With the conclusion of the NBA Finals, the NBA offseason begins, and while this year’s free agent pool won’t be as top-flight as in previous years, plenty of movement is expected across the league to implement the new CBA.
Here are the latest rumors about a free NBA agency:
MONDAY 19 JUNE
Damien Lillard wants to stay in Portland
Lillard ‘wants’ to be with the Trail Blazers and also for the team to ‘get better’ according to The Athletic. The Miami Heat have targeted Lillard in a trade because they believe he could be targeting a move this offseason. Bleacher Report reported on Sunday. The Trail Blazers are #3 overall in Thursday’s draft.
Draymond Green will enter free agency
Green declines his $27.5 million player option for the 2023-24 season and becomes a free agent. The Athletic reported. While Green becomes an unrestricted free agent, the Golden State Warriors have his bird rights that allow them to re-sign him on any deal, even if they exceed the salary cap. A former Defensive Player of the Year, Green has been an integral part of the Warriors’ last four titles.
to sunbathe to arouse interest Deandre Ayton
A day after reportedly agreeing to a trade for Bradley Beal, the Suns receive calls from teams regarding their starting center. according to The Athletic. Ahead of Sunday’s trading, Phoenix noted that the market for Ayton was “lean.” according to ESPN.
ChrisPaul was surprised by the trade and doesn’t know what will happen next
The Star Point Guard said he found out about his transfer to the Wizards through a text message he shared from his son in an interview with the New York Times. Paul also revealed that Isiah Thomas was part of the decision-making process, saying he and Suns owner “Mat [Ishbia] and Isiah probably just wanted to go in a different direction.
Isbhia previously denied he planned to hire Thomas for a position in the Suns’ front office after the team’s purchase was completed in February.
As for Paul, he’s not sure what to do next.
“I don’t know,” Paul told the New York Times. “I really haven’t had enough time to process it yet. Seriously, because these things that are happening affect more than just me.”
Celts I have no intention of acting Jaylen BrownHe will “most likely” re-sign Grant Williams
With Brown’s name surfacing in trade speculation earlier in the offseason, the Celtics “do not intend” to trade the Star Wing, while “all signs” point to Brown signing a five-year supermax extension this summer. The Boston Globe reported.
It’s also “quite likely” that Boston will keep Williams, The Globe added in its report. Williams will be a restricted free agent when free agency opens on June 30 and some teams have reportedly expressed interest in him.
SUNDAY 18 JUNE
Washington probably move ChrisPaul
With the Beal deal now in place, Paul is expected to seek a move to a rival team. Washington would like to keep Paul, according to multiple sources, but if he requests a transfer, the LA Clippers could press for his services. The Los Angeles Lakers also have “strong interest” in the 38-year-old Paul the athlete.
wizard trade Bradley Beal To to sunbathe for CP3
The Beal era in Washington is officially over. The Wizards traded Beal to Phoenix for Paul, Landry Shamet and several second-round picks.
Miami reportedly made an offer for the All-Star guard, but with a no-trade clause built into his contract, Beal eventually settled on the Devin Booker-Kevin Durant team in Phoenix.
[Bradley Beal trade: What NBA insiders are saying about most likely destinations]
FRIDAY 16 JUNE
Charlotte Hornets eyeing Brandon Ingram
As the Hornets gauge interest in the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, they’ve made it clear that they want North Carolina native Ingram — not Zion Williamson — back in any trade with the New Orleans Pelicans the athlete.
Philadelphia 76ers concentrated James Hardennot be interested in anything Fred VanVleet
The 76ers have “made it clear” their primary focus is keeping Joel Embiid’s current co-star James Harden and not finding a new one for him. according to Yahoo! Sports. Harden can become a free agent if he declines his $35 million player option before the June 29 deadline.
If Harden leaves Philadelphia, the 76ers are not expected to attempt to reunite 29-year-old free-agent guard Fred VanVleet with former Toronto Raptors coach and new 76ers coach Nick Nurse. Yahoo! Added sports.
VanVleet, who had a $22.8 million player option for the 2023-24 season, canceled his contract with the Raptors, meaning he will be a full free agent this summer.
Should the Philadelphia 76ers want James Harden back?
THURSDAY 15 JUNE
Boston Celtics looking to keep Jaylen Brownbut might be open to trading with someone else
Boston appears to want to keep its star duo together this offseason as they focus on securing an extension with Brown ESPN And Yahoo! sports reported. While Brown is still under contract through the 2023-24 season, he is eligible to sign a supermax extension this offseason that would be worth $290 million over five seasons.
Meanwhile, the Celtics are considering the idea of trading one of their rotating guards (Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon, Derrick White or Payton Pritchard) this season. according to MassLive.
Chicago Bulls Shopping Zach LaVine?
It looks like there could be multiple all-star shooting guards on the market this offseason. The Bulls are “quietly” reviewing trade interest in LaVine. according to Yahoo! Sports. LaVine, 28, just completed the first year of the five-year, $215 million contract he signed last season off.
WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE
Clippers want to keep Russell Westbrook on discount
After helping the former MVP revive his career, the Clippers “hope” to keep Westbrook on a hometown discount with a $3.8 million contract. according to Bleacher Report. Westbrook joined the Clippers after being bought out by the Utah Jazz, who acquired him in a trade deadline switch with the Lakers.
Dallas Mavericks Consider draft pick and player swapping
Ahead of the upcoming draft, the Mavericks are considering a relegation from the No. 10 pick overall to sign a veteran player. according to Yahoo! Sports. One of the trades discussed involved the Mavericks acquiring John Collins and the No. 15 overall pick from the Atlanta Hawks for the No. 10 pick plus Davis Bertans, Yahoo! Added sports.
Kyle Kuzma Beat free agency?
It is considered a “ban” that Kuzma turned down his $13 million player option to become a free agent. reported longtime NBA insider Marc Stein. It’s “not clear” whether or not the Wizards want to keep Kuzma or possibly move him as part of a sign-and-trade, Stein said.
Indiana Pacers have explored several veteran wing professions
Indiana has been exploring multiple trade options with Toronto’s OG Anunoby and Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter since the February trade deadline and is also expected to be in for restricted free agent Grant Williams. Yahoo! sports reports.
This story will be updated during the 2023 NBA offseason.
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