NBA News Roundup, Monday, April 22nd: Lakers Free Agency update, Suns prefer Ja Morant to Zion Williamson and more

The first round of the 2019 playoffs is now nearing its conclusion, and the most exciting period of the basketball calendar is nearly upon us. The NBA draft is just two months away, while a number of the NBA's biggest free agents will soon indicate where they will be spending next season.

So, with plenty going on around the league, here is everything you need to know for Monday, April 22nd.

Jrue Holiday could be on the move this summer

Jrue Holiday could be traded away by the New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are facing a major rebuild this summer. Julius Randle can opt out of his contract, while Anthony Davis is expected to be traded ahead of his 2020 free agency. Due to this, the Pelicans may look to move on some of their other more experienced players, and Sean Deveney of Sporting News is reporting that Jrue Holiday is attracting interest:

If the Pelicans don't trade Holiday, it will set up the team for an attempt at a fast turnaround rather than a long, slogging rebuild. League sources say the Suns are considered a top contender should Holiday be made available, the ideal fit for a team badly in need of a multifaceted veteran at the point.

But Orlando would have interest, too, as would Chicago - though Holiday's brother, Justin, did not have a sterling experience with the Bulls this season before being traded to the Grizzlies.

Holiday was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2009 NBA draft, and he has spent the last six seasons with the Pelicans. This year, amid a season of turmoil, Holiday was the Pelicans' most consistent performer, averaging 21.2 points, 7.7 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game.

Suns prefer Ja Morant to Zion Williamson

Following an incredible season for Duke, Zion Williamson has been widely tipped to be the number one pick of the 2019 NBA draft. The 18-year-old has been touted as the most exciting teenager since LeBron James, and a number of franchises are believed to be willing to build their entire team around the forward.

However, Sam Vecenie of The Athletic believes that the Phoenix Suns would prefer to draft Ja Morant:

Sources around the NBA are buzzing that Morant is actually the player the Suns prefer to end up with. Particularly, Jones is thought to be a fan of the dynamic lead guard.

Morant finished the college season at Murray State averaging 24.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 10 assists per game. The Suns have had notable issues at the point guard position, and the team has a fourteen percent chance of landing the first pick of the upcoming draft.

Magic Johnson still willing to help the Lakers this summer

Magic Johnson stepped down as president of basketball operations two weeks ago

Earlier this month, Magic Johnson announced his surprise decision to walk away from the Los Angeles Lakers. Johnson had spent the last couple of seasons as the Lakers president of basketball operations, and he was expected to oversee efforts to attract a second All-Star this summer.

Despite leaving the franchise, the Los Angeles Times is reporting that Johnson will still be active in the Lakers' recruitment plans:

Buss has no plans to hire someone to replace Johnson, who is still expected to be part of the Lakers’ free-agent recruiting this summer in some capacity.

The Lakers will have around $25 million available in cap space this summer -- and the team is believed to be targeting free agents such as Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant. They are also expected to return to the Pelicans with another offer for Anthony Davis.

Edited by Arvind Sriram