The NBA free agency frenzy has died down and with the summer league complete, and the league has reached a quiet point. However, there are a few trade rumblings - and a lot of team are already looking ahead to the stacked 2017 free agency class. Here are the latest NBA rumors and news you need to know:
Spurs plan to strongly pursue Curry
Stephen Curry will be an unrestrected free agent for the first time in his career next summer, and he is due a MASSIVE pay raise from the $11 million he will make this year. The two-time reigning MVP will undoubtedly get a max contract from every team he's interested in, but the San Antonio Spurs are hoping they have the other factors that can lure Curry away from the Warriors, according to Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report:
I think the Spurs are looking at the fact that Kevin Durant came into Golden State and that Kevin Durant may take up some of the superstar space that was previously occupied by Steph Curry…and when Steph Curry becomes a free agent, I think they are going to go hard at Steph Curry.
Curry hasn't given any indication that he will look at teams other than the Warriors in free agency, but the Spurs are certainly hoping he at least gives them a meeting.
Westbrook staying in Oklahoma City long-term?
One player that many figure to look around in 2017 free agency is Russell Westbrook, but that doesn't appear to be the case. According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, signing Westbrook is "a longshot for any team beyond the Thunder" next summer. Westbrook already squashed trade rumors by telling the Thunder he doesn't want to be dealt this season.
The Lakers and Celtics are among the teams that are planning to pursue Westbrook.
Raptors targeting Ibaka
In more 2017 free agency news (teams know we're still a year away from this, right?), the Raptors plan to make a strong push for Serge Ibaka, according to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star:
Rest assured, at this moment – and all know how things can change – I know a free agent Serge Ibaka is very much on their minds and without knowing the total math or 2017 numbers, I imagine they have a scenario in mind where it could work.
Toronto tried to pull off a trade to get Ibaka during the NBA draft, but the Thunder eventually dealt Ibaka to the Orlando Magic instead. They have been looking to upgrade their power forward position, and signed Jared Sullinger to a one-year deal last month.
Booker wants to spend whole career with Suns
The Phoenix Suns are in the midst of the worst stretch in franchise history, but shooting guard Devin Booker is the key piece of their young core that has given them reason for optimism about the future - and Booker doesn't have plans to play anywhere else in his career.
Via SLAM Magazine:
"I love it in Phoenix and I want to be one of those guys that gets drafted by one team and stays there the whole time. You know, they turn around the franchise, and they get love for that in that city like they’re the mayor…People still wear Steve Nash jerseys here. That’s definitely something I want to be."
The 19-year-old sharpshooter averaged 13.8 points, 2.6 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game as a rookie last season.
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