5 NBA teams that have been quiet in free agency so far

Memphis Grizzlies v Minnesota Timberwolves
Memphis Grizzlies v Minnesota Timberwolves

The 2021 NBA free agency has sprung a lot of surprises so far. The LA Lakers have been by far the most active team in the market, tying down key free agents to deals as the Purple and Gold attempt to win their 18th NBA championship. On the other hand, there have been some teams who haven't done anything notable in the 2021 NBA free agency.

The teams that haven't done much in 2021 NBA free agency either have a roster or a cap space restriction. Sign-and-trade deals have been helpful for multiple franchises, but there have been teams that haven't explored those kinds of transactions.

On that note, let's take a look at the 5 teams that have not done anything notable in 2021 NBA free agency so far -

#5 - Houston Rockets

2021 NBA Draft
2021 NBA Draft

The Houston Rockets are clearly headed for a rebuild, which was triggered by James Harden's departure in the 2020/21 season to the Brooklyn Nets. The Houston Rockets have managed to build one of the youngest rosters in the league since then, and it won't be a surprise to see this young Rockets side blossom into a contender in a few years.

Except for Daniel Theis and David Nwaba, the Houston Rockets have failed to add any other player. Theis will provide his side with an option to play small ball as he is a power forward who can slot into center position, while David Nwaba will help out Jae'Sean Tate with perimeter defense.

#4 - Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic v Atlanta Hawks
Orlando Magic v Atlanta Hawks

The Orlando Magic signaled their intent to take a youth-centric approach back at last season's trade deadline when the Florida-based franchise parted ways with chief offensive options Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier. The Magic now have a developmental team that can elevate their games in crunch situations.

The Magic have not made any significant additions to their roster so far, except for Robin Lopez. The younger Lopez brother is expected to provide defense and rebounding for the secondary unit. The Magic have been quiet in 2021 NBA free agency, and will likely continue this way until the commencement of the season.

Also Read: "Out of respect for you guys, let's cancel this meeting": Chris Haynes on how Aaron Godwin revealed DeMar DeRozan's decision to join Chicago Bulls instead of LA Clippers

#3 - Denver Nuggets

Phoenix Suns v Denver Nuggets - Game Four
Phoenix Suns v Denver Nuggets - Game Four

Apart from re-signing Will Barton to a long contract and getting Austin Rivers back, the Denver Nuggets have largely remained inactive in the market. It seems like the Denver Nuggets' top brass will have to be convinced that more talent is required on the roster. Barton and Rivers are solid players, but the Nuggets need a third potential star or even a brilliant role player.

The Nuggets are one of the few teams who largely remain inactive in NBA free agency, and it will be intriguing to see if they continue this exercise ahead of the start of the season.

#2 Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies v Utah Jazz - Game Five
Memphis Grizzlies v Utah Jazz - Game Five

The Memphis Grizzlies' silence in 2021 NBA free agency is understandable, considering the team is expected to prioritize extensions for their players. The Grizzlies front office has been working on a rebuilding project for some time now, and they are certainly not thinking about short-term success at all.

The Memphis Grizzlies plan to extend to Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the next two seasons, hoping to keep the young core together. Dillon Brooks might also get a lucrative contract with the Grizzlies because of his performances last year. But it would be unfair to expect them to make more moves in 2021 NBA free agency.

#1 - Minnesota Timberwolves

New York Knicks v Minnesota Timberwolves
New York Knicks v Minnesota Timberwolves

Basketball fans expected the Minnesota Timberwolves to be inactive in NBA free agency, but not to the extent of passion for notable free agents. The Wolves finished in the bottom half of the Western Conference last season around and struggled throughout the campaign, and will likely continue to do so if they continue to turn a blind eye to them.

The Minnesota Timberwolves recently extended offers to forwards Jordan McLaughlin and Jarred Vanderbilt, both of whom have been in and out of the starting lineup for the Wolves. In 2021 NBA free agency, the Timberwolves don't have a lot of options on the table and will have to act quickly if they want to improve their squad.

Also Read: Top 5 shooting guards still available in 2021 NBA Free Agency

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