NBA free agency is already over a week old, and most of the big names agreed to deals with teams. However, there are still several quality players available and a few trade rumblings across the league. Here are the latest NBA rumors and news you need to know:
Okafor upset with Sixers
The Philadelphia 76ers have been open about their desire to trade center Jahlil Okafor this offseason, and that has rubbed Okafor the wrong way. According to Tom Moore of the Bucks County Courier Times, the second-year man is livid with the organization:
As for Jahlil Okafor and Noel still being on the roster, Colangelo clearly didn't get what he perceived as fair value in trade talks prior to, on and since draft night.
An NBA source said Colangelo "tried like hell to trade Okafor." As a result, Okafor is "upset and his people are upset."
Colangelo and the Sixers then turned their attention to Noel, but nothing happened there, either.
Okafor took to Twitter to refute the report, saying he's excited about the Philly's potential this season:
One second I'm reportedly upset to be in Philly, then the next I'm upset about trade rumors and having to leave Philly.
— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) July 11, 2016
Which one is it? Source please confirm. Seems like writers are getting lazy, dropping a fraudulent story and try to make it credible by
— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) July 11, 2016
Using that magic word.... Sources! Lol stop it.
— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) July 11, 2016
With all that being said. I love where I am, and I am excited about this upcoming season. Big season for us! #Philly
— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) July 11, 2016
Okafor averaged 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game last season.
Nets ramping up pursuit of Dion Waiters
After striking out in their attempts to land restricted free agents Allen Crabbe and Tyler Johnson, the Brooklyn Nets now have another target in mind - Dion Waiters.
According to the New York Post's Brian Lewis, the Nets have been eyeing Waiters throughout the offseason, and that interest has "intensified" since losing Crabbe & Johnson:
With the free-agent market for shooting guards essentially depleted, a number of teams have being eyeing the 6-foot-4 Waiters, including his hometown 76ers. League personnel believe Oklahoma City would match two-year offers for the career 12.8 ppg scorer, meaning it could take a sizable four-year deal to convince the Thunder to let him go.
All that means Marks and the Nets could be back playing the waiting game for Waiters.
The recently-acquired Victor Oladipo figures to start for the Thunder this year, so Oklahoma City may be unwilling to match a massive contract for a bench player. At least, that's what Brooklyn will be hoping for.
Kings have gotten "plenty of interest" in trade talks
Sacramento has been shopping Rudy Gay, Ben McLemore and Kosta Koufos this offseason, but have been unable to unload any of them to this point. However, that may be changing soon as CSNBayArea's James Ham reports the Kings have been receiving "plenty of interest" about the trio:
Continue to hear that the Kings have fielded multiple calls on Gay, Koufos and McLemore. Plenty of interest. Not giving them away for free.
— James Ham (@James_Ham) July 10, 2016
Rudy Gay is not happy in Sacramento, and while he hasn't demanded a trade, the Kings know he does not want to be there. The team tried to deal McLemore before the trade deadline and during the draft. It only seems like a matter of time before both are moved.
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