NBA off-season / free agent preview

With the Milwaukee Bucks crowned 2021 NBA Champions the league will now move on to summer free agency and the NBA draft. As always, there are huge implications for this summer as far as free agency. Some of the top free agents this summer / year are Atlanta's John Collins, Toronto's Kyle Lowry, San Antonio's Demar DeRozan, New Orlean's Lonzo Ball, Laker's Dennis Schroder, and two huge player option free agents Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul. Starting with the Lakers, I do feel that they have the most spotlight and pressure for the next season. They lost to the Suns in the playoffs because of consistent injuries that kept LeBron and Anthony Davis sidelined throughout the regular season and playoffs. With Dennis Schroder most likely departing there have been a lot of rumors of who will take that point guard spot. There have been trade rumors that Damian Lillard, Russell Westbrook or Chris Paul could be joining the super-team of Anthony Davis and LeBron on the Lakers. Any of these 3 players joining the Lakers likely means another NBA Championship in LA.

Teams that are in trouble this summer are the 76ers and Suns. The 76ers have trouble in paradise with their superstar Ben Simmons who has been almost shunned from the city after his playoff performance this year. They will have a big off-season with drafting and possible trades. Even some of the free agents like Lonzo Ball and Kyle Lowry would be great fits for the 76ers. The Suns could be in trouble too if Chris Paul decides to part ways. They had a great run to the finals this year with their young core. Chris Paul is such an impactful player and if he leaves the Suns have an irreplaceable hole in their lineup. Overall the biggest impact that could shake up the NBA is if Kawhi Leonard uses his player option and joins another team which would leave the LA Clippers in a tough spot. There are so many different ways that the off-season can play out. It makes the upcoming months exciting!