NBA News Roundup, Saturday, June 15th: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving could team up in New York, Boston Celtics hesitant to trade for Anthony Davis and more 

Will Kevin Durant team up with Kyrie Irving in New York this summer?
Will Kevin Durant team up with Kyrie Irving in New York this summer?

The 2019 offseason is quickly approaching 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 Lakers, Thunder, and Rockets are also attempting to make big moves as they look to build a roster that can compete during the 2019/20 season while superstars such as Anthony Davis continue to be linked with a blockbuster trade.

On that note, here are all the latest NBA rumors and news you need to know for June 15th.


Boston Celtics hesitant to trade for Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis is expected to leave the Pelicans this summer
Anthony Davis is expected to leave the Pelicans this summer

After spending his entire career with the New Orleans Pelicans, Anthony Davis is set to leave the franchise this summer. The Lakers and Celtics are believed to be his most likely landing spots, although The Boston Globe's Adam Himmelsbach is reporting that the Celtics are hesitant to trade away their best talent:

It is widely known that the Celtics have the shiniest collection of assets for a potential Davis deal, but there are questions about how far they would open their treasure chest. One league source said the uncertainty surrounding Davis’s long-term future in Boston has thus far limited the Celtics’ willingness to overwhelm New Orleans with an offer.

Davis was drafted as the number one pick by the Pelicans back in 2012. During his seven seasons with the team, he has been named an All-Star on six occasions, and many experts believe he is a future MVP.

However, after just making two playoff appearances during his time in New Orleans, Davis is keen to join a team where he can contend during the peak years of his career.

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving could still link up in New York

Kevin Durant is expected to miss the majority of the 19-20 NBA season
Kevin Durant is expected to miss the majority of the 19-20 NBA season

After suffering an Achilles injury during Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Kevin Durant is expected to miss most of the 19-20 season. However, the 30-year-old is still expected to attract considerable interest in free agency and noted NBA analyst Chris Bucher believes Durant could team up with Kyrie Irving in New York:

I’m told Kevin Durant is out of the hospital, moved into a hotel for the time being in the New York area and him and Kyrie have met and have continued to discuss playing together next season. KD has moved all his stuff and will spend his summer in New York… Every indication says KD is making plans to be elsewhere because obviously Kyrie will not be joining the Warriors any time soon.

Durant has spent three seasons with Golden State, winning two NBA Championships.

D'Angelo Russell will leave the Nets if Kyrie Irving joins

D'Angelo Russell enjoyed a breakout season in Brooklyn
D'Angelo Russell enjoyed a breakout season in Brooklyn

Kyrie Irving is believed to be the Brooklyn Nets' number one target this summer, and Ian Begley of SNY TV is reporting that Irving's arrival would signal the end for D'Angelo Russell:

Russell, a restricted free agent, will likely draw significant interest on the open market. The 23-year-old is coming off of an All-Star season in which he helped lead Brooklyn to the playoffs. Members of the Pacers organization are high on Russell, SNY sources confirm. But the Nets' hopes of landing stars in Brooklyn will have an impact on Russell's future with the club.
If Irving signs with the Nets, SNY sources familiar with the matter say it is highly unlikely that Russell remains with the Nets.

Russell enjoyed a breakout 18-19 season, averaging 21.1 points, 7.0 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game.

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now