NBA free agency is already a week old, and most of the big names agreed to deals with teams. However, there are still several quality players available and a few trade rumblings across the league. Here are the latest NBA rumors and news you need to know:
Westbrook staying in OKC
After Kevin Durant left the Thunder for the Warriors, there were rumblings that Oklahoma City would look to trade Russell Westbrook to avoid losing him in a similar way next offseason. However, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Thunder should have no such worries - Westbrook wants to stay.
"I know this: Right now his mindset is on the team they have. Can we add pieces in the short term? Can we go out in free agency? That doesn’t mean he’s not leaving next year, but his attitude isn’t “Aw man, Kevin left, I’m screwed — I gotta get out of here.” I’ve been told Russell has been very determined to lead the team they have — and I know this — Russell really likes the town, he likes bringing in Oladipo, Steven Adams, those are his guys. He thinks they’re a real talented team that, if they can add another significant piece, it puts them right back in contention.
I think he’s embracing this, and he can go out next summer and get a 200 million dollar extension with Oklahoma City. I know this: They will not in the short term be putting him out in trade talks. I think this will play out over time here, and they’re focused on improving that team around him.”
Westbrook averaged 23.5 points, 10.4 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game last season.
Celtics looking to make more moves
Boston hasn't been shy about their desire to trade a lot of their assets to acquire star players to help them compete for a title, and while many think the market for such players have dried up, they're not done trying. Via ESPN's Chris Forsberg:
"I think we're not done," Ainge said while clutching his iPhone in one hand, seemingly waiting for the next call that might lead to a deal.
Asked what he might seek for his team before finalizing roster construction, Ainge said: "We need more shooting. We have some guys who are versatile and can play center and 4 [power forward]. We can use a stronger center, and those are the two biggest things. Maybe another ball-handler as well."
The Celtics have been heavily linked to Jimmy Butler this offseason, but after the Bulls signed Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade, they appear unlikely to move Butler. Another player they've been very interested in is DeMarcus Cousins, but he likely also is not available. It's unclear who else they may be targeting.
Kings shopping players
The Kings have already made several moves via the draft and free agency, and they might not be done yet.
Kosta Koufos, Ben McLemore and, of course, Rudy Gay are three Sacramento Kings available via trade, according to league sources
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 8, 2016
Rudy Gay is not happy in Sacramento, and while he hasn't demanded a trade, the Kings know he does not want to be there. The team tried to deal McLemore before the trade deadline and during the draft. It only seems like a matter of time before both are moved.
Cavs adding "Birdman?"
With Timofey Mozgov getting wildly overpaid by the Lakers, the Cavs are in need of a backup center. It seems they're focused on adding Chris Andersen.
Tyronn Lue went on NBATV, saying #Cavs signed free agent Chris "Birdman" Andersen. I'm told a deal isn't complete, but team hopes to close.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 8, 2016
Andersen played alongside LeBron James for a few years with the Miami Heat. At age 38, "Birdman" would likely only play a few minutes per game.
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