With the Golden State Warriors’ dominance seemingly at an end, a number of teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets will be attempting to pull off huge moves that can propel them into contention for the upcoming 2019-20 NBA season.
So, ahead of one of the most exciting days on the basketball calendar, here are all the latest rumors and news you need to know.
Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant could team up for the Knicks or Clippers
NBA teams have been lining up to sign Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard over the past few months, although ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne are reporting that the superstar duo could in fact end up on the same team:
Leonard and Durant are among the NBA’s biggest stars, and the addition of both players would immediately transform the Clippers or Knicks into one of the NBA’s best teams. Durant is expected to miss the entire 19-20 season with an Achilles tear, although it appears that teams are still willing to offer the 30-year-old a max deal.
Klay Thompson to re-sign with the Golden State Warriors
Both the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks were credited with an interest in signing Klay Thompson, although Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium is reporting that Thompson is on the verge of signing a new long-term deal with the Golden State Warriors.
Thompson was selected 11th overall by the Golden State Warriors back in 2011, and the shooting guard has played an important role in the Warriors’ recent dominance. Thompson is among the NBA’s best two-way players and is coming off a season in which he averaged 21.5 points and shot over 40 percent from beyond the arc.
At 29, the Warriors have locked Thompson down for the prime years of his career, although the guard will miss a large portion of the 19-20 season due to a torn ACL.
Derrick Rose could join the Detroit Pistons
One of the more intriguing names to hit free agency this summer is Derrick Rose. After contemplating retirement at the start of the 17-18 season, Rose enjoyed a resurgent 18-month spell in Minnesota.
During the 18-19 season, Rose averaged 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 37.0 percent from beyond the arc. However, with the Minnesota Timberwolves looking towards a major rebuild this summer, Rose is unlikely to return, and Frank Isola is reporting that the former MVP could head to Detroit.
The Pistons currently have starting point guard Reggie Jackson signed to an $18.1 million contract, so Rose is likely to appear from the bench. Rose earned a minimum deal for the 18-19 season, although the veteran is expected to discuss a substantially higher two-year deal.
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