The NBA is one of the most lucrative sports leagues in the world, with players earning millions of dollars in salaries and endorsements. However, with every contract comes an expiration date, and several NBA players are set to become free agents in 2021. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most notable NBA contracts expiring in 2021 and what it could mean for their futures in the league.

Blake Griffin – Detroit Pistons

Blake Griffin signed a massive five-year, $171.2 million contract with the Pistons in 2017, but injuries have hampered his production in recent years. Despite his declining play, he is still set to make $36.6 million in the final year of his contract. It remains to be seen if the Pistons will look to trade him or offer him an extension.

DeMar DeRozan – San Antonio Spurs

DeMar DeRozan has been a steady force for the San Antonio Spurs since his arrival in a trade from the Raptors in 2018. However, with his contract set to expire in 2021, it’s unclear if the Spurs will look to re-sign him or let him walk. DeRozan has expressed interest in staying with the Spurs, but the team will have to weigh his value against the financial constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kyle Lowry – Toronto Raptors

Kyle Lowry has been a key contributor for the Raptors for almost a decade, helping lead them to their first championship in 2019. He will become an unrestricted free agent in 2021, and the Raptors may face tough decisions about whether to re-sign him or let him go in order to clear salary cap space for other players.

Kawhi Leonard – Los Angeles Clippers

Kawhi Leonard’s two-year, $103 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers includes a player option for the 2021-22 season, which he is expected to decline in order to become a free agent. The Clippers are hoping to convince him to sign a long-term extension, but with rumors swirling about his potential interest in joining the Miami Heat, his future with the Clippers remains uncertain.

Victor Oladipo – Indiana Pacers

Victor Oladipo’s future with the Indiana Pacers has been the subject of much speculation since he declined a contract extension offer in 2020. He is set to become a free agent in 2021, and while the Pacers have expressed interest in re-signing him, he may look to test the open market to maximize his earnings potential.

Conclusion

The 2021 NBA free agency period promises to be an interesting time for the league and its teams. With many big-name players set to become free agents, several franchises will be on the hunt for new talent while others may have tough decisions to make about retaining their existing stars. As always, the outcome of free agency will have a significant impact on the upcoming NBA season and beyond.