NBA News Roundup, Saturday, May 25th: Kevin Durant hits out at critics, Kemba Walker's future in Charlotte in doubt and more

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 25th.

Kemba Walker's All-NBA selection creates a major dilemma for the Hornets

Kemba Walker is eligible for one of the biggest contracts in NBA history

During the 18/19 season, Kemba Walker averaged 25.6 points, 4.4. rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. Walker's performances were recognized on Thursday as he earned his first All-NBA selection - and the Hornets guard is now eligible for the five-year, $221 million "supermax" contract.

However, according to multiple reports, the Hornets are not convinced at putting all their resources into Walker, and Business Insider explains the general feeling in Charlotte:

The Hornets are in a tough position, as is Walker. The Hornets could offer Walker the supermax, but would also essentially be hand-cuffing themselves to an electric point guard who also might be better qualified as the second-best player on a contending team.

Further, Walker is 29 years old, undersized, and reliant on speed and agility. Typically, players like him don't age well. The thought of paying Walker an average of $44 million per year on a contract that would take him to 34 years old is unsavory to some.

If Walker was to exit the Hornets this summer, he is expected to draw interest from the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kevin Durant believes he makes the Warriors a better team

KD has won back-to-back titles with the Golden State Warriors

Kevin Durant has missed the Golden State Warriors' past five games through injury, and Steve Kerr's men have flourished without him on the court. In response to this, many around the NBA have suggested that the Warriors are better off without the former MVP, however, Durant has hit back at these claims:

It's been that way since I got here. It's been that way since I got here -- 'It's the Warriors and KD.' I understand that, and I felt like my teammates and the organization know exactly what I've done here off and on the court to become a part of this culture, stamp my flag in this culture and this organization.

I know what I bring to the team, but I also know a lot of people on the outside don't like to see us together, and I get it.

Durant is expected to leave the Warriors this summer, and the Knicks and Clippers among the frontrunners for his signature.

Rockets undergo major coaching shakeup

The Houston Rockets were once again eliminated by the Warriors

Their elimination at the hands of the Golden State Warriors means the Houston Rockets once again failed to reach the NBA Finals. The 18/19 season will be considered another failure, and Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle is reporting that the Rockets have let go a number of their coaching staff:

The overhaul of the Rockets coaching staff took several additional deep cuts on Friday, with the Rockets letting four more staff members know they would not be back next season.

Rockets assistant coach Roy Rogers will not receive a new contract for next season, his agent Warren LeGarie said on Friday, making Rogers the second top assistant on Mike D'Antoni's staff for the past three seasons that will not be offered a new contract.

Rockets assistant Mitch Vanya, video coordinator John Cho were also told they would not be brought back, a person with knowledge of the decision said. Rockets player development assistant Irv Roland said on Friday that he was also told he would not be back.

Head coach Mike D'Antoni has also been linked with an exit, although he has expressed his desire to coach in the NBA for another three years.