After this summer's massive free agency, NBA executives are in need of a much-needed break. But this intermission could be short-lived as the nature of these contracts make it so where multiple household names could be free agents in 2021.
On Wednesday, it was announced that Kawhi Leonard elected to sign a two-plus-one deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.
This means Kawhi will be able to opt out of his contract in the third season. Leonard's deal coincides with that of new teammate Paul George who will also be in the position to opt out in 2021. On the other side of the Staples Center, LeBron James and Anthony Davis could also have their player options and enter the free agency market the same year as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
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If these players were to do this, it is likely that their goal would be to modify their contracts to land the biggest unrestricted free agent to hit the market in 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Currently, Antetokounmpo is in the middle of his four-year $100 million deal with the Bucks. Although he's gone on record stating that he prefers to stay away from Hollywood, a lot can change in two years. Especially if Milwaukee fails to surpass the success they accumulated this season.
But Giannis isn't the only name that could potentially hit the board in 2021. Adding to the list will be coveted unrestricted free agents like Bradley Beal, DeMar DeRozen, LaMarcus Aldridge, and more. Also, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and Jrue Holiday could use their player options to become restricted free agents. With these names and more possibly up for grabs, 2021 is shaping up to be even more eventful than this summer.
