The NBA Finals are nearing a conclusion, but the vast majority of teams across the league are already focusing on their offseason plans. The draft is barely a week away, and teams are preparing for when free agency begins on July 1. Here are all the latest NBA rumors and news you need to know from around the association.
Biyombo Leaving The Raptors?
After an impressive NBA playoff effort, Toronto power forward Bismack Biyombo is set to get paid on the open market. He's said he's open to a hometown discount, but Doug Smith of the Toronto Star doesn't think Biyombo will stay. In fact, he's certain that Biyombo is a goner, due in large part to the fact that Raptors don't really have the money to afford him. Smith thinks the Raptors won't offer Biyombo more than the mid-level exception, worth roughly $25 million, something Biyombo won't take because he can get at least $40 million on the open market. The Raptors have Jonas Valanciunas and Smith believes the Raptors are totally prepared to let Biyombo leave this offseason.
76ers Trading Into Top 10?
The 76ers could be looking to make a move into the Top 10 of this year's NBA Draft. The decision to work out likely lottery pick and Cal forward Jaylen Brown is an indication of that, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer. In fact, Marc Eversley's. the 76ers VP of Player Personnel, comments to the Inquirer lend credence to that theory.
"It's just another prospect we wanted to see and bring in to Philadelphia," Eversley said. "He's one of those guys who is up in that area that we are looking at. He's a high-level prospect."
Clearly the Sixers won't take Brown No. 1 and their next first rounder isn't until No. 24. The 76ers are rumored to be open to dealing one of their big men, likely Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor. They're reportedly high on Jamal Murray, but Jon Rothstein reports the team also loves Providence guard Kris Dunn. A move into the Top 10, or even Top 5, is a real possibility for the 76ers.
Grizzlies Worried About Losing Mike Conley?
The Grizzlies want to keep point guard Mike Conley, which shouldn't surprise anyone. However, Ian Begley of ESPN reports they're worried he could leave this offseason, to a team like the New York Knicks or San Antonio Spurs. To help convince Conley to stay, Begley reports the Grizzlies will use a video featuring part-owner Justin Timberlake as part of their pitch. The Grizzlies can give Conley more money, but it's no sure thing the Grizzlies will keep him.
Just How Old Is Zhou Qi?
The 7-foot-2 Chinese center says he's just 20 years old. However, NBA teams aren't so sure.
Chinese big man Zhou Qi will remain in the draft. Tough to gauge his draft stock. Very talented but teams think he's older than listed age
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) June 13, 2016
Zhou Qi is listed as a 20 year old born in 1996. But a number of NBA scouts believe he was born in 1992 or 1993. Big difference to teams.
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) June 13, 2016
If it's true, then Qi could go later in the draft than expected. He's a potential first round pick, but if he's 24, then he might slide to the second round. Where Qi goes will be one of the more interesting draft storylines after the lottery.
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