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Lou Williams has had his share of ups and downs this season, but it would be fair to say he has ended it on a high.
The 3-time Sixth Man of the Year winner contemplated retiring midway through the 2020-21 NBA season after being traded by the LA Clippers to the Atlanta Hawks. But after a successful campaign for his current franchise, he recently hinted via social media that he will continue playing next season.
Lou Williams will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and there have been no reports so far suggesting whether he will re-sign with the Atlanta Hawks or any other team.
He produced the goods when needed, though, and could still be a highly efficient player for playoff-contending teams next season. On that note, let's list three teams that should look to target Lou Williams in the 2021 NBA Free Agency.
3 teams that could benefit by signing Lou Williams in free agency
#3 Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are looking to add more scorers and a ball-handler to the team to complement talisman Luka Doncic on the offensive end. Lou Williams could do that as well as be a solid rotation player who can come off the bebench to provide cover for Doncic.
The veteran is an experienced floor general who can help the team operate smoothly on offense and also score quick points during rough patches for the team.
34-year-old Lou Williams earned $8 million per year on the three-year deal he signed with the LA Clippers in 2018. Considering his age right now, he will likely have a cap-friendly salary, which will be crucial for the Mavericks as they look to build a contending team around Luka Doncic this offseason.
Williams has averaged more than 10 points per game since his third season in the NBA, and considering how well he performed during Trae Young's absence in the 2021 NBA Playoffs, it is a great testament to the fact that he can continue the streak.
The Mavericks did not have the kind of bench players that could consistently deliver on the offensive end during crunch games. Lou Williams' addition could help them massively in that regard.
#2 LA Lakers
The LA Lakers are in a tough situation with no cap space available to sign players. They can either look to sign and trade players or look for veteran stars who will agree to a minimum contract. Lou Williams is an intriguing option in such a scenario. He has played in LA for six of his last seven seasons, including a two-season stint with the Lakers from 2015 to 2017, which could lure him to sign with the 2020 NBA Champions.
He can help them with scoring and provide cover for LeBron James as a ball-handler when the four-time MVP takes a breather during games. Williams is also a lethal shooter, averaging 42% from the floor on 11 attempts throughout his career, including 35% from downtown on four attempts per game.
The LA Lakers struggled in that regard and could definitely benefit from his presence. They were hoping that Wesley Mathews would resolve their issues
#1 Atlanta Hawks
Lou Williams' success with the Atlanta Hawks, also his hometown team, could be a major reason why he could be interested in postponing his retirement plans. The team is in great spirits and is youthful and would benefit from Lou Williams' presence if they do sign him again.
They will be without a backup point guard this summer, which opens the door for Williams to re-sign with the team. The Hawks are looking like perennial playoff contenders at the moment, something the former LA Clippers guard will likely consider if the Hawks do offer him a contract again.
If he is willing to accept the kind of role he played for the side during the 2020-21 NBA season, the Hawks will be the favorites to land him.
Guess the Lakers players!
