NBA News Roundup, Sunday, June 9th: Kawhi Leonard set to stay with the Raptors, Kevin Durant unlikely to return for Game 5 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 across 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, while a host of stars including Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and Kemba Walker are about to hit free agency.

With plenty happening around the NBA, here's a look at the biggest news stories and rumors you need to know for June 9th.

Clippers preparing for future without Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard has put the Raptors on the verge of their first NBA Championship

The L.A. Clippers have long been considered the favorites to sign Kawhi Leonard this summer. The 27-year-old is a Los Angeles native, and multiple reports have stated that he prefers the Clippers to the Lakers.

However, following Toronto's Game 4 win, Joe Varden of The Athletic suggested that their hopes of landing Leonard were fading:

The Clippers, sources said, feel confident Leonard will answer the phone when they call on June 30, but beyond that there is no way to know what impact Leonard’s Finals run will have. Those sources said the Clippers spend most of their time in meetings preparing for scenarios in which he doesn’t come to L.A.

Leonard joined the Raptors from the San Antonio Spurs on an expiring deal last summer. While a risky move at the time, the All-Star's arrival has put Toronto on the verge of a first NBA title. During four appearances in the Finals, Leonard has averaged 30.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.

Mike D'Antoni nearing Houston extension

Mike D'Antoni looks set to extend his stay with the Houston Rockets

Mike D'Antoni was appointed head coach of the Houston Rockets back in 2016, although reports have suggested that he could leave following another playoff exit to the Golden State Warriors.

However, ESPN's Tim MacMahon is reporting that the 68-year-old is close to extending his tenure:

The Houston Rockets and Mike D'Antoni have rekindled discussions about a contract extension for the head coach and are nearing an agreement, sources told ESPN on Saturday.

Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta has agreed to eliminate the buyout language that was the primary reason that D'Antoni and his agent, Warren LeGarie, ended talks on May 30, sources said.

During his three seasons in Houston, D'Antoni has a 173-73 record. D'Antoni led his team to within one game of the NBA Finals last season but was most recently defeated in the conference semifinals by the Warriors.

Kevin Durant unlikely to return for Game 5

Kevin Durant has not played since Game 5 of the Warriors' second-round series

With a 3-1 series deficit to overturn, the Golden State Warriors are desperate to get back Kevin Durant back on the court. The 30-year-old has not played since Game 5 of the second-round series against the Houston Rockets, and ESPN's Brian Windhorst has offered a worrying update for Warriors fans:

Here's what I do know. Durant just isn't ready. His body's not ready. The trainers don't believe it, he doesn't believe it, he tried to do some stuff in practice yesterday, it didn't work. There was frustration all around, I'm sure from Kevin about it.

Steve Kerr was really clipped about it. He basically said today, 'I'm not gonna give you any updates about Durant. I'm just gonna tell you whether he's playing or not.' He's frustrated about it too.

Game 5 will take place on Monday night at 9:00 p.m. ET.