The NBA Finals are in full swing, but most teams across the league are focusing on their offseason plans. The draft is less than two weeks 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.
Warriors to match any offer for Barnes
Given Golden State's plans to pursue superstar Kevin Durant in free agency this summer, many thought they would part ways with current starting small forward Harrison Barnes, who turned down a four-year, $64 million offer from the team before the season started. However, the Sporting News reports that the Warriors plan to keep Barnes and will match any offer he gets as a restricted free agent.
The Warriors have the right to match any offer, though, because Barnes is a restricted free agent. One source within the organization pointed out that Lacob and the Warriors owners have, indeed, said all along that he will pay to keep a winning team together, and that has not changed. As an outsider NBA general manager told Sporting News, “I think that all along that they were not going to let him go unless they fell down and didn’t win it all. It might just be that they’re trying to push down offers, but that’s the message.”
Barnes averaged 11.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game this season.
Labissiere has promise from team in the top 10?
Kentucky center Skal Labissiere figures to be one of the more intriguing prospects on draft night. A projected top three pick before the season, a disappointing freshman campaign had his draft stock potentially dropping as far to late in the first round.
However, as Woelfel's Press Box mentions, Labissiere has not and will not work out for any team outside the top 10. Does he have a guarantee that a team will pick him?
There are rumors Kentucky big man Skal Labissiere will not work out anymore for teams picking after 10, which is where the Bucks currently reside. Does Labissiere and his agents have a “promise’’ to be taken in the top 10? Or, as some NBA officials point out, are they concerned about some possible Labissiere back and knee issues?
Labissiere averaged 6.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game for the Wildcats this season.
Sixers want another high pick, targeting Jamal Murray, Kris Dunn
Philadelphia holds the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, but they have been looking to acquire another top pick in the draft. Woelfel's Press Box also reports the team has two other targets in mind:
It’s no secret the Philadelphia 76ers covet another high pick and are shopping Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel. If successful, the Sixers appear to have their sights on drafting either combo guard Jamal Murray of Kentucky or point guard Kris Dunn of Providence.
The Sixers plan to take LSU's Ben Simmons with the top pick.
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