NBA Trade Rumors Roundup: Multiple teams interested in Durant, but are the Rockets?

NBA Trade Rumors: What to Expect This Offseason

The NBA league office prefers that teams refrain from announcing extensions or pre-draft trades during the NBA Finals to ensure the focus remains on the games. However, this does not stop the rumor mill from churning.

Durant Drawing Interest from Four to Six Teams

In league circles, there is still a strong belief that Kevin Durant will be on a new team next season, although it may take some time as he awaits the outcome of the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation. lotto online bet login There is considerable interest in the 15-time All-Star, as reported by Shams Charania of ESPN 234win ph. According to sources, “He is expected to have a robust market of approximately four to six seriously interested teams this offseason.”

Durant, who will be turning 37 at the start of next season and is recovering from an ankle injury, remains a scoring powerhouse. Last season, he averaged 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 43% from three-point range. There are several playoff teams that could benefit from his skills, but he is likely aiming for a substantial two-year extension from the $54.7 million he is set to earn next season, which could make some front offices hesitant.

Phoenix Lowers Asking Price for Durant?

The key question isn’t whether Durant will be traded, but to which team and how many young players and draft picks will go back to Phoenix 90 jili withdrawal. The Suns, now under the leadership of new GM Brian Greggory and an actively involved owner Mat Ishbia, are particularly interested in collaborating with the Rockets. Houston controls the Suns’ No. 10 pick in the upcoming draft and possesses a wealth of talented young players. However, the Rockets’ interest in Durant has been lukewarm, prompting the Suns to lower their asking price, as reported by Kelly Iko of The Athletic. “There is a price where the Rockets would be interested, but with apprehension about breaking up their roster for a 36-year-old coming off injury, doubts about a deal coming together remain.”

This notion was vigorously rejected by Phoenix radio host John Gambadoro, who stated that the Suns haven’t spoken to the Rockets since February, with their focus shifting to hiring a GM and coach. Now that those decisions have been made, they are ready to move forward with Durant’s situation.

Rockets Eyeing Adams and VanVleet

Regardless of potential trades for a star like Durant, Houston has other offseason priorities, mainly re-signing center Steven Adams (a free agent) and Fred VanVleet ($44.9 million team option), according to Iko’s report. Adams is coming off a strong season after recovering from a knee injury, making him a target for teams in need of a traditional center, like the Lakers and Spurs. However, “the Rockets believe Adams wants to return and will continue discussions with his representatives about a potential extension,” the team sources indicated.

As for VanVleet, Houston may negotiate an extension that offers a lower annual salary but extends for multiple years, ultimately providing him with more overall financial security. Iko summarized the situation: “The chances of VanVleet playing for a different team next season are slim, according to those sources.”

Is the Towns for Durant Trade Rumor Real?

Following the Knicks’ playoff exit, speculation has emerged regarding two key figures, one being coach Tom Thibodeau, who is no longer with the team. The other is Karl-Anthony Towns, whose defensive struggles were evident during Game 6 against Indiana. This has led to speculation about a potential trade involving Durant and Towns, most notably hinted at by Bill Simmons. It’s important to note that this is mere speculation at this stage — fun to discuss, but is there any truth to it? Likely not.

Logistically, executing the trade isn’t overly complex, especially considering both players have similar salary structures, although a third team may be necessary to finalize any deal. For the Suns, bringing in Towns could make Devin Booker happy, as they share a Kentucky background.

The caveat here is Phoenix’s desire for draft picks in any trade, and the Knicks have already given away many of their picks to acquire Mikal Bridges and Towns, making it difficult to facilitate such a deal without a third party willing to part with picks for role players.

Rockets Still Interested in Antetokounmpo

If Houston intends to trade away young talent and draft picks for a star, they are keen to target someone younger and aligned with their current roster’s timeline. The Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a sought-after player for the Rockets, as reported by Iko. However, uncertainty has arisen regarding Antetokounmpo’s actual availability and Milwaukee’s potential asking price.

It should be noted that Antetokounmpo has not requested a trade from the Bucks. While Houston and San Antonio could craft appealing offers, there’s a prevailing thought that if Antetokounmpo opts for a trade, he would prefer to remain in the Eastern Conference rather than move westward. Though he would make the Rockets instant title contenders, the Western Conference is highly competitive, with formidable teams like the 68-win Thunder and the two-time Western Conference finalist Timberwolves, among others. Thus, the path to the Finals may be less arduous in the East.

Dumars Affirms Pelicans’ Commitment to Zion

Although a market for Zion Williamson exists, it won’t yield a return that meets New Orleans’ demands. Other teams have noted his production last season but are also wary of his 30-game stint due to injury and the ongoing civil lawsuits. Consequently, it’s no shock that Pelicans decision-maker Joe Dumars told Rod Walker of The Times-Picayune that Zion remains central to New Orleans’ future plans and that they have spent quality time together discussing his role. “We’ve had lunch and dinner, watched playoff games together. We’ve had some really honest conversations. We’re moving forward with Zion, and he will continue to be a focal point for us,” said Dumars.

Regardless of any rumors about trading Zion, the likelihood of that happening this offseason is minimal, considering the current market conditions and the potential for Williamson to produce at a higher level if he plays a larger number of games. Therefore, any trade discussions surrounding Zion can be put on hold for now.

Rumor: Would Spurs Have Interest in Jaylen Brown?

Boston is expected to undergo changes this summer due to their deep position under the second apron, especially after Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury, which could result in a gap year for the team. There is speculation that either Jrue Holiday or Derrick White may be traded to cut costs, with Holiday being the more likely candidate. Additionally, Kristaps Porzingis could be moved as well free 100 upon registration casino philippines.

The possibility of a comprehensive reset that includes trading Jaylen Brown is remote, but nobody is quite certain how far Boston is willing to go with their reorganization. After a successful period together, breaking up the Jays seems unlikely. However, if Boston is truly committed to a reset next season, Brown could find himself on the trading block. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix mentioned on NBC Sports Boston’s The Off C’Season YouTube show that the San Antonio Spurs might show interest in Brown, noting, “The team I’d watch the closest with Jaylen Brown is probably the Spurs… You’d get the No. 2 pick back in return along with Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and future first-round picks. That’s something to keep an eye on as the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation develops over the next few weeks.”

With numerous factors at play, including the ongoing Antetokounmpo storyline and Boston’s strategic thinking, the situation is certainly fluid. Antetokounmpo is undoubtedly a superior player to Brown; however, Brown might fit better alongside De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio, and he is three years younger than the Greek superstar.

Will the offseason bring any surprises in trades or extensions for star players like Durant and Antetokounmpo?