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It has been a very busy 2021 NBA offseason, as teams have wasted no time in adding top talent to their ranks. The LA Lakers made the most roster changes, with LeBron James being the longest-tenured player for the purple and gold. However, several players looking to change teams are yet to get their heart's desire.
There are myriad reasons why an NBA player will be looking to change teams. While some are after bigger contracts, others are willing to take pay cuts to be part of a championship team. Regardless, player empowerment has given players more control of their career as it relates to where they would like to ply their trade.
The 2021 NBA free agency had several elite talents on the list. Players like Kawhi Leonard, Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry have all inked deals with teams of their choice. But there are a few that have not found any luck with changing teams.
That said, let's look at the top five players in the NBA who have expressed their desire to change teams but are yet to complete a move.
#5 Marvin Bagley III
Marvin Bagley III has subtly expressed his desire to part ways with the Sacramento Kings as he has fallen out of favor with head coach Luke Walton. The versatile big man has also had problems staying healthy as he featured in only 43 games during the 2020-21 NBA season.
22-year-old Bagley would like to join a team where his starter role is assured. He is a bundle of talent who can be impactful on both ends of the court if given the chance.
Although trade rumors surrounding Bagley have died down, there is a huge chance that the big man will be traded before the start of the 2021-22 NBA season. The Sacramento Kings are also dragging their feet to re-sign him as there's no word on whether he will be offered a rookie extension contract.
#4 Lauri Markkanen
Lauri Markkanen's desire to leave was borne out of his demand for a bigger contract, which the Chicago Bulls front office is unwilling to match. The fourth-year power forward is a restricted free agent but is yet to sign a deal with any franchise.
Although chatter surrounding Markkanen has quieted down, reports suggest that the Dallas Mavericks are exploring a sign-and-trade that will involve Markkanen and Maxi Kleber.
It was a difficult second half of the 2020-21 NBA season for Markkanen as he struggled to play alongside Nikola Vucevic. He posted the worst numbers of his career last season, averaging 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 0.9 assists.
#3 J.J. Redick
The NBA is home to several sharpshooters, and J.J. Redick is one of them. He would be an invaluable addition as he is a dead-eye shooter with years of experience.
Redick has expressed his desire to continue playing in the NBA, even though he is 37 years old. However, the veteran, who is now a free agent, is yet to get offers from teams.
The Virginia native last played for the Dallas Mavericks but did not get much playtime as he spent a decent amount of time battling injury. He was disappointed when the New Orleans Pelicans traded him to the Mavericks because he wanted to be closer to his family. With that in mind, the shooting guard will be looking to sign with a team that is close to home.
#2 Buddy Hield
Buddy Hield has expressed his displeasure with how things have played out in Sacramento and would like to leave. The shooting guard would like to experience NBA playoffs action and believes the Kings can't get him there yet.
Hield might not have a starter role in the new season if he stays with the Sacramento Kings, especially since they are looking to build the team around the young backcourt duo of DeAaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton.
Trade rumors linked Hield to the Lakers, but with their recent signings, that ship has sailed. Hield is a top talent and is desired by several franchises. He has shot over 40% from beyond the arc since he joined the NBA in 2016.
Although his salary situation is making things a bit tricky as franchises do not have assets or are not willing to let go of certain players to facilitate the trade, it is likely that he will leave Sacramento before the start of the 2020-21 NBA season.
#1 Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons' situation is a peculiar one as the guard loves playing in Philly. However, he has come under fire for the Sixers' loss in the 2021 NBA playoffs semi-finals and did not get the support of the team's management.
For that reason, the 6"11 point guard cut off communications with the Sixers organization, and it is unclear if he will report to training camp, which starts on September 28, 2021.
Trade demands from the Philadelphia 76ers front office have been exorbitant so far, which makes one wonder if they are really interested in trading him. Regardless, Simmons is determined to leave as news making the rounds suggests he could miss training camp if he is still not traded by then. Although he needs to do a lot more work to improve as a shooter, he is currently one of the best defensive players in the NBA.
