NBA Free Agency 2021: Top 5 restricted free agents who might re-sign with their current teams

John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks
John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks

#3 Jarrett Allen

Theo Maledon #11 of the Oklahoma City Thunder passes while being guarded by Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers
Theo Maledon #11 of the Oklahoma City Thunder passes while being guarded by Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers

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

Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers
Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers

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 #20 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates with Danilo Gallinari #8 after a shot
John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates with Danilo Gallinari #8 after a shot

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.

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