The NBA Finals are underway, but the vast majority of the teams across the league are focused on their offseason plans. The draft is just exactly two weeks away and teams are preparing for when free agency begins on July 1. Here are all the latest NBA rumors and news you need to know.
Knicks Want Jordan Clarkson?
One of the New York Knicks' biggest team needs is at guard, and ESPN's Ian Begley reports the team is high on Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson. Clarkson is a restricted free agent, which could hurt the Knicks chances of landing him. Begley reports Clarkson is expected to stay in Los Angeles.
Spurs Trading Up?
The San Antonio Spurs, in past drafts, have either stayed put or taken foreign players to stash. Outside of trading George Hill for the Kawhi Leonard, the Spurs have been relatively quite in drafts. That might not be the case this year.
The San Antonio Spurs have explored moving up in the first round of the draft, per sources. They currently have the No. 29 pick.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) June 9, 2016
The Spurs are one of several teams looking to move up. It's unclear if there's a particular target the Spurs in mind. They could be looking for a future sixth man to replace Manu Ginobili.
Jamal Murray A Lock For The Top 6?
Kentucky combo guard Jamal Murray figures to be one first players not named Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram taken in the 2016 NBA Draft. That's evident by the teams Murray is working out for.
Jamal Murray said he's working out for just four teams: Celtics, Suns, Timberwolves, Pelicans. 3-6 in the order.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) June 8, 2016
One team not on that list is the 76ers. They are reportedly high on Murray and could swing a trade back into top 5 to land him by moving Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel.
Who Will Take Malachi Richardson?
The Syracuse guard turned pro and has the makings of a first rounder. Chad Ford of ESPN Insider reports Richardson should end up being a mid-to-late first rounder this year, especially after a sharp workout Tuesday.
"From my canvassing of the gym, most had him in the No. 12-22 range," Ford writes. "The Jazz, Bulls, Celtics, Nuggets, Pacers, Hawks and Hornets are showing significant interest. Richardson has already worked out with the Jazz and Hawks and has the Suns on Wednesday and Denver later in the week. I think his floor will be Philly at No. 24."
That's a significant range for Richardson, although it makes sense given the questions about his shooting. He showed flashes at Syracuse, but lacked consistency. Strangely, he hit 35 percent of his shots from beyond the arc, but just 22 percent on 2-point jumpers.
Paul Pierce To Retire?
The Los Angeles Clippers forward has two more years left on his contract, but is still unsure if he'll be back for a 19th NBA season. The biggest issue for Pierce is getting ready for a season, as he's finding it harder to get ready each year.
"Really, it’s all about how I feel mentally, getting up and I’m thinking about the grind," Pierce told the Boston Globe. "People don’t understand, I think a lot of guys retire because of what it takes to [get on the court] each season. You can take the grind once you are in it, but getting ready for the grind is the hard part."
Pierce averaged just 6.1 points and 18 minutes per game. He mostly came off the bench last year, and playing time will be a role in his decision.
"I thought I had one more good year [this past season], but obviously I didn’t like how it all went with my role," Pierce said. "I’m still just trying to figure it out. A lot has got to do with my role I’m going to play. To come back and sit 82 games, I don’t know if I can do that."
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