Sacramento Kings: Richaun Holmes
What is the long-term plan for the Kings? De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton are bright, young guards that are centerpieces on the roster. But I have no clue what Sacramento can possibly do to put them in a position to drastically improve their roster in free agency. With that in mind, re-signing Holmes might just be the best move they could possibly make.
Holmes has become a main fixture for the Kings in recent seasons and instead of having to replace him at the center spot, Sacramento could elect to make an enticing offer to the veteran big man. Losing Holmes in free agency moves the Kings even further away from their goal of becoming a playoff team.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: 5 stars next to move following Russell Westbrook trade
San Antonio Spurs: John Collins
The San Antonio Spurs are in unchartered territory this offseason, having missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time in franchise history. DeRozan is expected to sign elsewhere in free agency, leaving the Spurs to replace his production with someone else.
While I expect the Hawks to make a serious push to retain Collins, San Antonio could become players for the athletic forward. Over the course of the past two seasons in Atlanta, Collins has produced 19.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while showing he can stretch the floor with his 40 percent shooting from outside.
Toronto Raptors: Jarrett Allen
The Raptors are considered to be the biggest threat to lure Allen away from the Cavaliers in free agency. Toronto leaned on Aron Baynes and Chris Boucher at the center position this season. Even though Boucher performed well, the Raptors would rather him be a bench contributor than a starter, paving the way to possibly sign someone like Allen.
Losing Lowry would free up enough money for Toronto to become serious contenders to steal Allen from Cleveland. A lineup of Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and Allen could put the Raptors in a spot to return to the playoffs in 2021-22.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: 5 stars next to move following Russell Westbrook trade
Utah Jazz: Mike Conley
Outside of Lowry, this seems like a free agency that involves a ton of players that choose to re-sign with their current teams. Mike Conley is among the group of impending free agents that is expected to return to his current team in the Jazz. Unless Donovan Mitchell expresses his disdain for the direction of the franchise, Conley would be best re-signing with Utah.
Conley earned his first All-Star nod this season and the Jazz were the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. Barring any unforeseen changes, I believe Conley is a lock to return to Utah, but they’ll still need to ensure that they get a deal done with the experienced floor general.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: 5 stars next to move following Russell Westbrook trade
Washington Wizards: Dennis Schroder
The Wizards shipped Westbrook to the Lakers during the 2021 NBA Draft, leaving them with a massive need at point guard. Bradley Beal continues to questionably express his belief in Washington, so finding him a new running mate should be of the utmost priority.
While it’s highly unlikely that the Wizards can get one of the big-name point guards, Dennis Schroder would be a solid mid-tier addition for them. Schroder is a capable scorer and he wouldn’t be a ball-dominant guard that would limit the touches that Beal receives. Amid the turnover happening in Washington, Schroder could reunite with Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on the Wizards.
