NBA Free Agency: Kawhi Leonard, DeMar DeRozan, John Collins Are Best Players Seeking Contracts

Even after a flurry of signings to kick off the first day of NBA free agency 2021, some of the top players in this year’s class are still without a contract.

Kawhi Leonard remains unsigned after declining his $36 million player option with the Los Angeles Clippers. The subject of many sign-and-trade rumors, DeMar DeRozan remains on the market. With so many free-agent point guards, Dennis Schroder has yet to secure a deal.

John Collins is the best restricted free agent available. The forward has yet to come to an agreement with the Atlanta Hawks, and he hasn’t signed an offer sheet with another team.

Where will these players ultimately end up?

For Leonard, it’s likely a matter of when, not if, he re-signs with Los Angeles. The two-time NBA Finals MVP probably opted out of his contract with the intent of inking a new deal in L.A. Leonard has the option of signing a one-and-one contract or grabbing a four-year, max contract worth $176 million.

The New York Knicks and Miami Heat could’ve been players for Leonard if he seriously considered leaving Los Angeles, but both teams have spent most of their cap space. Their moves would make it difficult for either one of them to acquire DeRozan, who has been linked to New York and Miami.

The Chicago Bulls are interested in landing DeRozan through a sign-and-trade with the San Antonio Spurs, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Chicago has already acquired Lonzo Ball in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Los Angeles Lakers were viewed as a sign-and-trade candidate for DeRozan until they moved Kyle Kuzma in a deal for Russell Westbrook.

The Westbrook trade means Schroder won’t get a big contract from the Lakers. Without a clear landing spot, Schroder might be regretting his decision to turn down a four-year, $84 million extension from the Lakers during the season.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Monday that Collins and the Hawks were not close to an agreement. Atlanta can match any offer that Collins gets on the open market.