5 NBA players who could decline their contract options to become free agents in the 2021 offseason

#3 Montrezl Harrell

LA Lakers center Montrezl Harrell

Among the more notable moves last summer, the LA Lakers brought in former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell from their city rivals on a two-year deal. He could depart the franchise shortly after arriving, though, with rumors circulating that he has been frustrated by his lack of playing time this year.

Harrell holds a $9.7m player option with the Lakers and is one of the most likely candidates on this list to enter free agency. During the campaign, he played less than 20 minutes on 21 occasions and was hardly used in their playoff series against the Phoenix Suns.

Nevertheless, Harrell is still an extremely effective contributor off the bench and had an offensive rating of 127 this year. He will garner plenty of suitors should he enter the market but should consider how his style of play will be utilized if he moves.

#2 Chris Paul

Phoenix Suns veteran Chris Paul

Although Chris Paul's focus will be fully on helping the Phoenix Suns win their first ever championship in the coming weeks, he has a huge decision to make in the offseason. While the Suns will be keen to run it back next year by keeping the current roster in place, they could face financial difficulty. Were they to maintain the same team and extend Paul's contract which he can opt out of, the franchise would surpass the luxury tax level.

Chris Paul gives a heartfelt speech after getting the WCF trophy 🙏Congrats Suns. pic.twitter.com/cNMUSNeTR7

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 1, 2021

Of course, with these limitations widely known, rumors have begun to spread regarding teams interested in the veteran leader. One such suitor could be the New York Knicks, who are in the market for a reliable point guard. They have the financial capacity to give Paul the final major contract of his career and have a style of play suited to his grit and determination.

#1 Kawhi Leonard

LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard

The player drawing the most attention this offseason so far is LA Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard. Suffering an injury in game four of the franchise's semi-final series against the Utah Jazz meant the two-time champion had to watch as his teammates did their best to reach the NBA Finals. Ultimately, it wasn't to be for the Clippers, but Leonard made a good enough impression that will up his value.

Kawhi Leonard put Derrick Favors' body bag in a body bag 😤(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/h2SWtgPT2L

— Stadium (@Stadium) June 15, 2021

With a $36m player option in his contract, the 30-year-old could decline it and become an unrestricted free agent, seeking a deal worth more. There will be no doubt in his mind that numerous teams around the league will try to create space to bring him in, with the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat rumored to be interested.

However, Leonard made a point of moving closer to home when he signed with the Clippers in 2019 and brought in Paul George to play alongside him. George silenced many of his critics this postseason when he carried the team without his co-star and may sway Leonard's mind and make him stay.