NBA Draft and Trade rumors are rampant! From Lebron and Kyrie voicing concern over 2018 and the need for a 3rd star now, to the Lakers and Magic shaking it up! We bring you the latest from around the NBA.
Celtics send No. 1 pick to Sixers for No. 3 pick, future first
The Sixers landed the No. 1 pick for the second year in a row, thanks to a predraft trade with the Celtics. In return, Boston receives the No. 3 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, in addition to either the Lakers’ 2018 first-round pick or the Kings’ 2019 first-round pick. The Celtics will receive the Lakers’ pick if it falls between No. 2 and No. 5. If it doesn’t, they’ll get the Kings’ unprotected first-round pick in 2019.
Lakers, Nets agree to trade
In a move to clear cap space and likely prepare for the arrival of Lonzo Ball, the Lakers are trading guard D’Angelo Russell and center Timofey Mozgov to the Nets for center Brook Lopez and the 27th pick in this year’s NBA Draft, according to The Vertical.
The Lakers will shed the final three years of Mozgov’s four-year, $64 million contract, along with a young starter in Russell, as they begin to target big names via trades or free agency. Lopez is on an expiring contract, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2018, the summer when LeBron James and Paul George will be unrestricted free agents.
Could Paul George be traded to the Lakers?
The trade market for Paul George has changed significantly since last season’s trade deadline, now that he has reportedly informed the Pacers he will enter free agency in 2018 with his sights set on the Lakers. Los Angeles is looking to acquire George this summer rather than waiting until July 2018, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein. Reports from our Editor Michael McCabe Julius Randle and pick 27 and 28 is a high possibility, although the Lakers would rather send Jordan Clarkson.
Knicks open to dealing Kristaps Porzingis
The relationship between the Knicks and rising star Kristaps Porzingis has been turbulent in recent months, as Porzingis skipped his exit interview in April. Well, Porzingis’ time in New York could be nearing its end. Phil Jackson is open to the possibility of trading Porzingis as the “frenzy of interest is growing,” according to The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Although this could be Phil Jackson throwing a smoke screen after the past 2 seasons he has been ridiculed for doing the exact opposite, not listening to anything? Porzingis is the only good move he has made thus far in New York, he’s not going anywhere.
Timberwolves express interest in Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler could be reunited with Tom Thibodeau in Minnesota, according to a report by Adrian Wojnarowski.
Sources: Chicago’s price for Jimmy Butler remains elevated, but Minnesota has assets and interest. Sides made preliminary contact this week.
Clippers exploring market for DeAndre Jordan
The Clippers have been in contact with several teams, including the Suns, while exploring the market for center DeAndre Jordan, according to ESPN’s Chris Haynes.
Phoenix reportedly shot down discussions with L.A. regarding a potential trade of Tyson Chandler and the Suns’ No. 4 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft in exchange for Jordan.
Hawks, Hornets agree to three-player trade
The Hawks are sending Dwight Howard and the 31st pick in the 2017 NBA Draft to the Hornets, in exchange for Miles Plumlee, Marco Belinelli and the 41st pick in this year’s draft, according to The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Jimmy Butler shoots down possible trade to Cavaliers
Bulls All-Star forward Jimmy Butler reportedly told the Cavaliers he would rather stay in Chicago than be traded to Cleveland, according to TNT’s David Aldridge.
