Detroit Pistons: Talen Horton-Tucker
What do the Detroit Pistons do this offseason? The Pistons aren’t exactly a team that can lure free agents to sign with them due to them being one of the worst franchises in the league. While Detroit is expected to add Cade Cunningham in the 2021 NBA Draft, their focus in free agency should be to add high-upside players.
Talen Horton-Tucker fits that description as there is a ton of hype surrounding the forward for the Los Angeles Lakers. He may be a restricted free agent, but the Lakers aren’t going to have much money to compete with certain teams if there’s a bidding war for Horton-Tucker. At 20 years old, Horton-Tucker could become a key wing player for the Pistons if he evolves his game further.
Indiana Pacers: T.J. McConnell
The Indiana Pacers are inevitably going to shakeup the roster this offseason after missing out on the playoffs. This year marked the seventh-straight season that the Pacers either missed the playoffs or got eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Even though Indiana could move on from certain players, T.J. McConnell shouldn’t be one of them. McConnell had the best year of his career in 2020-21, recording 8.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.
The Arizona product is one of the league’s best backup point guards and he is capable of handling a starting role if injuries arise. Given the uncertain future of Malcolm Brogdon, McConnell should be a priority for the Pacers to re-sign.
Miami Heat: Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry is likely going to be the most sought after point guard in free agency once Chris Paul re-signs with the Phoenix Suns. It is assumed that Lowry won’t be returning to the Toronto Raptors, who he’s spent the past nine seasons with. The Miami Heat are a team searching for a point guard to pair with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, and Lowry is a perfect fit for them.
READ MORE: Predictions for Latest NBA Trade Rumors: Lillard, LaVine, Simmons, Sexton
Even at 35 years old, Lowry’s energy on both ends of the floor is infectious and he’s still able to convert threes at an efficient rate (shot 39.6 percent this season). Being able to win the Lowry sweepstakes would definitely put Miami in position to compete for a title.
