Several Teams Looking to Sign UFA Montrezl Harrell

The reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year is a hot commodity heading into the unknown free agency period.

Montrezl Harrell is now an unrestricted free agent and will be a huge addition for any team looking to upgrade their toughness, hustle and physicality, as well as inside scoring and rebounding. The undersized PF/C averaged career highs in points (18.6) and rebounds (7.1) last year, and has a career .614% field goal percentage.

In addition to winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2019-20, he also won the NBA Hustle Award (yes – that’s a thing), which goes to the player that makes the energy and effort plays to help his team win throughout the season.

Instant Energy.

The 2019-20 NBA Hustle Award goes to @MONSTATREZZ. pic.twitter.com/a2m4iRHpi0
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) October 7, 2020

There are a lot of rumors as to where he signs his next contract, so let's look at his most likely destinations:

LA Clippers – it’s reasonable to assume that he re-signs with the Clippers. They gave him a chance after picking him up from Houston in the Chris Paul trade, have re-signed him once already and watched him blossom into a major producer. He’s familiar with their team and is already a good fit within it. However, both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are UFA's after next year - could this have an impact on contract negotiations for Harrell? Will he be interested in signing a lengthy contract without knowing what the future will bring with his two superstar teammates?

Phoenix Suns – rumors have been flying about the Suns going after Harrell, which would give them a solid one-two punch in the paint with Deandre Ayton, and would allow him to kill teams in the pick and roll with Devin Booker. Phoenix doesn't have the same lofty title aspirations as other teams, but Harrell could certainly help push them into a playoff spot.

Toronto Raptors – The Raptors could use some additional toughness with the departure of Marc Gasol and the potential for Serge Ibaka to sign elsewhere. Should Ibaka re-sign in Toronto, he and Harrell would form a mean duo upfront – neither is the type of player to back down from a physical challenge. Putting Harrell in the pick and roll with either Kyle Lowry or Fred VanVleet (assuming he signs with the Raptors) would be a dream for Raptors fans. A Lowry/Harrell would make for a lot of hustle on the Raptors side of the ball.

Raptors free agent targets: Centre.

🏀 Danilo Gallinari?
🏀 Montrezl Harrell?
🏀 ... Harry Giles III? @BlakeMurphyODC breaks down the possible fit & risks for these 3 + the rest of a fascinating big-man market. https://t.co/YWchfAEujS
— The Athletic Toronto (@TheAthleticTO) October 14, 2020