Houston Rockets: Kelly Olynyk
The Houston Rockets aren’t in a position to lure any big-name free agents, especially with James Harden no longer on the roster. After finishing this season with the worst record in the NBA, Kelly Olynyk was one of the few bright spots on the team in the second half of the campaign.
In his 27 games with the Rockets, Olynyk averaged 19 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 39.1 percent from beyond the arc. Olynyk was involved in the trade that sent Victor Oladipo to the Miami Heat and he turned out to be a key contributor for them to finish out the season.
Given the current state of the franchise, re-signing Olynyk is one of the best moves that Houston could make this offseason.
Los Angeles Clippers: Kyle Lowry
The entire offseason could be flipped on its proverbial head depending on what Kawhi Leonard chooses to do. Leonard has a player option with the Los Angeles Clippers and the expectation is for him to return to the Clippers next season.
Provided that, finding a point guard that can fit well alongside Leonard and Paul George should be the team’s main focus this summer. Kyle Lowry is a point guard that is familiar with Leonard as the two of them helped the Toronto Raptors win a title in 2019.
It’s been featured in rumors around the NBA that Lowry has been on the Clippers’ radar in recent years and being able to prevent him from signing with another contender in the league would put them in a good spot entering the 2021-22 season.
Los Angeles Lakers: Kyle Lowry
Besides the Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers are going to be another team that tries to get involved in the Lowry sweepstakes. Dennis Schroder panned out for the Lakers in the regular season, but his underwhelming play in the playoffs could convince them to move on. And if Schroder is demanding a certain amount of money, he could price himself out of Los Angeles.
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Being able to find the money for Lowry isn’t going to be easy for the Lakers. However, maybe they can conduct a sign-and-trade with the Raptors to make a move for the All-Star veteran guard more doable this offseason. Pairing Lowry with LeBron James and Anthony Davis would instantly vault the Lakers back into the driver’s seat as contenders in the Western Conference.