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With 2021 NBA free agency around the corner, franchises have big decisions to make ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season regarding restricted free agents. The 2021 free agency will kick off on August 2 and players will sign their new contracts only after the moratorium that will last until August 6th.
As a restricted free agent, players can sign offer sheets from teams that have approached them. However, the final decision is in the hands of the original team, as they can match the offer and retain the player, or not.
Which restricted NBA free agents will likely re-sign with their current teams?
Seventy-seven players will head into 2021 NBA free agency as restricted free agents. The chances of all of them being re-signed by their teams are slim.
Salary cap space, positional needs, and fit with the team's identity are some of the factors that will be considered before a deal is finalized. However, teams might exploit the sign-and-trade option, especially with players who have bird rights; others will be outrightly retained because of how valuable they are to the team.
On that note, let's look at the top five restricted free agents that will likely re-sign with their current teams.
#5 Hamidou Diallo
The Detroit Pistons acquired Hamidou Diallo from the OKC Thunder in March 2021. In what seems like a rebuilding attempt, the Pistons are gunning for more athletic players, and Diallo fits the bill.
Although Diallo is a restricted free agent heading into the 2021 offseason, the chances of Diallo re-signing with the Pistons are fairly high. Troy Weaver, who was responsible for drafting the guard in the 2018 NBA Draft, sought Diallo out less than a year after he took over as the GM in Detroit.
Diallo had a decent run with the Pistons, averaging 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists despite starting only four of his 20 appearances. While his 3-point shooting will need to be better, his display of athleticism has been impressive. Given the chance, Diallo could be the ideal rotation player for the Detroit Pistons in the 2021-22 NBA season.
#4 Gary Trent Jr.
The Portland Trail Blazers included Gary Trent Jr. in a package to acquire Norman Powell from the Toronto Raptors on deadline day. Although he was having the best season of his career, the Trail Blazers traded him because of their impending cap issues.
Trent Jr. has been sensational since joining the Toronto Raptors. He has taken up a starting role and has more time to develop in a primary role. However, he became a restricted free agent as the 2020-21 NBA season ended.
The decision to re-sign him should be a no-brainer for the Raptors. The talent is evident, as he averaged 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. He has a decent perimeter shot and can help the Raptors spread the court for Pascal Siakim to go to work in the paint.
However, the most cogent reason for his re-signing would be his value long term. The guard is only 22-years-old and is impressive on offense and defense. He can continue to grow with the raptors and be one of the most lethal wings in the NBA.
#3 Jarrett Allen
Jarrett Allen is an exceptional defender in the NBA, standing at 6"11 with a 7"6 wingspan. The Cleveland Cavaliers went in search of Allen, which shows to a great extent how much the team wants him. He was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in a four-team blockbuster trade that saw James Harden join the Nets.
Signing Allen was an absolute steal for the Cavaliers, as he is one of the elite shot-blockers in the NBA. Seeing as he is the same age as Collin Sexton (22), Allen fits perfectly into the Cavaliers' rebuilding plan.
Allen was .1 shy of recording a season double-double in the short time he spent with the Cavaliers. He finished the season with an average of 13.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks.
Although getting out of the Kevin Love $30 million salary obligation will give the Cavs enough cap space, they can offer Allen a deal regardless. There is no downside to re-signing Allen as a restricted free agent. Offering him a deal before offers start to roll in would be a wise choice.
#2 Talen Horton-Tucker
The LA Lakers holding on to Talen Horton-Tucker is one sure-fire deal that might happen in 2021 NBA free agency because of how much love the franchise has for THT. The love is not misplaced as the guard is an exceptional talent and showed bursts of brilliance in the 2020-21 NBA season.
The Lakers are depleted in the backcourt, which will make losing Horton-Tucker one of the most irrational decisions. Tucker has stated that he will let his representatives handle the 2021 NBA free agency as he is confident they will steer him in the right direction.
With that, the chances of him leaving are next to none because his representatives, Klutch Sports, have a great relationship with the Lakers. Klutch also represented LeBron James and Anthony Davis; hence, it will not be a shocker to see Tucker return as it might be the best place for him to grow.
The Lakers would also be capable of matching any offers that come for the youngster in restricted free agency.
#1 John Collins
John Collins' 2021 NBA Playoffs performance has likely guaranteed his return to the Atlanta Hawks. Although both parties failed to reach an agreement for his extension last fall, the Hawks will be more than willing to match any offers that come for the forward after his impressive display in the playoffs.
Collins can play either of the big man roles comfortably and has shown he can be aggressive on offense and defense. His athleticism is one of the reasons he would likely be the most sort-after free agent in the NBA. If the Atlanta Hawks fail to reach an agreement with him, it is almost a guarantee that they will match whatever offer sheet he signs.
Not signing John Collins in free agency would be a big loss for the Hawks. His presence on the team will be a massive boost if they hope to have another deep run in the NBA Playoffs.
Guess the Bulls players in this quiz and it's not going to be easy!
