NBA News Roundup, Monday, July 1st: Lakers favorites to sign Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving head to Brooklyn, Derrick Rose joins the Pistons and more

Free Agency began last night, officially kicking off the most hectic period of the NBA calendar.

While contracts cannot be officially signed until later this week, a number of significant stars around the NBA wasted no time in choosing where they will play during the 19-20 season.

So, with plenty going on around the league, here are all the latest NBA news and rumours you need to know for July 1st.

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Lakers leading the chase to sign Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard remains the NBA's most in-demand free agent

While the majority of the NBA's big name free agents were snapped up last night, Kawhi Leonard lived up to his quiet reputation. The 27-year-old was happy to take the time to mull over his decision, although noted NBA insider Chris Broussard is reporting that the Lakers are the leading contenders to sign the two-time Finals MVP. The Lakers, who signed Anthony Davis recently, could get another superstar on their roster, which currently has only two people apart from AD- LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma.

Kawhi to Lakers rumblings getting stronger & stronger. Iguodala likely to join Lakers after Memphis buyout. Danny Green & Seth Curry in Lakers’ scope. Lakers offered Rondo vet minimum & 24 hours to decide. Lakers on verge of building powerhouse.

— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 1, 2019

The Raptors remain hopeful of bringing Leonard back to Toronto, and the Clippers also have the cap space after failing to make any major moves last night.

Broussard also states that the Lakers are interested in signing Leonard's Raptors teammate Danny Green, while Seth Curry and Rajon Rondo are being considered at point guard.

After failing to make any moves last night, Lakers fans can expect a busy 24 hours as the franchise makes moves to form a roster that can compete next season. The addition of a two-way player like Kawhi could make them serious contenders for the championship, and the city of Los Angeles has a lot to look forward to, should they snap up Leonard.

Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and DeAndre Jordan to join the Brooklyn Nets

Kyrie Irving has spent the past two seasons with the Boston Celtics

Kevin Durant's future has been the subject of constant speculation over the past 12 months, although the 2014 MVP has wasted no time in outlining his intention to sign with the Brooklyn Nets. The 30-year-old was expected to remain with the Warriors or head to the Knicks, but just like in 2016, Durant stunned the NBA with an unexpected decision.

Durant was eligible to remain with the Warriors on a five-year, $221 million deal, but opted to sign a 4-year, $164M deal with the Nets. ESPN is also reporting that the Nets and Warriors are trying to finalise a sign-and-trade deal that will send All-Star guard D'Angelo Russell to the Warriors.

Durant will be joined in Brooklyn by Kyrie Irving, who was also among the summer's most in-demand free agents. The 27-year-old has spent the past two years with the Boston Celtics and is widely considered as one of the premier point guards in the NBA. Irving will sign for 4 years at $141M.

Sources: Durant will sign a 4-year, $164M deal with the Nets; Irving will sign 4-years, $141M.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

Meanwhile, the Nets have also pulled off a move to sign veteran big DeAndre Jordan. The former All-Star was attracting interest from the likes of the Lakers, although Jordan is known for his close friendship with Durant. Jordan holds career averages of 9.6 points, 10.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.

Derrick Rose to join the Detroit Pistons

Derrick Rose rediscovered his form during his spell with the Minnesota Timberwolves

After enjoying a resurgent 18-month spell in with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Derrick Rose is heading to the Detroit Pistons. Rose was mulling retirement back in 2017, however, after settling for a place in the reserve unit, the 30-year-old rediscovered some of his 2011 MVP form.

During the 18-19 season, Rose averaged 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 37.0 percent from beyond the arc.

Following Rose's immense impact from the bench, the Minnesota Timberwolves were keen to explore bringing the veteran guard back, although ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the former MVP has opted to join the Pistons.

Free agent guard Derrick Rose has agreed to a two-year, $15M deal to join the Detroit Pistons, league sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

Rose was signed to a veteran's minimum deal during his time in Minnesota and is likely that the franchise was uninterested in matching Detroit's considerable offer. The 30-year-old is expected to play backup to Reggie Jackson.

Damian Lillard to sign four-year, $196 million super maximum contract extension with Portland

Damian Lillard will be staying with the Portland Trail Blazers

Moments before a flood of free agency moves were announced, the news emerged that Damian Lillard is extending his stay with the Trail Blazers. Lillard has agreed to a four-year, $196 million super maximum contract extension - with a player option for $54.3 million in the last year of the extension.

Damian Lillard's Portland extension: Total of six years and $258M, an annual salary of $43M. https://t.co/PAwisoAgDf

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2019

Lillard was selected by the Trail Blazers with the sixth pick of the 2012 NBA draft, and during his time in Portland, Lillard has established himself as one of the league's best guards. Over the course of the 18-19 season, the 29-year-old averaged 25.8 points, 6.9 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 35.5 minutes per game.

Lillard led his Portland team to the 2019 Western Conference Finals, and the All-Star produced the most memorable moment of the playoffs when he hit a series-clinching 3-pointer to eliminate the OKC Thunder in Round One.

Sixers re-sign Tobias Harris; lose J.J. Reddick

Tobias Harris will spend his prime years with the Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers were among the busiest teams last night, and one of the first major deals announced was J.J. Redick's departure to the New Orleans Pelicans. The 35-year-old three-point specialist has opted to sign a two-year deal worth $26.5 million in NOLA, and he will add experience to a young roster that includes Zion Williamson and Lonzo Ball.

Entering free agency it was believed that Tobias Harris would leave the Sixers, although with Jimmy Butler set to exit, Philadelphia moved quickly by offering Harris a $180M deal over the next five seasons.

Free agent forward Tobias Harris has agreed to a five-year, $180M contract to return to the Philadelphia 76ers, his agent and father, Torrel Harris of Unique Sports Management, tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

The Sixers also produced one of the biggest surprises of the night when they signed Al Horford to a four-year, $109 million deal. Horford recently turned 33, so the deal is not without its risks, although the team has managed to add a veteran who can still make an impact at both ends of the court.