have the ability to match any offer sheet he may sign elsewhere.

13/30
<p><strong>Age: </strong>23</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Salary: </strong>$11 million</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Stats: </strong>14.6 ppg, 5.7 apg, 1.5 spg

Age: 23

2020-21 Salary: $11 million

2020-21 Stats: 14.6 ppg, 5.7 apg, 1.5 spg

14/30
 41.4% FG, 37.8% 3P, 78.1% FT</p>

<p>Ball was reported to be in trade talks at the deadline, so even as a restricted free agent, his future with the Pelicans could be uncertain. Still 23 years old, he offers intriguing upside because of his creative passing ability, improved 3-point (and free-throw) shot and reputation as a plus team defender.</p>
41.4% FG, 37.8% 3P, 78.1% FT

Ball was reported to be in trade talks at the deadline, so even as a restricted free agent, his future with the Pelicans could be uncertain. Still 23 years old, he offers intriguing upside because of his creative passing ability, improved 3-point (and free-throw) shot and reputation as a plus team defender.

15/30
<p><strong>Age: </strong>27</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Salary: </strong>$15.5 million</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Stats: </strong>15.4 ppg, 5.8 apg, 3.5 rpg

Age: 27

2020-21 Salary: $15.5 million

2020-21 Stats: 15.4 ppg, 5.8 apg, 3.5 rpg

16/30
 43.7% FG, 33.5% 3P, 84.8% FT</p>

<p>Schröder <a href="https://nba.nbcsports.com/2021/03/30/report-dennis-schroder-rejected-four-year-84m-contract-extension-from-lakers/">reportedly turned down an extension</a> with the Lakers worth (an estimated) $84 million over four years, which invites the possibility that he could test the waters this summer and gives an idea of the type of deal for which he’ll be searching. Outside of the veteran trio of Paul, Conley and Lowry, he may be the most surefire lead guard option on the market with a proven track record of two-way production.</p>
43.7% FG, 33.5% 3P, 84.8% FT

Schröder reportedly turned down an extension with the Lakers worth (an estimated) $84 million over four years, which invites the possibility that he could test the waters this summer and gives an idea of the type of deal for which he’ll be searching. Outside of the veteran trio of Paul, Conley and Lowry, he may be the most surefire lead guard option on the market with a proven track record of two-way production.

17/30
<p><strong>Age: </strong>27</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Salary: </strong>$5 million</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Stats: </strong>14.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.6 bpg

Age: 27

2020-21 Salary: $5 million

2020-21 Stats: 14.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.6 bpg

18/30
 63.7% FG, 18.2% 3P (11 attempts), 79.4% FT</p>

<p>Holmes has transformed himself from an energy big early in his career into a more-than-capable starter, with one of the more lethal floaters in the league. Non-floor-spacing bigs are considered a dying breed by some, but a career year just as he enters his prime could lead to a sizable raise for Holmes this offseason.</p>
63.7% FG, 18.2% 3P (11 attempts), 79.4% FT

Holmes has transformed himself from an energy big early in his career into a more-than-capable starter, with one of the more lethal floaters in the league. Non-floor-spacing bigs are considered a dying breed by some, but a career year just as he enters his prime could lead to a sizable raise for Holmes this offseason.

19/30
<p><strong>Age: </strong>23</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Salary: </strong>$3.9 million</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Stats: </strong>12.8 ppg, 10 rpg, 1.4 bpg

Age: 23

2020-21 Salary: $3.9 million

2020-21 Stats: 12.8 ppg, 10 rpg, 1.4 bpg

20/30
 61.8% FG, 31.6% 3P (19 attempts), 70.3% FT</p>

<p>It would be a surprise if the Cavaliers allowed Allen, a restricted free agent, to walk, given how well they did to nab him from the Rockets as part of the James Harden trade. Allen is a dynamic vertical threat and a smothering shotblocker with room to blossom as the Cavaliers’ rebuild continues.</p>
61.8% FG, 31.6% 3P (19 attempts), 70.3% FT

It would be a surprise if the Cavaliers allowed Allen, a restricted free agent, to walk, given how well they did to nab him from the Rockets as part of the James Harden trade. Allen is a dynamic vertical threat and a smothering shotblocker with room to blossom as the Cavaliers’ rebuild continues.

21/30
<p><strong>Age: </strong>28</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Salary: </strong>$11.5 million (PO: $12.3 million)</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Stats (3 G): </strong>6.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.0 apg

Age: 28

2020-21 Salary: $11.5 million (PO: $12.3 million)

2020-21 Stats (3 G): 6.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.0 apg

22/30
 37.5% FG, 28.6% 3P, 1.000% FT</p>

<p>Dinwiddie is the forgotten man in the point guard market — partially because his contract carries a $12.3 million player option for 2021-22, partially because he missed most of the 2020-21 season with a partially torn ACL. But before Harden arrived, Kevin Durant returned, and as Kyrie Irving oscillated in and out of the lineup, Dinwiddie averaged 20.6 points, 6.8 assists and seven free-throw attempts per game for the 2019-20 Nets.</p>
37.5% FG, 28.6% 3P, 1.000% FT

Dinwiddie is the forgotten man in the point guard market — partially because his contract carries a $12.3 million player option for 2021-22, partially because he missed most of the 2020-21 season with a partially torn ACL. But before Harden arrived, Kevin Durant returned, and as Kyrie Irving oscillated in and out of the lineup, Dinwiddie averaged 20.6 points, 6.8 assists and seven free-throw attempts per game for the 2019-20 Nets.

23/30
<p><strong>Age: </strong>27</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Salary: </strong>$10.9 million (PO: $11.6 million)</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Stats: </strong>18.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.9 apg

Age: 27

2020-21 Salary: $10.9 million (PO: $11.6 million)

2020-21 Stats: 18.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.9 apg

24/30
 47.7% FG, 41.1% 3P, 87.1% FT</p>

<p>Powell could forego free agency until next offseason by picking up that player option, but might the 27-year-old try to cash in on what was a breakout scoring season for him? After the Trail Blazers traded Gary Trent Jr. (and his restricted rights) for Powell at the deadline, they may be motivated to lock him in long-term.</p>
47.7% FG, 41.1% 3P, 87.1% FT

Powell could forego free agency until next offseason by picking up that player option, but might the 27-year-old try to cash in on what was a breakout scoring season for him? After the Trail Blazers traded Gary Trent Jr. (and his restricted rights) for Powell at the deadline, they may be motivated to lock him in long-term.

25/30
<p><strong>Age: </strong>28</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Salary: </strong>$17 million</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Stats: </strong>17.1 ppg, 3.4 apg, 1.1 spg

Age: 28

2020-21 Salary: $17 million

2020-21 Stats: 17.1 ppg, 3.4 apg, 1.1 spg

26/30
 45.7% FG, 41.3% 3P, 78.8% FT</p>

<p>Fournier is a solid option for any team in search of a scoring or playmaking boost on the wing. Before going from a featured role with the Magic to a supplementary situation with the Celtics — and enduring a tough bout with COVID-19 — he was enjoying his highest-scoring season (averaging 19.7 points) yet and has always been a knockdown shooter.</p>
45.7% FG, 41.3% 3P, 78.8% FT

Fournier is a solid option for any team in search of a scoring or playmaking boost on the wing. Before going from a featured role with the Magic to a supplementary situation with the Celtics — and enduring a tough bout with COVID-19 — he was enjoying his highest-scoring season (averaging 19.7 points) yet and has always been a knockdown shooter.

27/30
<p><strong>Age: </strong>26</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Salary: </strong>$1.7 million</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Stats: </strong>14.8 ppg, 5.4 apg, 2.7 rpg

Age: 26

2020-21 Salary: $1.7 million

2020-21 Stats: 14.8 ppg, 5.4 apg, 2.7 rpg

28/30
 37.7% FG, 37.5% 3P, 84.2% FT</p>

<p>A second-round pick in the 2018 draft, Graham broke out in 2019-20 for the Hornets, averaging 18.2 points and 7.5 assists while drawing Most Improved Player consideration. His role has scaled back with the drafting of LaMelo Ball, but Graham remains a dynamic pull-up shooter and playmaker with potential still to unlock.</p>
37.7% FG, 37.5% 3P, 84.2% FT

A second-round pick in the 2018 draft, Graham broke out in 2019-20 for the Hornets, averaging 18.2 points and 7.5 assists while drawing Most Improved Player consideration. His role has scaled back with the drafting of LaMelo Ball, but Graham remains a dynamic pull-up shooter and playmaker with potential still to unlock.

29/30
<p><strong>Age: </strong>25</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Salary: </strong>$14.4 million</p>

<p><strong>2020-21 Stats: </strong>15.4 ppg, 6 rpg, 1 spg

Age: 25

2020-21 Salary: $14.4 million

2020-21 Stats: 15.4 ppg, 6 rpg, 1 spg

30/30
 43.9% FG, 31.6% 3P, 69.5% FT</p>

<p>Oubre’s slow-shooting start to the season was widely maligned, but his athleticism, defensive activity and versatility could make him a popular target for teams in need of two-way assistance on the wing.</p>
43.9% FG, 31.6% 3P, 69.5% FT

Oubre’s slow-shooting start to the season was widely maligned, but his athleticism, defensive activity and versatility could make him a popular target for teams in need of two-way assistance on the wing.

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