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With the NBA Finals now upon us, the playoffs are the talk of the basketball world, although there is no shortage of other stories emerging from around the league.
The 2019 draft is just weeks away, and teams will be hoping to strike gold by drafting either Zion Williamson or Ja Morant. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis continues to be linked with a blockbuster trade, and a host of stars including Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and Kemba Walker are about to hit free agency.
So, with plenty happening around the NBA, here are the biggest news stories and rumors you need to know for May 27th.
Reggie Bullock's future in LA in doubt
Reggie Bullock only joined the Lakers back in January, and despite hitting free agency this summer, he has expressed his desire to return. However, Bleacher Report's Dan Favale is reporting that the Lakers may find it difficult to retain the 28-year-old:
One overlooked side effect of the Los Angeles Lakers' jump to fourth in the draft lottery: They can no longer open up max room while lugging Reggie Bullock's $4.8 million cap hold.
That's a pretty big deal. Bullock is the ideal superstar accessory. He isn't a lockdown defender, but he can hold up in one-on-one situations with 2s and 3s, along with some point guards.
To be sure, Bullock's future is only up in the air, not dead where it stands. The Lakers can move around other salaries to accommodate his cap hold or hope he re-signs for the $4.8 million room exception. Paying him won't even be a problem if they whiff on their superstar targets.
Bullock played 19 times for the Lakers, averaging 9.3 points and 2.6 rebounds in 27.6 minutes.
Lakers among four teams interested in Kemba Walker
DeMarcus Cousins and Kemba Walker will both hit free agency this summer, although according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, Walker is the man generating the most interest:
All things being equal -- Not sure there will be much of a market for DeMarcus (Cousins)... as for Kemba (Walker). I know the Magic, Pacers, Knicks, and Lakers have an interest... Charlotte still wants him and can now Supermax him.
Walker has spent his entire career with the Charlotte Hornets, and he has become an established All-Star over the past few years. The 29-year-old point guard averaged a career-high 25.6 points during the 18/19 season, also contributing 5.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game.
Last week, Walker was named to the All-NBA third team, which means that he is now eligible for a "supermax" extension with the Hornets this summer.
Bucks plan to bring back Brook Lopez
A number of the Milwaukee roster will hit free agency this summer, and it is unlikely that the Bucks can retain all their stars. Due to this, the Bucks are believed to be prioritizing tying down certain players, and ESPN's Malika Andrews is reporting that Brook Lopez is one of them:
The Bucks likely will pay Middleton. After signing Bledsoe to a four-year, $70 million contract in March, retaining Brogdon would come with a hefty price that could send the Bucks into the luxury tax. Milwaukee also will need to choose among Mirotic, Hill and Lopez. It is unlikely that all three will be retained. Re-signing Lopez, league sources said, is a priority.
Lopez averaged 12.5 points and 4.9 rebounds in 28.7 minutes per game for the Bucks this season, also connecting with 37% of his three-point attempts.
