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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.
On that note, here are all the latest NBA rumors and news you need to know for June 16th.
Anthony Davis to join the Los Angeles Lakers
The Anthony Davis trade saga looked destined to drag on for most of the summer, however, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Davis will join the Lakers in a huge trade that will send three players and a trio of first-round draft picks to New Orleans:
The Pelicans have agreed to a deal to trade Anthony Davis to the Lakers for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round picks – including the No. 4 overall in 2019 Draft, league sources tell ESPN.
Monster haul for David Griffin and the Pelicans. They maximized the AD trade without needing a third team. History of Griffin deals typically include strong pick protections, which could made trade even better. And now, LeBron gets his second star in LA.
Davis was drafted by the Pelicans back in 2012, and he quickly became the main man in New Orleans. However, with just a year remaining on his current deal, the front office had little option but to trade the 26-year-old, and Davis will now form a formidable All-Star pairing with LeBron James.
Kemba Walker is a top target for the Lakers
The Lakers may have signed their number one target in Anthony Davis, although it appears that the team's recruitment drive is far from over. According to Marc Stein of The New York Times, the Lakers remain interested in bringing Kemba Walker to Los Angeles:
Kemba Walker will be a top target in free agency for the Lakers after they reached an agreement in principle to trade for Anthony Davis, according to league sources
Walker was among the NBA's best performers during the 18-19 season as he averaged career highs in points, rebounds, and assists. The 29-year-old has spent his entire career in Charlotte, although he will become an unrestricted free agent later this month.
Walker is eligible for a super max contract with the Hornets, although he could be tempted to take less on a team that can help him compete for a championship.
Clint Capela expected to join either Nets or Celtics
Following another playoff defeat to the Golden State Warriors, the Houston Rockets are open to making major roster changes this summer. Among the players that could make way is Clint Capela, and Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders believes that the 25-year-old will head to either the Boston Celtics or the Brooklyn Nets:
No sense of that being considered, I think Capela ends up in either Boston or Brooklyn, depending on how the draft/free agency plays out.
Capela was selected by the Houston Rockets with the 25th overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft and he signed a new five-year, $90 million extension last summer. He has been a regular starter during his five seasons with the team, and this season averaged 16.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.
