With the end of the NBA Finals comes the start of the NBA offseason, and while this year’s free agent pool won’t be as star-studded as years past, expect plenty of movement across the NBA. linked to the implementation of the new CBA.
Here are the latest NBA free agency rumors:
76ers focused on Harden, not interested in VanVleet
The 76ers have “made it clear” that their primary focus is on keeping Joel Embiid’s current co-star James Harden and not finding him a new one. according to yahoo! Sports. Harden can become a free agent if he declines his $35 million player option by the June 29 deadline.
If Harden leaves Philadelphia, the 76ers are not expected to try to reunite free-agent guard Fred VanVleet with former Raptors coach and new 76ers coach Nick Nurse. yahoo! added sports.
Should the 76ers want James Harden back?
The Philadelphia 76ers season is over, but what’s next for James Harden? He will reportedly decline his $35 million player option and become an unrestricted free agent. Another report says Harden quotes: “he will only entertain suitors who come up with a competitive roster and the freedom of basketball to star himself.” He is looking for a long-term deal. Joy Taylor, LeSean McCoy, Ric Bucher and Cuttino Mobley weigh in on whether or not Philly should want Harden back.
celts looking to keep Brown, but could be open to trading someone else
It looks like Boston wants to keep their all-star duo together this offseason, as they’re focused on landing an extension with Jaylen Brown. ESPN and yahoo! sports have reported. While Brown is still under contract through the 2023-24 season, he is eligible to sign a supermax extension this offseason that would be worth $290 million over five seasons. Meanwhile, the Celtics are considering the idea of ​​trading one of their rotating guards (Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon, Derrick White or Payton Pritchard) this offseason. according to MassLive.
Paul looking to stay in Phoenix
With the Suns having to make a decision in the coming weeks, Chris Paul said in an interview with the Arizona Republic that he “absolutely” wants to stay in Phoenix, adding “That’s why I’m there.”
Bleacher Report reported on June 7 that the Suns planned to release Paul by June 28, when the remaining $15 million of his $30.8 salary is guaranteed for the 2023-24 season. However, ESPN and The Athletic reported that the Suns are still weighing all of their options, which include keeping Paul at his full guaranteed salary, waiving him or trading him.
Chris Paul’s future with the Suns is uncertain, are the Celtics the best place to land?
Ric Bucher joins Colin Cowherd to discuss the latest in the NBA, including the latest on Chris Paul, as the Phoenix Suns contemplate their 12x All-Star future.
Bulls buying LaVine?
It looks like a number of All-Star guards could be on the trade market this offseason. The Chicago Bulls are “quietly gauging” trade interest in Zach LaVine, according to yahoo! Sports. LaVine, 28, just finished the first year of a five-year, $215 million contract he signed last offseason.
Clippers looking to keep Westbrook at discount
After they helped the former MVP revive his career, the Clippers “hope” to keep Russell Westbrook at a local discount with a contract worth $3.8 million. according to the launderer’s report. Westbrook joined the Clippers after being purchased by the Jazz, who acquired him in a trade deadline move with the Lakers.
Mavericks considering draft picks and player trades
Ahead of the June 22 NBA Draft, the Mavericks are considering dropping from the No. 10 overall pick to acquire a veteran player, according to yahoo! Sports. One of the trades discussed involved the Mavericks acquiring John Collins and the Atlanta Hawks’ No. 15 overall pick for the No. 10 pick plus Davis Bertans, according to Yahoo! Sports.
Does Kuzma reach free agency?
It’s considered a “lock” for Kyle Kuzma to decline his $13 million player option to become a free agent. Marc Stein, longtime NBA pundit, reported. It’s “unclear” whether or not the Wizards would like to keep Kuzma, or possibly move him in a sign-and-trade, according to Stein.
The Pacers have explored multiple veteran wing trades
Indiana has explored multiple trade options involving Toronto’s OG Anunoby and Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter since the trade deadline in February and is also “expected” to be in the mix for restricted free agent Grant Williams, yahoo! informed sports.
Is Beal leaving DC?
The Washington Wizards and Bradley Beal are working to find a new home for the three-time All-Star, according to The Athletic. Beal signed a five-year, $251 million contract extension with the Wizards last summer. He is the only player in the NBA with a no-trade clause.
[Bradley Beal trade: What NBA insiders are saying about most likely destinations]
VanVleet is excluded
Fred VanVleet is opting out of his contract with the Toronto Raptors, which means he’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer. VanVleet, 29, had a player option valued at $22.8 million for the 2023-24 season.
This story will be updated during the 2023 NBA offseason.
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