NBA News Roundup, Friday, June 21st: Lakers and Celtics want Nikola Vucevic, Zion Williamson headlines NBA draft and more

The 2019 offseason is finally here, and it is gearing up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. The upcoming free agent class is perhaps the best in NBA history, as the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, and Kevin Durant will all be up for grabs.

Teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Houston Rockets are also attempting to make big moves as they look to build a roster that can compete during the 2019/20 season. So, here are all the latest NBA rumors you need to know for June 21st.

Pelicans take Zion Williamson with No. 1 pick in NBA draft

Zion Williamson is the most exciting player coming into the NBA since LeBron James back in 2003

Zion Williamson entered the 2019 Draft as perhaps the most exciting player since LeBron James back in 2003, and it was no surprise when the New Orleans Pelicans took him with the first overall pick. Moments after being picked, Zion was full of praise for his mother:

I don’t know what to say. I didn’t think I’d be in this position. My mom sacrificed a lot for me. I wouldn’t be here without my mom. She did everything for me. I just want to thank her. … She put her dreams aside for mine. She always looked out for her family and friends before herself.

During a dominant season with Duke, Williamson averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocks per game, also shooting nearly 70% from the field. The teenager amazed college basketball fans with his combination of power, speed, and agility, and he is expected to quickly become one of the NBA's biggest stars.

Following the Anthony Davis trade, Zion will now form part of an exciting young Pelicans roster that includes Lonzo Ball, Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram.

Celtics and Lakers interested in signing Nikola Vucevic

Nikola Vucevic enjoyed the best season of his career with the Orlando Magic this past year

Nikola Vucevic has been a reliable performer during his near decade in the NBA, although he only managed to establish himself as one of the league's best bigs during the 18-19 season. The 29-year-old averaged career highs in points per game (20.8) rebounds per game (12.0) and assists per game (3.8).

Vucevic is about to hit free agency, and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that both the Celtics and Lakers are keen to sign the Montenegrin:

Orlando and Vucevic… there’s a lot of motivation for those two sides to get a deal done. Vucevic has wanted to stay there. Both the Celtics and Lakers are potential landing spots for Vucevic if he doesn’t get a deal done with the Magic

The Celtics and Lakers are looking to add depth following a number of departures, and Vucevic could be an especially good fit in Boston after they traded Aron Baynes during the draft.

Hassan Whiteside opts in for the 19/20 season

Hassan Whiteside was expected to leave the Heat this summer

When the Miami Heat signed Hassan Whiteside back in 2014, the franchise believed that the center would soon develop into an All-Star performer. But, Whiteside's time in Miami has been underwhelming, and the Heat were reportedly keen to shed his huge salary as part of a soft-rebuild this summer.

However, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Whiteside has opted in for the 19-20 season, and remains part of the Heat's plans:

Riley confirms our report from Monday that Hassan will opt in. Said no trade request from him and expects him to be on team.

During the 18-19 season, Whiteside averaged just 23.3 minutes per game. During his time on the court, the 30-year-old averaged 12.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. He also shot an impressive 57% from the field.