The NBA Finals are underway, but for the other 28 teams in the NBA, the focus is on the offseason. The rumor mill is churning with free agency rumors, including some buzz on the biggest names (like Chris Pau). Here are all the latest NBA Free Agency Rumors you need to know from around the association.
Chris Paul And The Spurs
The Chris Paul to the San Antonio Spurs rumors will be the top free agency rumor this offseason. ESPN's Marc Stein reports that Paul will give the Spurs "serious consideration" in the event he elects to leave the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason.
"Sources told ESPN that Paul, for all of his undeniable fondness for Los Angeles, is intrigued by the idea of teaming up with the likes of Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and MVP top-three finalist Kawhi Leonard in his quest to achieve the deep playoff success that has eluded Paul to this point in his career," Stein writes. "The Spurs, sources say, are increasingly considered a lock to at least secure a face-to-face meeting with Paul when free agency begins July 1, despite the fact San Antonio would almost certainly have to sacrifice considerable roster depth to make him a representative contract offer."
Paul would sacrifice quite a bit of money by leaving the Clippers. He's eligible for a five-year, $205 million deal with the Clippers, but the most the Spurs could offer him is a four-year, $152 million deal. Plus, the Spurs would need to clear several notable players off its roster to make room for Paul. Among the players who could be let go or moved are Pau Gasol, Patty Mills, Jonathon Simmons, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.
Amir Johnson Returning To The Raptors
Amir Johnson played for the Toronto Raptors two years ago, before heading to the Boston Celtics. Now, he could be heading back to Canada. The Celtics likely won't bring back Johnson, but the Sporting News reports the Raptors and Johnson have interest in a reunion.
"Multiple league sources told Sporting News this week that there is mutual interest in getting Johnson back onto the Raptors’ roster this summer," Sean Deveney writes. "... Johnson will have options when he hits free agency, with a handful of teams having expressed interest, a source said. If the Raptors need too much time to sort out other issues, Johnson would look elsewhere. But a return to Toronto would be the best fit for all involved."
Those other issues are the contracts for pending free agents Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka. But once those situations are resolved, the Raptors could target Johnson. He was a fan favorite in his six years in Toronto and would provide some welcome frontcourt depth.
Pistons Interested In C.J. Miles
The Indiana Pacers wing will opt-out of his contract this offseason and might not have to go far for his next NBA team. The Detroit Free Press reports the Pistons have interest in adding Miles this offseason.
"A person with firsthand knowledge of the Pistons’ off-season plans told the Free Press this morning Miles “would be on our list," Vince Ellis writes. "The person cautioned that a lot would depend on what happens with restricted free agents Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Bullock."
The Pistons currently have no cap space, leaving only the $8.4 million mid-level expectation at their disposal. Extensions for someone like Caldwell-Pope could force the Pistons closer to the luxury tax and limit their spending ability. After Miles averaged more than 10 points per game this year and shooting above 41 percent from 3-point range, the MLE might not be enough for the Pistons to afford Miles. He declined a player-option just under $5 million a year.
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