The NBA offseason continues to chug along for 28 other teams. The Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors continue to battle for NBA supremacy while the rest of the league tries to bolster their roster in one way or another. Will the Boston Celtics make a move for Clint Capela? Will the Los Angeles Lakers continue to swing and missing Anthony Davis? Can Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant form a dynamic duo with the New York Knicks? Let’s take a look at today’s NBA rumors!
NBA Rumors
Kawhi Leonard to the New York Knicks
Rumor: Kawhi Leonard is going to consider the New York Knicks as they try to woo Kevin Durant in free agency according to Anthony Riccobono of the International Business Times.
Just when it seems like the New York Knicks are out of the running for stars in free agency, hopeful news arises for Knicks fans. Apparently, Kawhi Leonard will give the Knicks a look in free agency once the NBA Finals are finally done. Fox Sports’ Cris Carter also recently stated that New York’s chances to sign Leonard are higher than most fans think.
Do not forget that New York has two max slots available this summer. This opens the door to pursue both Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant. Both of whom would instantly make the Knicks better. Especially if they paired up to form a star duo, which would reshape the landscape of the entire league. The Knicks would love to have Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. However, with rumors speculating Irving would prefer to go to Brooklyn, Kawhi Leonard is a great second option to pursue in free agency. Is this just another NBA rumor, or will it become a reality?
Clint Capela to the Boston Celtics
Rumor: According to E.J. Zarrett of the Sporting News, the Boston Celtics have had talks with the Houston Rockets concerning a deal for the Houston rim protector.
The Boston Celtics were unable to replicate their postseason success from a year ago. After sweeping a short-handed Indiana Pacers team, they ran into a red hot Milwaukee Bucks squad. As a result, the Celtics are looking for ways to bolster their roster, especially with the uncertainty concerning Kyrie Irving‘s decision in free agency looming.
One area they could improve on is frontcourt help on the defensive front. Yes, Al Horford is a savvy veteran, but the team needs someone who isn’t afraid to step up and protect the rim. Capela has improved year after year with the Rockets, so it makes sense why other teams are suddenly interested in the big man. Players on the Rockets who could be dealt include Eric Gordon, P.J. Tucker and yes, Chris Paul. Either way, it will be interesting to see what both sides come away with if this trade does happen. Capela to the Celtics would be a big improvement for Boston.
Pelicans Open to a Multi-Team Deal for Anthony Davis
Rumor: The New Orleans Pelicans are now open to a deal involving multiple teams for Anthony Davis per Kaelen Jones of Sports Illustrated.
The ever going Anthony Davis saga continues. The New Orleans Pelicans are still demanding a hefty price though. Per Adrian Wojnarowski, New Orleans’ general manager, David Griffin, is orchestrating the framework of what they would want in return for Davis’ services. It is no surprise that the Pelicans want another All-Star in return. Especially considering they are most likely going to select Zion Williamson with the first pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
The Lakers are still reaching out and showing interest in Davis, however, their rival from the opposite coast (the Boston Celtics) seem to also be in the race for Davis’ services as well. It will be interesting to see if the Lakers are even involved if a multi-team trade for Anthony Davis ever materializes. After all, trading Davis to L.A. would mean making a Western Conference foe that much better.
Check back tomorrow for more NBA rumors!
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