The NBA Finals are in full swing, but most teams across the league are focusing on their offseason plans. The draft is just over 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.
Love won't play in Game 3
Love participated in shootaround with the team this morning, but he wasn't able to pass the league's concussion protocol. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, he will not play tonight:
Kevin Love has been informed that he will not be medically cleared to play in Wednesday night's Game 3, ESPN has learned
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 8, 2016
Bender to fall on draft night?
Maccabi Tel Aviv PF Dragan Bender, widely regarded as the best international prospect in this draft class, has been projected to be a top five pick through this point in the draft process.
However, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders reports that no team has fallen "in love" with Bender - which could cause him to fall out of the lottery:
I have not found a team that's in love with Bender... some teams have him outside the lottery on their board. https://t.co/Zm1Uzedvdc
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) June 8, 2016
Bender had been linked to the Celtics with the No. 3 pick and Suns with the No. 4 pick, but neither is the case anymore. Boston is trying to trade that pick and Phoenix appears to be favoring Cal SF Jaylen Brown.
Lance Stephenson to Knicks?
New York hasn't been shy about their desire to upgrade their backcourt this offseason, so it's not surprising that Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley is their top target this offseason. However, could they also be pursuing another Memphis player?
Tommy Beer of Basketball Insiders says the Knicks should go after Brooklyn-native Lance Stephenson this summer:
Like Ty Lawson, the downside is immense, as it could be argued that an NYC homecoming might be the worst possible destination for the Brooklyn native. That said, assuming the Grizzlies don’t pick up his $9.4 million option, Stephenson could provide solid bang for the buck if he gets his act together. It looked like ‘Born Ready’ might be on the verge of flaming out of the NBA after wearing out his welcome first in Charlotte and then with the Clippers. However, Stephenson played surprisingly well for the desperate and injury-ravaged Grizzlies after being dealt to Memphis. He averaged 14.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in the 26 contests he played in as a member of the Grizzlies.
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