2021 NBA Free Agency: 5 players that should've re-signed with their old teams this offseason

The 2021 NBA free agency has been an eventful affair so far, with the majority of free agents now signed with one of the 30 franchises. The A-listers opted to play safe this time around, signing extensions with their old franchises. However, some stars have opted to switch destinations, in search of either a championship or a more prominent role.

In this article, we will take a look at 5 players who should've opted to stay with their old franchises.

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5 Players who were better off signing a new deal with their previous NBA franchise

Changing teams can prove to be a major challenge at times for an NBA player. The team's strategy, roster composition, and the head coach all play a critical role in a player's development at a new franchise. There have been various examples in the past where switching teams in NBA free agency has not worked out for an NBA star and that could be the case for some players this time as well.

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#5 - Reggie Bullock | New York Knicks to Dallas Mavericks

Reggie Bullock in action for the New York Knicks against the Atlanta Hawks

Reggie Bullock signed a lucrative three-year, $30.5 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks, which will likely see him partner Luka Doncic in the backcourt. Bullock has improved significantly on his older contract, but as far as fitting in goes, this move might not work out for him.

Dallas Mavericks sign Reggie Bullock: https://t.co/KjM1w4ZG0V #Mavs #NBA

— InsideHoops.com (@InsideHoops) August 6, 2021

Bullock established himself as a 3&D player with the Knicks but had major help on defense due to Tom Thibodeau's system and the defensive intensity of the side. In Dallas, Bullock will be expected to shoulder that load on himself more often than not, especially considering how offensive-minded Doncic is. This could potentially affect Bullock's impact and performances during the 2021-22 season.

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#4 - Alex Caruso | LA Lakers to Chicago Bulls

Alex Caruso in action during the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the Denver Nuggets

Alex Caruso got himself a well-deserved contract boost, signing a four-year, $37.5 million deal with the Chicago Bulls. The G League alumnus joins a host of other stars at the Bulls, who are aiming to make the NBA playoffs this year.

Alex Caruso got most of the Non-Tax MLE from the Bulls in his four-year deal:21-22: $8,600,00022-23: $9,030,00023-24: $9,460,00024-25: $9,890,000Final season is only $3,000,000 guaranteed until 6/30/24.@spotrac

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) August 13, 2021

However, in joining the Bulls on an improved deal, Caruso is likely to miss out on contending for his second championship. The LA Lakers added Russell Westbrook to the mix this offseason and are heavy favorites for the title. Caruso, meanwhile, will have to settle for a trip to the postseason.

#3 - PJ Tucker | Milwaukee Bucks to Miami Heat

PJ Tucker argues with the referee during Game Six of the 2021 NBA Finals

PJ Tucker played an instrumental role in the Milwaukee Bucks' 2021 NBA championship win, and will now ply his trade for the Miami Heat. Tucker signed a 2 year, $15 million deal to join forces with Jimmy Butler and co. this offseason.

Welcome to Miami, PJ TUCKER #HeatTwitter pic.twitter.com/dalStcFyBc

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 3, 2021

However, the Milwaukee Bucks still possess a better squad than the Heat and hence have a better shot at making the NBA finals from their conference. Tucker should've stayed back with the Bucks on a more team-friendly contract, giving himself a better chance of winning another ring.

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#2 - Kyle Lowry | Toronto Raptors to Miami Heat

Kyle Lowry shoots during the game between the Toronto Raptors and the Los Angeles Lakers

Kyle Lowry agreed to a three-year, $90 million contract with the Miami Heat, prolonging his stay in the league and giving himself another opportunity to win a championship. However, two major hindrances lie in the path of Lowry and the Heat reaching the NBA Finals in the form of the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets.

The Heat are certainly not a better side than the two aforementioned teams, and there is little possibility of them beating these sides and reaching the Finals. Instead, Lowry could have stayed back with the Toronto Raptors and ended his NBA career with them.

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#1 - DeMar DeRozan | San Antonio Spurs to Chicago Bulls

DeMar DeRozan attacks with the ball during the San Antonio Spurs' game against the Boston Celtics

In one of the biggest moves of the 2021 NBA offseason, DeMar DeRozan signed a three-year, $85 million contract with the Chicago Bulls. DeRozan joins the Bulls after three relatively successful individual years with the San Antonio Spurs.

"The Bulls will pay DeMar DeRozan roughly double his expected value for next season (continuing into his mid-30s), and they gave up a first and two seconds to do so."@johnhollinger shares some of his least favorite deals of the offseason ⤵️https://t.co/QNQM8BjKje

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) August 13, 2021

There is a great possibility this move will not work out, considering how ball-dominant DeRozan is. At Spurs, the former Raptors player was given the keys to offense by head coach Gregg Popovich, but at the Bulls, he will have to share the ball with Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine, both of whom are adept at playmaking.

The Chicago Bulls are a strange fit for DeMar DeRozan, who might have been better off re-signing with the San Antonio Spurs.

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