NBA News Roundup, Saturday, May 18th: Jimmy Butler could join the Nets, Most Valuable Player Finalists announced, and more

With the NBA Finals now upon us, the playoffs are currently 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 18th.

Lakers will not replace Magic Johnson

Following two years with the franchise, Magic Johnson exited the Lakers back in April

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepared for their final game of the season against the Trail Blazers, Magic Johnson announced his shock departure from the organization. Johnson had been president of basketball operations since 2017, and he played a major role in bringing LeBron James to the franchise last summer.

There has been intense speculation as to who would replace the NBA legend, although ESPN's Ramona Shelburne is reporting that no direct replacement will be hired:

The Lakers have decided they will not hire a president of basketball operations to replace Magic Johnson.

General manager Rob Pelinka will continue in his role, reporting directly to ownership, the source said. Pelinka had previously been reporting to Johnson.

Buss considered several options after Johnson's departure, including replacing him, the source said. However, she has since decided to continue with Pelinka as her top basketball decision-maker.

The LA Lakers now face a busy summer as they attempt to attract a second All-Star to play alongside LeBron James.

Harden and Antetokounmpo among MVP Finalists

Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the three-man shortlist

The three-man shortlist for the 2019 Most Valuable Player award has been released, with James Harden, Paul George, and Giannis Antetokounmpo making the cut.

Harden is the reigning MVP, and he led the league in scoring with 36.1 points per game. The Rockets guard shot 36.8 percent from long range, and also averaged 7.5 assists, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game.

Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to a league-best 60-22 record, averaging 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. The 24-year-old is also the only finalist that is still participating in the postseason.

Finally, Paul George starred for the Thunder, averaging career highs in points (28.0), rebounds (8.2) and assists (4.1). He also led the league in steals (2.2), although his chances of winning are likely to be hit by a shoulder injury that hindered him after the All-Star break.

Jimmy Butler could join the Nets in free-agency

Jimmy Butler is being linked with a move to the Brooklyn Nets

Upcoming free agent Jimmy Butler has been linked with a number of teams, and the New York Post is reporting that the Brooklyn Nets are among his most likely landing spots:

Kevin Durant may be the Nets’ top target in free agency, but he’s not the only one. The feeling around the NBA is the Nets will have a very real chance to pry four-time All-Star Jimmy Butler away from Philadelphia.

Finally having the cash and cachet to get looks from the top free agents this July, Nets general manager Sean Marks is expected to be in the hunt for both Durant and Kyrie Irving. But Butler isn’t just a fall-back plan; he’s a two-way star league sources said the Nets have a real shot at landing.

Butler joined the Sixers from the Timberwolves in mid-November, averaging 18.2 points per game.