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The 2021 NBA off-season seems to be an enticing one, as multiple top talents have been linked with moves so far.
With free agency negotiations (August 2nd) and the official start to the 2021-22 league campaign (August 3rd) only a few weeks away, we aren't far from finding out how many of the trade rumors turn out to be true.
The 2020-21 NBA season did not go as expected for many teams due to various reasons in one of the league's most unpredictable campaigns in recent memory. From injuries to COVID-19 protocols to playing behind closed doors, teams had to cope up with various challenges.
The 2021 NBA off-season gives teams the opportunity to make changes in their squad and fare better next campaign.
There will be no shortage of shooting guards this summer, as plenty are expected to enter free agency, while others could be on the market via trade deals. With several front offices eager to bolster their franchise's backcourts, many players who play at the two could don new jerseys next season.
On that note, here are five shooting guards who could be on the move in the 2021 NBA off-season, either via trade or free agency.
#5 Duncan Robinson
Duncan Robinson is set to enter free agency as a restricted free agent in the 2021 NBA off-season.
The Miami Heat guard, who was formerly an undrafted free agent, has turned into one of the league's best sharpshooters during his time with the Heat. Robinson has recorded the third-most threes (520) by any player in the last two seasons, with only Damian Lillard (545) and Buddy Hield (553) registering more.
Three-point shooting has become a huge aspect of the modern-day NBA, which has created huge markets for the likes of Robinson. The Heat could match the offers made to Robinson by other teams, as he is a restricted free agent and own his bird rights.
However, Robinson recently mentioned on his podcast, 'The Long Shot with Duncan Robinson and Davis Reid,' that he would like to explore new options as a free agent, having spent his first three seasons with one team.
"At this point, I have such little information. Like I know what I know, and I know the experience that I’ve had. But I’ve also only had one experience with one team. So (I'd) like to see what’s out there, (which) is obviously kind of an enticing thought. To have the opportunity to be a free agent and have some different options is obviously a coveted position,” said Robinson.
As per NBA trade rumors, the New York Knicks are interested in his services and could offer Robinson a deal that the Heat may refuse to match. The Knicks also have more cap space available this summer than most teams and are expected to make a splash to become perennial playoff contenders.
#4 Jaylen Brown
The Boston Celtics are looking to regain their status as an Eastern Conference powerhouse next season and have been making major changes since their 2021 NBA playoffs exit. Danny Ainge has resigned as the team's front office lead, with head coach Brad Stevens being named as his successor.
The Celtics are looking to build around their two young All-Stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. However, NBA rumors suggest that Brown could be used as a trade block if top-tier talents like Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal are available.
Brown had a career-best season with the Cs last year, averaging 24.7 points per game and was in the running for the Most Improved Player of the Year award.
But injuries kept him out for most of the year, which proved to be a key reason for the Celtics' struggles and Brown winning his first individual award in the NBA.
#3 Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tim Hardaway Jr. ended the 2020-21 NBA season with the Dallas Mavericks as the team's second-best player, behind Luka Doncic. Hardaway averaged 16.6 points per game on a career-best 44.7% field-goal shooting, including 39.1% from the deep on 7.6 attempts.
His improved three-point shooting over the last two years has been noticed by several teams, which could lead to a move for him this summer. He will be an unrestricted free agent and is expected to make north of $20 million per annum next season.
The Dallas Mavericks are contemplating their decision to re-sign Hardaway Jr., as he is a one-dimensional player. That would also restrict them from exploring free agency to add better players who could make a difference at both ends of the floor.
If the Mavericks don't re-sign Hardaway, there are plenty of teams that will look to acquire his services. NBA rumors suggest that the Miami Heat are interested in his services, and the player has also shown interest in joining them.
#2 Collin Sexton
The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly willing to part ways with guard Collin Sexton in the 2021 NBA off-season for a multitude of reasons. Sexton is eligible for a max contract, which the Cavs are not expected to offer him.
That's because they view Sexton's backcourt partner Darius Garland as a better option for the future due to his ability to involve others in the team's play. The Cavaliers also have Kevin Love's huge $32 million salary to take care of next season, which they are looking to get off their books to start a full-fledged rebuild.
A few NBA trade rumors suggest they are planning to package a deal that would include Sexton and Love together because of the latter's salary. Sexton had a career-best season last year, averaging 24.3 points, 4.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.6 three-pointers made and one steal.
Due to his stellar exploits, Sexton has a huge market this off-season, and plenty of suitors have shown interest in him already. The likes of the LA Lakers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers and the New Orleans Pelicans are some of the franchises that have been linked with the 22-year-old point guard.
#1 CJ McCollum
CJ McCollum is one of the best shooting guards who could be on the move in the 2021 NBA off-season. That's because the Portland Trail Blazers are looking to bring in major changes to their roster that would help them fare better in the playoffs next season.
At the moment, they are a one-dimensional team who can hurt opponent teams with their lethal offense, but their defense has struggled immensely. They have managed to keep the backcourt of Lillard and McCollum for six seasons, but the results haven't been there in terms of playoff performances. The duo has a combined 15-30 record in the postseason.
If Damian Lillard intends to stay, the Blazers will have to explore trades that will include McCollum to make the squad better. The latter is their best asset because of his prowess offensively, which could benefit plenty of teams looking to improve at that end.
Because of his contract that runs until the 2023-24 season and his talent, it will also be easy and quick to move CJ McCollum.
