NBA Free Agency Predictions 2021

 With NBA Free Agency starting today, it's about time we discuss who's staying and who's leaving. I will share my predictions on where some of the NBA's top players will land when it's all said and done at the end of this summer.

Chris Paul- PG, 36

Original Team: Phoenix Suns

New Team: Phoenix Suns

Sleeper Team: None

Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

    This year Chris Paul had arguably one of the best seasons in his career. He was putting up MVP numbers and didn't show any signs of slowing down with age. With Paul making his first finals appearance this season I don't see him leaving Phoenix. The Suns have a very young roster with a lot of talent, and Paul is in a perfect situation to contend the last few years of his career if he does stay in The Valley.

DeMar DeRozan- SG, 31

Original Team: San Antonio Spurs

New Team: Miami Heat

Sleeper Team: New York Knicks

TOM PENNINGTON / GETTY IMAGES

    Since being dealt to San Antonio in the Kawhi Leonard deal, DeMar DeRozan has been quietly putting up solid numbers. Going from a playoff team like the Raptors to a Spurs team that can't seem to make it there took the spotlight off of DeRozan but that didn't stop him from hooping. He has averaged 22, 6, and 5 in three seasons with the Spurs. I think that DeRozan wants out and wants to play for a contender again. The Heat already have a good team and can make a lot of noise in the East this year. Especially if the rumors of DeRozan and Lowry reuniting on the Heat are true, South Beach could be the place to be.

Lonzo Ball- PG, 23

Original Team: New Orleans Pelicans

New Team: Chicago Bulls

Sleeper Team: New York Knicks

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

    

        Although Lonzo Ball is a Restricted Free Agent, I still don't see him staying with the Pelicans. The 2020-2021 season was huge for Lonzo and saw him take a big leap forward as a player. He averaged roughly 15, 6, and 5 while shooting 37.8% from three, but the numbers don't tell the whole story. It is evident that Lonzo Ball is developing and a lot of teams see that. The Chicago Bulls for one really like his game and want to offer him a contract right when free agency begins. This is a good young team with solid vets and would be a good spot for Ball. Another squad looking into Lonzo is the New York Knicks. The Knicks need a point guard who can make things happen and Lonzo is just that. His playing-making ability, court vision, and shooting are all things that could help NYK a lot. But I think the Bulls have a small edge when it comes to Lonzo's preference and he would therefore choose Chicago over New York.

Victor Oladipo- SG, 29

Original Team: Miami Heat

New Team: Miami Heat

Sleeper Team: Boston Celtics

Carmen Mandato/Associated Press

    Oladipo was traded from the Rockets to the Heat in March but was only available for a few games before having season-ending quad surgery. When healthy, Oladipo is a very solid guard and can score efficiently to make a difference in a game. I think that Victor Oladipo was relieved after being dealt to Miami and out of Houston. I don't see him leaving a contending playoff team in Miami and joining what would be his 4th team in a year. I believe that if he can stay healthy all year he can bring the heat to a top 3 seed in the East next season.

Mike Conley- PG, 33

Original Team: Utah Jazz

New Team: Utah Jazz

Sleeper Team: New York Knicks

Kevin C. Cox/Associated Press

  

  Conley is getting up there in age and is still seeking his first NBA championship. Last year with the Jazz he was a huge part in getting them to the top seed in the Western Conference. I think that the Jazz realize how big his contribution is and will do what it takes to keep him in Utah. A sleeper option for him is the New York Knicks. The Knicks need a playmaker and Conley is just that. Plus Conley shot a career-best 41% from three last year, which is a department where the Knicks could definitely use some help.

Kyle Lowry- PG, 35

Original Team: Toronto Raptors

New Team: Miami Heat

Sleeper Team: Philadelphia 76ers

(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

   

 There have been rumors about Kyle Lowry for months now yet a big move still hasn't happened. prior to the trade deadline, he was rumored to be traded to Los Angeles, Philly, New Orleans, New York, and others. All of these turned out to be false, but now as a free agent, I think Lowry wants out. One rumor I do believe is a Lowry and DeRozan reunion in Miami. I think that this could work perfectly for the Heat. They are likely going to move on from Duncan Robinson and Goran Dragic which draws the need for a point guard and shooting guard. And who better than the BFFs from the 6. I believe Kyle Lowry does go down to South Beach and maybe even meets an old buddy while he's there.

Dennis Schröder- PG, 28

Original Team: Los Angeles Lakers

New Team: Philadelphia 76ers

Sleeper Team: Chicago Bulls

Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images

    

    Dennis Schröder is one of the most controversial players in the NBA. Although he is very talented he isn't constant in his play yet he is still seeking upwards of $100M which is a lot for any team for a player like Schröder. Speaking of controversy, Ben Simmons is essentially being expelled from the city of Philadelphia, leaving them without a starting PG. I think Dennis Schröder would be a solid fit alongside Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris (if he stays) and could lead them to a high seed in a relatively weak East.

John Collins- PF, 23

Original Team: Atlanta Hawks 

New Team: Atlanta Hawks 

Sleeper Team: San Antonio Spurs

Nick Wass/Associated Press

        

    John Collins was a big part of the Hawk's 2021 playoff run and the Hawks need to keep him. The electric power forward averaged just under 18 points with 7 rebounds a game. He and star point guard Trae Young have great chemistry and I think that bond shouldn't be broken. I think Collins stays loyal and signs a big contract with Atlanta, but don't be surprised if Pop and the Spurs swoop in last minute and try and steal Collins from the Hawks.

Kawhi Leonard- SF, 30

Original Team: Los Angeles Clippers

New Team: Los Angeles Clippers

Sleeper Team: Miami Heat 

Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images

      2021 was a very interesting year for the Clippers. They made their first Western Conference Finals in 51 years and took the Phoenix Suns to a game 6. This may not sound impressive given all the talent LA has but they put up a great fight versus the Suns without their leader and former MVP Kawhi Leonard. Leonard is rumored to have an ACL "injury". More likely than not, Kawhi tore or has a slight tear in his ACL. This injury usually takes about 8-12 months to recover from for an NBA athlete. With that being said I think that Leonard plays it safe and sticks with the Clips. Going to a new team after an injury like that might be a struggle, in addition to that, I believe that after seeing how hard the Clippers played without him he believes that he can be the last piece to the puzzle and help the Clippers a title. The way I see it, Kawhi will sign a short-term deal, perhaps 1 or 2 years, and see if the Clippers can finally get the job done. If not I think that he would then leave LA for another contender after the 2022 or '23 season.