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The 2021 NBA Free Agency class was headlined by several top-rated point guards. It took no time for teams to hunt down the best available guards in free agency. Some of them have re-signed with their previous teams, while others have decided to join other franchises this offseason.
It will be interesting to see how these moves work out when the 2020-21 NBA season starts in October. The likes of Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry, Lonzo Ball and Spencer Dinwiddie were some of the players who headlined the point guard market heading into free agency. They have all been signed already.
With these players off the market, let's take a look at what the top five list of free-agent point guards looks like at the moment.
Who are the top 5 points guards available in 2021 NBA Free Agency?
#5 Elfrid Payton
Elfrid Payton was the starting point guard for the New York Knicks last season. The 27-year old averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Payton did not end the campaign on a great note. He was demoted to the bench in the 2021 NBA Playoffs after he struggled to deliver for the Knicks in their 1-4 first-round series loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
The Knicks decided to re-sign point guards Derrick Rose and Alec Burks for large sums in NBA free agency. They also have Immanuel Quickley in their ranks, who will be entering his sophomore year. Recent reports suggest the Knicks will be signing Kemba Walker after he agrees a buyout with the OKC Thunder.
With these moves, it is unlikely that Payton will be re-signed by the New York Knicks. There haven't been any rumors circling other teams showing interest in the former Knicks point guard either. Payton could benefit teams looking for backup guards in the market
The Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks could be some of the teams looking to add a backup guard.
#4 George Hill
George Hill wasn't on the free-agent market until the Philadelphia 76ers decided to waive him to avoid guaranteeing his $10 million salary for next season. As per the latest NBA rumors, his former team, the Milwaukee Bucks, could be looking to sign him.
Hill had an underwhelming 2020-21 NBA campaign. He averaged 11 points and 3 assists per game, playing 14 games for the OKC Thunder and 16 for the Philadelphia 76ers. Hill would still be a useful backup point guard for a contending team due to his experience in the postseason.
#3 Lou Williams
Lou Williams experienced a lot of highs and lows in the 2020-21 NBA campaign. The veteran point guard contemplated retiring altogether after the LA Clippers traded him to the Atlanta Hawks mid-way through last season. Nonetheless, he still ended up playing for the Hawks and a great stint there. He has taken a U-turn on rumors surrounding his retirement and will be expected to suit up next season.
It remains to be seen who he plays for as he is yet to be signed by a team. The Atlanta Hawks and Williams have a mutual interest in continuing their partnership, while the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers have also been rumored to be pursuing him.
Williams averaged 11.3 points and 3.4 assists per game last season. He proved during the playoffs that he still has a lot to offer as he also ended up getting his first career start in the postseason against the eventual champions Milwaukee Bucks. He had a 20-point outing that night and led his team to a win.
#2 Reggie Jackson
Reggie Jackson rejuvenated himself playing for the LA Clippers last season. He had a sub-par regular season, averaging 10.7 points and 3.1 assists per game, shooting 43.7% from the three-point line. During the playoffs, he saw his stock rise, as he averaged 17.8 points per game on 40.8% shooting from the three-point line on a minimum of seven attempts per contest.
Jackson is expected to be paid a huge sum. The LA Clippers are hopeful of re-signing the player that was crucial to their Conference Finals run, but as per NBA rumors, if he gets a better offer elsewhere, he could play for another team next season.
#1 Dennis Schroder
Dennis Schroder was among the top five point guards heading into 2020-21 NBA Free Agency. The German was expecting to get paid this summer after reports suggested he was looking for a four/five-year contract worth $100-120 million.
Schroder even declined a $84 million extension offered by the LA Lakers midseason in the 2020-21 NBA campaign because he felt he could get solid offers in free agency. He averaged 15.4 points and 5.8 assists per game for the Lakers.
The LA Lakers are unlikely to re-sign him, as they have agreed with the Washington Wizards, to acquire Russell Westbrook, while also signing the likes of Wayne Ellington, Kendrick Nunn and Talen Horton-Tucker in free agency.
The Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and New York Knicks were among teams interested in signing Schroder, but they have already found their starting point guards for next season. The Bulls signed Lonzo Ball, while the Heat acquired Kyle Lowry, and the Knicks, as mentioned earlier, are going to sign Kemba Walker.
Schroder's price tag could be a huge stumbling block in him finding a suitor in free agency, and his refusal to accept the Lakers earlier offer could come back to haunt him.
Guess the Lakers players!
