The NBA playoffs are one game away from the Finals, but most teams across the league are focusing on their offseason plans ahead of next month's draft. There are also several teams working on figuring out how they can land a one or more of the league's big-name free agents set to hit the open market. Here are all the latest NBA news and rumors you need to know:
Lakers Don't Want DeRozan?
The Lakers have been linked to Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan frequently, but that connection might be overblown.
From @KevinDing with us @br_radio on #Lakers: “There’s a lot of presumption about Derozan and I’m told the Lakers aren’t that high on him"
— Noah Coslov (@NoahCoslov) May 29, 2016
That does make some sense, as DeRozan is a ball-dominant player, something the Lakers don't need at the shooting guard position. While DeRozan is from Los Angeles, he might not end up playing there. He does appear to enjoy playing in Toronto.
Whiteside Wants To Stay In Miami?
Hassan Whiteside is perhaps the top big man on the market this free agency, and the Miami Heat center is sure to command a hefty contract. While Whiteside has been linked heavily to teams like the Lakers, the Miami Herald reports Whiteside would prefer to stay in Miami.
However, the Herald also reports the Heat don't want to give Whiteside a max deal. If that's the case, Whiteside could elect to leave for more money. A team like the Lakers, flush with cap space, are a logical option.
Biyombo Open To Discount?
Toronto Raptors forward Bismack Biyombo made himself some money with his impressive playoff effort. An impending free agent, Biyombo wants to stay in Toronto, and is open to taking less money to do so.
Bismack Biyombo tells me he wants to be back, expects to be back, & is open to taking a hometown discount to return. @WalkerShow590 #Raptors
— Andrew Walker (@FAN590Walker) May 30, 2016
Biyombo is far from the best offensive big man in the NBA, but he was highly effective on defense and when rebounding. It sounds like the Raptors will be able to retain Biyombo this offseason.
Cavs Working Out Players
The Cavs are just a few days away from playing in the NBA Finals, but they're also working out NBA draft prospects.
Cleveland Cavaliers brought in Ron Baker, Yogi Ferrell, Derrick Jones and Kyle Wiltjer among others today for a workout, per league sources.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 29, 2016
The Cavaliers actually don't have any draft picks this year, unless they swing a trade to move back into the draft. Baker (Wichita State), Farrell (Indiana), Jones (UNLV) and Wiltjer (Gonzaga) are all ranked as undrafted players or late second round picks by Draft Express.
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