The NBA Finals are nearing a conclusion, but most teams across the league are already focusing on their offseason plans. The draft is just over a week 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.
Minnesota trying to trade for Butler, to include Wiggins in deal?
Minnesota is actively trying to acquire guard Jimmy Butler from the Chicago Bulls, and are offering the No. 5 pick in the draft as the centerpiece to any deal, reports ESPN's Marc Stein:
Sources told ESPN.com that the Wolves, in these early days of the Tom Thibodeau era, have made it known to the Bulls that they are strongly interested in dealing for Butler should Chicago elect to make him available.
The Boston Celtics, who hold the No. 3 overall pick, are also known to have trade interest in Butler, while sources say that the Bulls are highly intrigued by Providence guard Kris Dunn, who is projected to be selected in the 3-to-5 range in the June 23 draft.
The No. 5 pick alone clearly wouldn't be sufficient to pry Butler from the Bulls, but Minnesota's own cache of trade assets -- given the various up-and-coming players on its roster -- would theoretically enable the Wolves to either deal with Chicago directly or assemble a multiteam trade scenario.
New Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau coached Butler in Chicago, and the two still have a strong relationship.
Minnesota won't include Karl-Anthony Towns in any trade, but could be willing to add some combination of Andrew Wiggins, Ricky Rubio, Zach LaVine and Gorgui Dieng, reports Dana Gauruder of Hoops Rumors.
Spurs to enter Mike Conley sweepstakes?
Mike Conley is the top free agent point guard available this offseason, and he's expected to be the top target of every team with a need at that position. Though he has been most often linked to the Knicks and a return to Memphis, Basketball Insiders says the Spurs are a team to watch:
The dark horse in the Conley race is the Spurs. More than a few league insiders have pegged the Spurs as having more than a passing interest in Conley as a free agent and, much like with Durant, they are prepared to break apart some of their core to lock in another high level player.
Tony Parker had his worst year since his rookie season, and there are also questions as to how much he can still provide the Spurs. If San Antonio decides to look for a new starting point guard, Conley is their guy.
KD "100 percent" staying with Thunder?
For all the talk about Durant's impending free agency and other suitors, the Thunder still appear to be the clear frontrunner to land him. Forward Serge Ibaka even told TMZ that he's "100 percent" positive Durant will be back with the team next season.
That echoes the feeling around the league that Durant will sign a two-year deal with Oklahoma City, including an opt-out after one year - opening the possibility that both him and Russell Westbrook will be free agents after next season.
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