Since the NBA Finals ended, teams have been able to negotiate with their free agents and players eligible for contract extensions. Free agency begins in just over a week, when teams will officially begin negotiating with other players. (Unofficially, negotiations are already well underway through back channels, and cheating is a lifeline in the NBA at this time of year.)
We'll keep you up to date on the latest free agent rumors.
• Could DeMar DeRozan leave Chicago in free agency? The Bulls traded Alex Caruso to the Thunderbringing back another playmaker in Josh Giddey to take his place. With Chicago focused on trading for Zach LaVine, the big question around the league is: does DeMar DeRozan want to return to Chicago? Mark Stein wrote in Saturday's newsletter:.
“One of the biggest questions flying around the league right now is: Will DeRozan be more available in free agency than expected when the free agent market officially opens on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET? Likewise, does DeRozan want to return to the Bulls?”
Both DeRozan and the Bulls have publicly stated that they want to continue their relationship. KC Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago said:“This time last year, Nikola Vucevic had more momentum to re-sign during this exclusive negotiating period before free agency than DeRozan does right now.”
The 35-year-old DeRozan averaged 24 points and 5.3 assists per game last season. He's a mid-range assassin, and in the right role, he could be a valuable asset for a playoff- or championship-contending team like Philadelphia. If he's available, there will be a push to acquire him.
• The Bulls are once again finding the trade market cold for LaVine. The Bulls and Zach LaVine agree that it's time to part ways. Chicago pursued a deal at the trade deadline, but nothing materialized. Now that the offseason is at its peak, the market is still pretty lukewarm. The Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz, rumored targets for LaVine, “are not very interested.” Stein reported.
The Sacramento Kings are the favorites to make a trade for LaVine, as they've offered Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter and a first-round draft pick, which might be enough to make the trade happen.
• Ja Morant is still recovering from shoulder surgery but should be soon. This isn't free-agent talk, but it's worth mentioning: Morant has been sidelined since January after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum and has not yet been cleared by doctors to return to basketball activities. Drew Hill of the Daily Memphian reports.The good news is that he should be cleared in the next few weeks and be able to return in time for training camp. “I hate not being able to play and be involved in basketball,” Morant said. “I don't have much longer. I'm just going to wait and see when the season comes and see if I can play.”
• The Warriors are expected to bring back Kevon Looney. The Warriors are trying to balance upgrading their roster and adding playmaking around Stephen Curry while also shedding payroll to get out of the second luxury tax bracket. Kevon Looney had until Monday to make a decision because only $3 million of his $8 million contract is guaranteed, but the Warriors are expected to guarantee his salary. Anthony Slater reports for The Athletic.
The team is expected to stick with its current plans to use the remaining $8 million in guarantees on Looney's contract, but could ultimately use his salary to complete an offseason trade.
• The Mavericks will try to trade Tim Hardaway Jr. AlsoAs became clear during the playoffs, Tim Hardaway Jr. could be pushed out of Jason Kidd's regular rotation if things get serious, which is why Dallas is looking to trade Hardaway and his expiring $16.2 million contract. Stein reports.
“Finding a home for Hardaway is a key component of Dallas' strategy to re-sign Derrick Jones Jr. Jones played well on a minimum contract this season and will return next season, but Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has labeled him a “priority 1A and 1B” for Dallas this offseason.”
