Free agency will be here before you know it and already the rumor mill is in full swing.
Here are the latest NBA rumors you need to know about:
LEBRON JAMES STAYING WITH THE LAKERS?
LeBron James refused to offer a verbal commitment to staying with the Lakers when he addressed the media last week.
But NBA insider Marc Stein says “all signals” at this point suggest LeBron will sign a new deal with the Lakers.
Just don’t be surprised if James waits to see where things stand with Bronny before he makes a decision, even if Woj did report that playing with Bronny is no longer at the top of LeBron’s priority list.
That may well be so, but it can’t be ignored as a factor entirely.
JASON KIDD TO COACH THE LAKERS?
The Lakers have identified Jason Kidd as a potential candidate for their head coach position, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
JJ Redick and Tyronn Lue were also mentioned by McMenamin as coaches the Lakers have discussed. All three have solid existing relationships with LeBron.
Kidd was an assistant with the Lakers from 2019 until 2021. He was with the team when they won the championship in 2020.
JIMMY LEAVING MIAMI?
Jimmy Butler’s future in Miami is in serious doubt due to his “declining play and constant absences”, according to The Athletic’s John Hollinger.
Butler reportedly wants a two-year, $113 million contract extension this summer, according to The Miami Herald.
That is the maximum possible extension under the terms of his current contract, so it stands to reason that the Heat would be reluctant to offer Butler such a huge amount given his recent form and availability.
CLIPPERS WERE OPEN TO TRADING PAUL GEORGE
The Clippers were open to trading Paul George earlier this season in a “select few trade scenario”, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Law Murray.
George has a player option for next season, meaning he could leave in free agency if he wanted to.
It will be interesting to see if George still has faith in winning a championship with the Clippers, considering the team has repeatedly fallen short of expectations.
According to Marc Stein, the Philadelphia 76ers are the “foremost threat” to steal George away from the Clippers in free agency.
