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The NBA Free Agency period is now well underway, and while the likes of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant wasted no time in announcing their next destination, there are plenty of talented players still available.
Kawhi Leonard continues to mull over his future, while Danny Green, DeMarcus Cousins, and Jabari Parker could also play integral roles on a contending team.
So, ahead of another potentially drama-filled day, here are all the latest news and rumors you need to know for July 5th.
Kevin Durant's relationship with Draymond Green never recovered following on-court incident
One of the most memorable moments of the 18-19 season came when Draymond Green and Kevin Durant engaged in a heated argument during the Golden State Warriors' overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
The incident stemmed from a disagreement over who should take the last shot, and Green eventually told Durant to leave in free agency because the Warriors were already winning before he arrived.
The All-Star pair quickly put the incident behind them, although while appearing on ESPN's 'The Jump', Durant's former teammate Kendrick Perkins expressed his belief that the incident was a contributing factor in Durant's decision to leave the team:
In my opinion, KD never bounced back from the Draymond situation. I think the Warriors had a chance to sign KD back. But when that situation occurred, the Warriors tried to clean it up by suspending Draymond. Those were some harsh words. As a man, there are certain levels you don’t cross and I think that was the last straw.
Earlier this week, Durant opted against a supermax deal with the Warriors in favor of signing with the Brooklyn Nets. The former MVP leaves having won two titles in three seasons with the team.
Kawhi Leonard decision could be made today
Kawhi Leonard's free agency has the power to change the entire landscape of the NBA, although the All-Star has been in no rush to decide where he will be playing next season. However, Chris Carter from First Things First believes that the superstar will announce his next destination later today.
Earlier this week, Leonard met with the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors. The 28-year-old can sign a five-year, $190 million contract with the Raptors or a four-year, $141 million deal with either Los Angeles team.
If the Lakers pull off a move for Leonard, they will boast perhaps the best starting trio in NBA history. However, if a move fails, the Lakers will have more than $30m in cap space to spend in a market where the majority of top free agents have already been snapped up.
Lakers interested in signing Trey Burke
Having traded Lonzo Ball to the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this summer, the Los Angeles Lakers are in need of a new point guard. Many rumored Laker targets such as Seth Curry have already been picked up by rival teams, and Marc Berman of the New York Post is reporting that Los Angeles could turn their attention to Trey Burke.
Burke was selected 9th overall in the 2013 draft, and he has had spells with the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks. The Ohio native has made more than 350 appearances, averaging 10.9 points, 3.6 assists, 2.1 rebounds while shooting just over 40% from the field.
Burke spent the end of the 18-19 season with the Mavericks, averaging 9.7 points over 25 appearances (1 start). If the 26-year-old heads to L.A., he is expected to be used in a backup role.
Guess the Lakers players!
