Detroit Pistons: 3 veteran centers to target in Free Agency - Detroit Jock City

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The NBA’s free agency period is set to kick off Monday, August 2nd at 6 p.m. Est.  The Detroit Pistons recently cleared some salary cap space by trading starting center Mason Plumlee on draft night.  Plus, the organization decided to waive veteran guard Cory Joseph, center Tyler Cook, and guard Deividas Sirvydis.

Plumlee had been entering the second year of his three-year deal that averages just over $8-million per season, plus by waiving the three just mentioned, the Detroit Pistons will clear up $12.2 million in cap space, according to ESPN‘s Bobby Marks.

This cap figure also includes the Pistons cap holds of restricted free agents Hamidou Diallo, Frank Jackson, and Saben Lee.

General manager (GM) Troy Weaver needed to free up some roster spots for the incoming draft class. Still, the organization had also been tight against the cap and, before the flurry of moves, had been set to start free agency with no money left in the budget.

Here are three center’s the Detroit Pistons should target in free agency.

If the Detroit Pistons can pry free agent Nerlens Noel from the Knicks, he may be the perfect complement to second-year center Isaiah Stewart.

Noel is a 27-year old averaged 5.1 points, 6.4 boards in 64 games last year in New York.  Noel and current Pistons’ star Jerami Grant are close friends.  The two played together in Philadelphia, and there is a realistic chance Grant, and the cast of youthful, butting-stars in Detroit may be enough to lure a player like Noel from the Big Apple.

Noel is more of a defensive-minded center and would fit in head coach Dwane Casey’s scheme wonderfully.  Noel anchored the Knicks inside and helped the team produce the best rim field goal percentage of 60.5% in 2020-21.

Also, when Noel started for the Knicks last year, the team produced an overall record of 25-16 but 16-15 when he did not.

The Knicks recently picked up Mitchell Robinson’s $1.8 million team option, but I’m sure they will hope to re-sign Noel.   If he is open to fielding offers, the Detroit Pistons are surely a fit.

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NBA free agency predictions 2021: Where the 11 best players could sign - SB Nation

NBA free agency is finally here. Players will be able to negotiate with teams on Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. ET. Deals can’t become official until the free agency moratorium ends on Aug. 6 at 12:01 p.m. ET.

The biggest free agent in this year’s class never hit the open market. Giannis Antetokounmpo signed a five-year, $228 million extension with the Milwaukee Bucks just before the start of the season, and then led the franchise to its first NBA championship since 1972. Antetokounmpo would have been one of the biggest free agents in the history of sports if he hit the open market. Instead, this year’s class feels a little underwhelming at the top.

Kawhi Leonard is the biggest name on the free agent market, but it would be a shock to see him leave the Los Angeles Clippers. The same goes for Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns. It feels likely Kyle Lowry is the top free agent to actually change teams this summer. Of course, there will be plenty of movement from mid-tier free agents. This list doesn’t include players like Duncan Robinson, Dennis Schröder, Richaun Holmes, Kelly Oubre, and Will Barton, who should all sign big money deals and will be each be a possibility to change teams.

Before free agency opens, here are our predictions on where the biggest names sign.

1. Kawhi Leonard

Leonard is the top free agent in the class even with a partially torn ACL. While we don’t’ know when or if Leonard will play next season, the injury won’t preclude him from locking up as big of a contract as he wants. Remember: Kevin Durant signed a four-year, $164 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets months after tearing his Achilles in the NBA Finals.

The recent rumors are that Leonard will sign a ‘1+1’ deal with the Clippers, which means he’ll have a player option on the second season. The Clippers have already reshaped their entire franchise to accommodate Kawhi since he signed as a free agent in 2019, and there shouldn’t be any hesitation to do it again. He’s the only top-10 player in the league available this summer.

Prediction: Two-year max contract with Clippers, player option on the second year

2. Chris Paul

Paul remains one of the best point guards in the NBA even at 36 years old. For all the concern that he wouldn’t live up to the most recent max contract he signed in 2018, Paul ended up being worth every penny and more. He is of course coming off an inspired season with the Phoenix Suns, where he helped lead them on an unlikely run to the NBA Finals. He’s about to get one more big pay day.

There’s always some concern that Phoenix’s historically penny-pinching owner Robert Starver could stop short of giving Paul all the money he wants, but it’s unlikely after the Finals run. Paul has already earned $300 million in career earnings on NBA deals, and he might be set to add about $90 million more.

Prediction: 3 years, $90 million with Suns.

3. Mike Conley

The Jazz made a bold move to trade for Conley two years ago, and they saw how good he could be this past season. Conley made the first All-Star team of his career at age-33 and helped lead the Jazz to the best record in the NBA during the regular season. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury in the NBA playoffs, and only played one game in Utah’s second round loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA playoffs.

Whether or not the Jazz want to fully run it back next season, Conley figures to be in their plans. There’s a rumored three-year, $75 million deal for him to return to Utah.

Prediction: 3 years, $75 million with Jazz

4. John Collins

The Hawks and Collins failed to come to an agreement on a rookie extension, so now he enters the market as a restricted free agent. Atlanta already has some big salaries on the books, but it would feel foolish to let Collins slip away. The springy 6’9 forward certainly made himself some more money after a great run in the NBA Playoffs as the Hawks reached the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Spurs, Pelicans, and Thunder are all rumors to have interest in Collins, but the Hawks can match any contract since he’s a restricted free agent. Expect him to sign something close to a max deal.

Prediction: 5 years, $120 million with Hawks

5. Jarrett Allen

The Cavs just drafted Evan Mobley at No. 3 overall, but there’s still plenty of room for Allen. Mobley is skilled enough to play the four, and his lack of bulk makes him a nice fit next to a more traditional center early in his career. Allen fits the bill as a super long (7’6 wingspan) and bouncy center who can protect the paint and catch lobs. The Cavs made a sharp move to acquire the 23-year-old as part of the trade that sent James Harden to Brooklyn.

Allen is also a restricted free agent, so he’s all but certain to return to Cleveland. He’s another player who should get around $100 million on this deal.

Prediction: 5 years, $90 million with Cavs

6. Kyle Lowry

Lowry is still very good at 35 years old. He was almost moved at the trade deadline, but no team wanted to meet the Raptors’ asking price. Now he’s possibly the biggest name on the free agent market expected to change teams.

There are plenty of teams who need a point guard this offseason. The Miami Heat and New Orleans Pelicans both covet Lowry, and there may or may not be a deal already in place with the Heat. Lowry should send CP3 a thank you after he inks his next deal for showing the value of veteran point guards during the playoffs.

Prediction: Sign-and-trade to Heat for 3 years, $85 million

7. Lonzo Ball

Ball hasn’t fully lived up to the hype after becoming the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, but he’s gotten better every season of his career and seems to have fully fixed his three-point shot. On the brink of his 24th birthday, Ball feels like one of the oddest players in the NBA: he’s a point guard in name only with an inability to attack the basket or get to the foul line, but he’s a credible floor spacer, quick ball mover, and capable team defender.

The Chicago Bulls have been rumored to like Ball for the last eight months or so. The Pelicans can still match any contract offer he gets since he’s a restricted free agent. New Orleans appears to have its sights set on other guards, but things can change quickly if they fail to land Lowry (reportedly their top option). If Ball wants to be in Chicago, a sign-and-trade between the two sides is likely. Expect Ball to get a deal around five years and $80 million.

Prediction: Sign-and-trade to Bulls for 4 years, $80 million

8. Spencer Dinwiddie

Dinwiddie’s market should be fascinating. He’s a big 6’5 guard who averaged 20 points per game for the Brooklyn Nets and showed serious creation ability while Kevin Durant was out during the 2019-2020 season. Dinwiddie suffered a partially torn ACL in late December, but has been cleared to return to basketball activities. He’s almost certainly not coming back to Brooklyn.

Dinwiddie’s rough three-point shooting —he’s a 31.8 percent shooter behind the arc for his career — limits his impact off the ball, but he still should have plenty of options for point guard hungry teams. The Pelicans, Knicks, and Mavericks all feel like possible options.

Prediction: Sign-and-trade with Wizards for 4 years, $80 million

9. DeMar DeRozan

Lowry’s old running mate with the Raptors is on the open market too after spending the last three seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. While a return to San Antonio is possible, it feels likely DeRozan will change teams.

There has been buzz connecting DeRozan to the Los Angeles Lakers, but that would likely require him taking a pay cut. A team like the New York Knicks, flushed with cap space, seems like it could be an option on a two- or three-year deal.

Prediction: 2 years, $40 million with Knicks

10. Norman Powell

Powell is coming off a breakout season in his sixth year in the league that saw him set career marks in scoring (18.6 points per game) and three-point shooting (41.1 percent on six attempts per game). He was traded from the Raptors to the Portland Trail Blazers midseason, and looks primed to get a fat contract this summer from the Blazers or another suitor.

A return to Portland is the most likely option, but this also feels like a case where a surprise team could snatch him away with a huge offer. Damian Lillard’s unhappiness with the Blazers will feel more urgent than ever if Powell isn’t re-signed.

Prediction: 4 years, $90 million with Trail Blazers

11. Tim Hardaway Jr.

Hardaway was thought to be overpaid after the Knicks originally signed him to a four-year, $70 million deal, but he’s probably been Luka Doncic’s best teammate since he got traded to the Mavericks. Hardaway does something every NBA team covets: he shoots threes at a high volume at nearly a 40 percent clip.

A return to the Mavericks is possible and maybe likely, but Hardaway should have plenty of suitors. The Pelicans and Spurs feel like they should also be options.

Prediction: 4 years, $65 million with Pelicans

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NBA free agency predictions 2021: Where the 11 best players could sign - SB Nation
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What the Portland Trail Blazers have to spend when Free Agency opens - Rip City Project

Within 24 hours, NBA Free Agency will begin, and teams will start signing players right away.

For the teams that have cap space, large amounts of assets, and picks, this will be an exciting time.

For the Portland Trail Blazers and their fans though, this will be a more subdued period.

The Blazers have very limited assets to use in terms of being able to get better this summer.

What the Portland Trail Blazers have to spend when Free Agency opens

Asset #1 – Norman Powell’s bird rights

Norman Powell is the Blazers’ best chip and a key for their summer and the free agency period. Because Norm played the minimum three-year period on one team or under one contract or multiple teams, the Blazers now have his bird rights.

This means they can go over the salary cap to bring him back. If Norm left for nothing, this would be a disaster though. By bringing him back, they can possibly initiate a CJ McCollum trade with Powell as the insurance. Powell’s bird rights are the Blazers’ best asset going into free agency.

Asset #2 – Taxpayer / Midlevel / Biannual Exceptions

The Blazers used their midlevel exception last year to bring in Derrick Jones Jr, but teams get to use that exception every year. The issue the Blazers have though is the luxury tax. Last season, the Blazers didn’t want to pay it, and this year they may go down the same road. If they don’t want to pay the tax then they will have to limit their spending which could mean not giving out the entire midlevel.

If they go into the tax, then they will have the taxpayer exception which is $6.6 million, if they stay out of the tax then that amount will depend on the number they spend on bringing back Powell.

The bi-annual is also there, of $3.7 million but that triggers the hard cap.

The most they will likely have to spend, under these three exceptions, if they don’t want to trigger the hard cap, is around the $6.6 million mark. This $6.6 million can be spent on one player or multiple players.

Asset #3 – Veterans minimum

The veteran’s minimum is its own exception and can be used multiple times to sign players. As long as the team isn’t hard-capped, then they can use this exception to sign any player to a league agreed amount.

Carmelo Anthony and Harry Giles were examples of a player signed to this exception last season. The salary number is set by the league prior to the season, based on years of service in the NBA.

Back-up / bench players and veterans usually agree on this amount.

As you can see there isn’t a lot available for the Blazers in free agency. They are probably better to make a big splash in a trade, as they can then reduce salary and potentially use more of the mid-level exception. Neil Olshey isn’t known for big off-season trades, so the chances of this aren’t high, but the team can improve significantly more in a trade than it can in free agency.

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NBA free agency 2021: Ranking top 20 free agents, starting with Kawhi Leonard - Sporting News

Complete the 2020-21 NBA season? Check. Complete the 2021 NBA Draft? Check. Free agency, you're up next.

The league's annual spending spree is set to kick off Monday night with teams and players officially permitted to begin negotiations at 6 p.m. ET. ("Officially" being the key word, as discussions have undoubtedly already happened.) The biggest stars in this year's class, Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul, may not truly be available, but there will be plenty of other useful players searching for new deals.

Let's take a look at the top targets and what makes them so attractive to general managers hoping to improve their rosters.

MORE: Biggest winners and losers from the 2021 NBA Draft

NBA free agency 2021: Ranking the top 20 players

1. Kawhi Leonard, Clippers (Player option)

Despite suffering a partially torn ACL during the 2021 NBA playoffs, Leonard will command max money. Prior to his injury, he averaged 30.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.1 steals in 11 postseason games while shooting 57.3 percent from the field and 39.3 percent on 3-pointers. He is one of the top all-around players in the league and still in his prime.

It's impossible to know exactly what Leonard is thinking ahead of free agency, but the most likely scenario here is the two-time NBA Finals MVP sticking with the Clippers on a new deal.

2. Chris Paul, Suns (Player option)

Remember when Paul's contract was once considered toxic, with that $44.2 million player option hanging over the 2021-22 season? Doesn't look so bad now, huh?

The 11-time All-Star was fantastic in his first season with the Suns, leading them to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference and coming up just two wins short of the NBA championship. Paul is "all but destined" to stay in Phoenix, according to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer.

3. Kyle Lowry, Raptors (Unrestricted)

Here's where it gets interesting. It seems as though Lowry is on his way out of Toronto, and he won't have a shortage of suitors. Plenty of teams would love to add the veteran point guard, who averaged 17.2 points, 7.3 assists and 5.4 rebounds last season.

The Heat, Mavericks, Pelicans and others will be jumping into the Lowry sweepstakes. This dude is going to get paid.

4. John Collins, Hawks (Restricted)

Collins has been a popular name in trade rumors over the past year, but the Hawks have been hesitant to let him go. That was a good call by Atlanta, as the 23-year-old emerged as a key member of Atlanta's run to the 2021 Eastern Conference finals, averaging 13.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game in the playoffs.

That's why it's not shocking to hear that outside teams are "increasingly operating under the premise that Collins can't be lured away from the Hawks," according to Marc Stein.

5. Mike Conley, Jazz (Unrestricted)

Coming off the first All-Star campaign of his career, Conley has all of the leverage on his side in talks with the Jazz. If Conley did leave the negotiating table, his phone would immediately start blowing up with messages, but Utah wouldn't have a path to find a suitable replacement given its financial limitations.

The Jazz have unsurprisingly made re-signing Conley their "top priority," per Stein, and plan to offer him a three-year deal in the "$75 million range."

6. DeMar DeRozan, Spurs (Unrestricted)

Concerns about DeRozan's efficiency and shot selection are fair, but he knows how to get buckets (21.6 points per game in 2020-21) and is an underrated passer (career-high 6.9 assists per game). He could make a major impact in the right situation.

DeRozan was rumored to be a potential Lakers target, but Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes recently reported that the Russell Westbrook trade "eliminated that option because it would have required a sign-and-trade scenario and a (Kyle) Kuzma inclusion." It's unclear if DeRozan would be willing to take a sizable pay cut in order to join a true contender.

7. Lonzo Ball, Pelicans (Restricted)

The oldest Ball brother is entering restricted free agency after the best season of his career. The 23-year-old posted averages of 14.6 points, 5.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game while hitting 37.8 percent of his 3-points on high volume.

There is "believed to be mutual interest" between Ball and the Bulls on a four-year, $80 million deal, per Fischer, though it's worth noting the Pelicans will have the opportunity to match any offer sheet thrown Ball's way.

8. Jarrett Allen, Cavaliers (Restricted)

After being sent from Brooklyn to Cleveland as part of the James Harden trade, Allen quickly emerged as the Cavaliers' center of the future. He is a strong roll man offensively and rim protector defensively.

While it is expected that Allen will eventually sign a new deal with Cleveland, multiple reports have pegged the Raptors as a team that could pursue him.

9. Dennis Schroder, Lakers (Unrestricted)

Schroder didn't exactly excel in the playoffs (14.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 40 percent shooting), but that postseason performance won't define him as a player. If Paul and Conley are off the board early, there could be a bidding war for his services.

It's possible the Lakers figure out some sort of sign-and-trade scenario involving Schroder, but it's hard to see why a team would go that route instead of just signing him into cap space.

10. Duncan Robinson, Heat (Restricted)

Robinson is the best pure shooter on the market, as he has drained 42.7 percent of his 3-point attempts over the past two seasons. He creates clean looks in a variety of ways — cuts, handoffs, pindowns, transition — making him more valuable than a typical spot-up guy.

If another team tosses out a massive number, will the Heat be willing to match?

11. Norman Powell (Player option)
12. Spencer Dinwiddie (Unrestricted)
13. Richaun Holmes (Unrestricted)
14. Tim Hardway Jr. (Unrestricted)
15. Evan Fournier (Unrestricted)
16. Gary Trent Jr. (Unrestricted)
17. Kelly Oubre Jr. (Unrestricted)
18. Reggie Jackson (Unrestricted)
19. Will Barton (Player option)
20. Lauri Markkanen (Restricted)

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NBA free agency 2021: Ranking top 20 free agents, starting with Kawhi Leonard - Sporting News
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Portland Trail Blazers: 3 best bargain bin free agents at each position - Rip City Project

The Portland Trail Blazers need to have an extensive list of available veteran minimum free agents for when the negotiations can officially begin Monday, August 2nd. The Blazers have a restricted financial flexibility to work with to enhance their roster. Outside of minimum contracts and their mid-level exception, they’ll have to make trades to acquire any more talent.

I’ve covered a few possible mercenaries to target with either veteran minimum deals or the MLE, but there’s always a slew of affordable players that hit the market each year.

With free agency set to officially begin, let’s take a look at the top three options at each position that we haven’t covered yet.

Ish Smith, Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)

Portland Trail Blazers Veteran Minimum Free Agent Targets: Point Guards

1. Brad Wanamaker

Brad Wanamaker is an unexciting, but solid backup point guard. He plays acceptable defense, has decent size at the position, and can create for himself and others. While he won’t win any games for the team, he probably won’t lose them either.

His outside shot abandoned him in his third season last year, so he should be available for a minimum contract. If the Blazers can acquire him and his shooting returns to the 36 percent clip he displayed in 2019-2020 with the Boston Celtics, they’ll be getting a steal.

2. Ish Smith

Ish Smith has supplied double digit points off the pine three out of the last six years. At 32 years old, he’s still one of the fastest players in the league with the ball in his hands. While it’s not ideal to add another small guard to the Blazers roster, Smith does provide effort on defense and a consistent slashing threat that Portland needs.

Adding Smith’s ability to put pressure on the rim from any spot on the court would open up the floor for the Trail Blazers attack. It’ll also speed up their lethargic offense.

He’s a willing passer who averaged just under four assists in 21 minutes per night for the Washington Wizards last season. Surrounding him with shooters on the bench unit would ensure that the Blazers offense keeps rolling when the starters need a breath.

3. Jeff Teague

After averaging double digit points for nine straight seasons, Jeff Teague did himself no favors last season. He’s lost more than a step or two and isn’t getting to the rim with the same frequency as he did with the Atlanta Hawks. Still, Teague has turned himself to a great outside shooter and has the veteran savvy to find his open teammates.

Last season he averaged 2.4 assists in a little over 17 minutes per game, while stroking nearly 44 percent of his triples. He’d be a welcome addition to the Blazers bench on the vet’s minimum.

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OKC Thunder: Thunder roster reset, free agency preview - Thunderous Intentions

The OKC Thunder are hours away from the start of a new league year, marking the start of NBA Free Agency. For the Thunder, many expect a large amount of roster turnover this offseason.

Where does the Oklahoma City roster stand right now? Who is likely to re-sign this offseason? Are there any obvious free agent targets for the Thunder in their current state as a team? Which players might be on the chopping block? How many trades will we see this offseason?

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The OKC Thunder 2021 Free Agency preview

Free Agency opens up at 6 p.m. EST on August 2nd, 2021. The Thunder will officially be able to talk with free agents, and other teams will get the right to attempt to pouch OKC’s free agents.

First, let’s see where the roster stands right now for the Oklahoma City Thunder:

Guards (8): Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kemba Walker, Josh Giddey, Theo Maledon, Lu Dort, Charlie Brown Jr., Tre Mann, and Ty Jerome.

Forwards (7): Darius Bazley, Isaiah Roby, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Aaron Wiggins, Kenrich Williams, Vit Krejci, and Aleksej Pokusevski.

Centers (1): Derrick Favors.

Roster/Contract notes:

The active roster is currently at 16, this includes Aaron Wiggins who is on a two-way contract. Vit Krejci, who the Thunder brought over this season, is also included due to the CBA rule forcing OKC to give him a guaranteed roster spot.

Charlie Brown Jr is on a non-guaranteed deal, one that OKC can get out of without a penalty which opens up a roster spot that OKC needs.

There is a growing belief Kemba Walker will be moved prior to the start of the 2021-22 NBA Season.

The Thunder also have a ton of versatile players. Mark Daigneault attempted to move Roby to the center position a lot last year. Theo Maledon played well off-ball when sharing the floor with SGA. Ty Jerome also played off the ball at a high rate. Josh Giddey, while classified as a guard, is 6’9 and a “basketball player” positionally, according to Sam Presti.

Do not worry about the positional fits, that is the entire goal of Daigneault and Presti. “Position-less” is not just a buzzword for the organization.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will soon sign his max extension with the organization this offseason.

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl has not agreed on a contract yet, but with the team inking 55th overall pick Aaron Wiggins, it is safe to assume JRE will be locked up soon. The Thunder spent two second-round picks to earn the right to draft the Villanova product.

I would guess the deal for Robinson-Earl looks similar to that of a late first-round pick, with a few more opt-outs for the organization.

Gabriel Deck, who signed a 3-year non-guaranteed contract with the Thunder before playing just ten games a season ago, is progressing on a deal that will send him back to Europe. This opens up a spot on the roster for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Free Agents for the Thunder: 

Mike Muscala and Tony Bradley represent the only unrestricted free agents for the OKC Thunder this offseason.

They are joined by Svi Mykhailiuk, Jaylen Hoard, and Josh Hall as restricted free agents.

I do not expect a Tony Bradley reunion in OKC after the Thunder did not extend the five million dollar qualifying offer. The organization has the right to match any deal Svi Mykhailiuk signs this offseason, but with the roster crunch, will they?

Mike Muscala has expressed his desire to stay with the Thunder, and the team needs depth at the five spot, it just comes down to making a roster spot for the veteran floor spacer.

More from Thunderous Intentions

Players most likely to not be on the roster after this offseason: 

Charlie Brown Jr seems like a player that will be a roster spot casualty this offseason, with the OKC Thunder being able to easily shed his non-guaranteed deal and open up a slot.

Kemba Walker being traded will open up an interesting roster Delima. There are only a few contracts around the NBA that can allow this move to become a one-for-one swap, so the Thunder will need to create roster spots.

NBA Free Agent Targets:

The Portland Trailblazers have made Zach Collins an unrestricted free agent. The Thunder have been linked to Collins, a former first-round pick with a lengthy injury history, this move by Portland makes it easier for OKC to snag the Gonzaga product.

The most interesting name that has been thrown around regarding the Oklahoma City Thunder is Brooklyn Nets guard, Spencer Dinwiddie. The seven-year NBA veteran played in just three games prior to tearing his ACL.

Dinwiddie, who is already 28 years old, does not make much sense for the Thunder timeline. Some believe OKC could be the team to give him his big payday with hopes of flipping him later on. This seems incredibly unlikely.

The Hornets announced today that they have declined to extend a qualifying offer to Malik Monk, who stroked the trey ball at a 40-percent clip this past year. The Kentucky product would be a fun option for Presti, who loves former Wildcats.

At just 23 years old, and a relatively cheap price point, if Monk continues to progress under Mark Daigneault he would fit the timeline for the Thunder.

Another young reclamation project that makes sense for OKC is Bulls big man Lauri Markkanen. The former top ten pick has not found his footing in the windy city. If the Thunder can turn his career around, as they have with aging veterans recently, it would be a reclamation project the Thunder could actually benefit from.

At 24 years old at a position of need, Markkanen could be a tantalizing free-agent option.

Which player do you hope the OKC Thunder go after this offseason?

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LA Clippers News: Kawhi Leonard declines player option, will become unrestricted free agent - Clips Nation

Before the start of the season, Kawhi Leonard said that if he stayed healthy, the best decision for his future would be to decline his player option for the 2021-22 season.

Leonard didn’t stay entirely healthy, but he has opted out nonetheless, becoming an unrestricted free agent for the second time in his career, per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is expected to decline his $36 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent, league sources tell @YahooSports.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 1, 2021

The choice to decline his option doesn’t mean that Leonard plans to leave the Clippers. All of the credible reports around the league indicate that Leonard will be staying with his hometown team. There is really no risk for Leonard to seek a new contract; anyone in the league will pay him exactly what he wants.

Leonard has a few options when it comes to his next deal.

Since he has spent two years with the Clippers, the team has his early bird rights, so they can offer him a contract up to four years at the max. They can’t give him a five-year deal until they have his full bird rights.

Either Leonard signs the four year deal that is currently available to him, which would be valued at $176.2 million, or he signs a two-year deal with a player option for the second season. Once he opts out in the 2022 offseason, he can then sign the five-year max with bird rights. That deal would be valued at $235 million, to date the richest contract in NBA history, per Bobby Marks of ESPN.

Whatever contract Leonard signs with the Clippers is fine. The team simply needs him back; if not, this offseason will take a drastic turn.

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