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Moves in the 2021 NBA free agency window are coming thick and fast as teams try to assemble an improved roster for the upcoming season. We have already seen the LA Lakers and Miami Heat make serious upgrades to their backcourts while the Chicago Bulls are doing their best to keep star Zach LaVine happy.
Although a lot of the major players available in the NBA free agency window have been signed, there are still a number of high-profile stars on the market. In this article, we will run down five small forwards that could be on the move in the coming days.
5 Small Forwards likely to be on the move in the 2021 NBA free agency
#5 James Ennis III
Prior to the NBA's free agency beginning, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Orlando Magic veteran James Ennis III could receive interest from several postseason contenders. The 31-year-old connected with 43% of threes in the 2020-21 season, averaging 8.3 points and four rebounds, offering great value for money. He received a salary of just $3m last year.
Although no team has snapped him up just yet, we can expect to see Ennis on the move soon. He is the kind of knockdown shooter on the perimeter that the Boston Celtics need and can be a starter or a backup forward. While he won't define a team's postseason hopes, he can certainly be a reliable role player and is someone who will play solid defense.
#4 Justise Winslow
Before the Memphis Grizzlies were involved in a blockbuster trade that included Jonas Valanciunas, Steven Adams, Eric Bledsoe and a handful of first-round picks, it appeared as though the franchise would take up its team option on Justise Winslow. As it turned out, they declined the option which proved to be a no-brainer considering his hefty contract ($13m).
Winslow is coming off his worst season in the NBA. He returned to the Grizzlies lineup late in the campaign due to injuries and connected with just 35% of field-goal efforts and 18% of threes.
That being said, it now gives the organization the chance to bring the 25-year-old back on a cheaper deal, especially considering his stock has never been lower. While there could be some competition to sign him, the Grizzlies should be favorites after it became apparent that they did have belief in Winslow's talent, something he showed repeatedly when in Miami.
#3 Kelly Oubre Jr.
Kelly Oubre Jr.'s time with the Golden State Warriors didn't exactly go to plan for the 25-year-old. Oubre was not committed to playing a backup role once Klay Thompson returned for the Dubs in the upcoming campaign and was reportedly wanting a deal in the range of $20m/year when he entered the market.
Despite the expectation being that he would gather significant interest around the league, that has effectively cooled in the past few days. This has primarily been the case because many teams have used up a lot of their cap space already.
This could play into the hands of the Warriors, who could arrange a sign-and-trade with Oubre for a veteran player. Alternatively, they could also look for somebody who can impact either the starting lineup or second-unit. Such options within the NBA include Buddy Hield, Myles Turner, Eric Gordon and Goran Dragic.
#2 Andre Iguodala
One of the most intriguing small forwards to still be on the market in NBA free agency is three-time champion and 2015 NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala. While he is not the same defensive stopper and reliable role player the Golden State Warriors fans became accustomed to for six years, he can still provide immense experience and leadership.
He would also come cheap. In the last couple of seasons, Iguodala has experienced a decrease in output and is also 37 years old now. This will mean he won't be able to attract the kind of eight-figure contract that he was set to receive before the Miami Heat let him hit NBA free agency. That puts both the Warriors and their California rivals, the LA Lakers, in strong contention to sign the two-time NBA All-Defensive team member.
#1 Kawhi Leonard
The biggest question still remaining in the NBA's free agency is whether or not Kawhi Leonard will re-sign with the LA Clippers. Widespread expectations were that the two-time Finals MVP would decline his player option to then re-sign, maximizing the earnings he could make with the franchise.
However, rumors then emerged that the 30-year-old would in fact listen to offers from around the league were they to come his way. Even considering that Leonard will miss the majority of next season due to the ACL injury he suffered in the playoffs, teams with the appropriate cap space will be ready to pry him away should he become available.
Leonard is still a player worthy of earning a maximum contract. He averaged over 30 points a game in the postseason prior to his injury and shot at an unprecedented 57% from the field and 39% from downtown. Leonard is one of the best all-round players in the NBA and the LA Clippers will be desperate for him to stay.
Also Read: Who is Kawhi Leonard’s Girlfriend, Kishele Shipley?
Guess the Lakers players!
