The 2019 NBA free agency nearly stole the thunder off the NBA Finals and rightly so as the movement of basketball superstars like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George made for exciting headlines and stories. However, it is predicted that two years from now the NBA offseason dealings and happening will get a lot crazier.
Per the latest from The Spun, the upcoming class of free agents in 2021 "is absolutely loaded." Two summers from today, Leonard, George, LeBron James and the reigning NBA MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, will likely become free agents so the blog report's characterization is understandable. It is highly likely that what will happen in 2021 could again reshape the NBA landscape.
This early, speculations are rife that Leonard will opt to enter the free agency market in 2021 based on the three-year deal that the 2019 Finals MVP had inked with the Los Angeles Clippers. His contract will pay $103 million over the next three years but with a player option on the final year.
What Leonard signed up for afforded to him not only big money but more importantly, flexibility, according to Business Insider.
"Leonard's contract structure gives him flexibility ... If things don't go well over the next two years, Leonard could once again hit the free-agent market in 2021 to look for another team," the report added.
It would seem that Leonard gives more premium on flexibility than the lure of money. And that explains why he shunned getting into super-max deals with his former teams to enjoy the luxury of picking who to play with and win the maximum payout.
This will be the case too for Antetokounmpo, who in 2021 will be eligible for free agency. However, it is expected that the Milwaukee Bucks will give the All-NBA player a five-year extension, which according to Bleacher Report will be "the largest contract in NBA history."
Antetokounmpo's estimated paycheck for staying half-a-decade more with the Bucks would be the tune of $247.3 million, and this should become a reality in 2021.
In the same year, King James will need to make up his mind on whether to opt out to become a free agent again or take the $41 million he can get by sticking it out with the Lakers. James would be 36 by then so the best option for him is to guarantee his security, which is to continue playing with Anthony Davis in L.A. and perhaps win more championships.
Speaking of AD, Bleacher Report said the All-Star is unlikely to opt for free agency in 2021. The obvious route for him is to sign a long-term extension with the Lakers and that deal should happen next year.
