The NBA Finals are underway, but the vast majority of the teams across the league are focused on their offseason plans. That's led to a bevy of NBA rumors and news. The draft is just 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.
The Latest On Kevin Durant
We've got two Kevin Durant tidbits for you on his upcoming free agency. It's the summer of Durant, and NBA teams around the league are lining up for a chance to land the Oklahoma City Thunder forward. But despite a friendship with James Harden, Durant won't consider joining the Houston Rockets this offseason, reports ESPN. Harden and Durant are "hanging out" this week, but it has nothing to do with the Rockets interest in Durant.
But two other Western Conference contenders are prepping "big pitches" for Durant, reports Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders: the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. That's dependent on Durant taking meetings, something he's expected to do. However, Kyler reports the general belief around the NBA is that Durant will take a one-year deal with the Thunder, allowing him to re-enter free agency again next year with teammate Russell Westbrook.
Lakers, Celtics Want Hassan Whiteside?
The Miami Heat center is set to hit the open market, and the Heat might not be able to keep him because of salary cap issues. Kyler reports Whiteside is going to get a max deal, but it might not come from the Heat. While Whiteside wants to stay in Miami, if the Heat don't offer him a max deal, he'll look at other teams. The Lakers have Whiteside near the top of their free agent target list, and he'd fill a major need at center. Kyler reports the Celtics are also interested in Whiteside, and he'd provide the true post presence they lack at the moment.
Knicks Want To Add A Max Player
The New York Knicks didn't come close to making the playoffs last season, and they're hoping an influx of free agent talent will help change that. Head coach Jeff Hornacek thinks the team can add a max player this offseason.
"Oh, absolutely," Hornacek told Sports Net New York. "I think they've always had that mentality. From the outside the Knicks organization is always a team that they want to get the best team possible. They are willing to spend the money and we want to try to bring a championship to New York. They're going to try."
The Knicks have been open about their desire to add backcourt help. They'll likely target Mike Conley, followed by Rajon Rondo in their attempt to find a new point guard.
Nuggets Work Out Henry Ellenson
The Denver Nuggets have plenty of needs, and could look at adding the stretch-four from Marquette.
This big just arrived for a pre-draft workout this afternoon!#GoldProspects #Nuggets pic.twitter.com/fqW5UAflRo
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) June 9, 2016
The Nuggets hold the No. 7 and No. 15 picks in this year's draft. Ellenson is a potential lottery pick.
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