The 2019 draft is just weeks away, and teams will be hoping to strike gold by drafting either Zion Williamson or Ja Morant. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis continues to be linked with a blockbuster trade, and a host of stars including Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and Kemba Walker are about to hit free agency.

So, with plenty going on around the NBA, here are the biggest news stories and rumors you need to know for May 12th.

Utah Jazz linked with D’Angelo Russell

Following an impressive season, D’Angelo Russell will hit free agency this summer, and Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale suggests the Utah Jazz could be the frontrunners if the point guard decides to leave Brooklyn:

After being drafted by the Lakers in 2015, Russell struggled to live up to lofty expectations. Yet, since joining the Nets two years ago, the 23-year-old guard has established himself as an All-Star, also helping Brooklyn to a postseason appearance this season.

During the 18/19 season, Russell averaged 21 points, 7.0 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game – also shooting a career-high percentage (43.4) from the field.

Frank Vogel to become new Lakers head coach

The Los Angeles Lakers have been searching for a new full-time head coach since Luke Walton left the team last month, and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Frank Vogul has agreed to sign a three-year deal:

Wojnarowski’s report also notes that Vogel was the third coach to be offered the job, with Monty Williams and Ty Lue both rejecting earlier offers. Vogel has previously spent time as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic.

Patrick Patterson exercises $5.7M option for 19/20 season

Following the conclusion of the 18/19 season, Patrick Patterson spoke of his happiness in Oklahoma City, and Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that the 30-year-old has opted into the final year of his contract:

Following a successful spell with the Toronto Raptors, Patterson joined the Thunder in the summer of 2017. Patterson was expected to add depth and scoring to Billy Donovan’s bench, although his minutes were reduced during his second season, and he did not feature at all during OKC’s 4-1 series defeat to the Trail Blazers.

Despite opting into the final year of his deal, Patterson could still be traded as Sam Presti looks to improve a roster that has failed to win a playoff series since 2016.

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