NBA News Roundup, Sunday, May 26th: Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Lakers, Zion Williamson agent update 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 rumours you need to know for May 26th.

Lakers planning future move for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Toronto Raptors v Milwaukee Bucks - Game Five

The Lakers recently appointing Frank Vogel as head coach, with former Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks coach Jason Kidd joining as an assistant. The addition of Kidd was viewed by many as a strange move, however, Newsday is reporting that Kidd was appointed due to the Lakers' desire to sign Giannis Antetokounmpo:

It is just speculation right now, but one person asked me if I knew why Kidd was there and as I guessed at his relationship with LeBron James or his ability to tutor Lonzo Ball, the person familiar with the Lakers process said something else: that Kidd was brought to Los Angeles to attract Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Lakers when he becomes a free agent in two years when the Bucks star could become an unrestricted free agent.

Antetokounmpo played for Kidd in Milwaukee for three and a half seasons beginning in his second season in the league. The notion of him leaving remains far off - and maybe less likely as he has the Bucks two wins away from the NBA Finals. The team had the best record in the NBA this season while playing in a brand new arena.

During the 18/19 regular season, Antetokounmpo averaged 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.

Zion Williamson's agent search is reaching a conclusion

NCAA Basketball Tournament - East Regional - Washington DC

The NBA draft is just a few weeks away, although the nations top player has still not signed with an agent. Zion Williamson enjoyed a stunning season at Duke, although some have questioned if Williamson would return to school for another year rather than joining the New Orleans Pelicans.

However, Sporting News is reporting that Williamson still plans to enter the draft, and he is likely to appoint a new agent next week:

As long as Williamson has an agent in in place by the week of the draft, there will be time for him to hammer out all the details of his NBA transition. Sources told Sporting News that the reason behind the delayed process goes back to Williamson's advisor, former NBA agent Chubby Wells.

A source told SN that Williamson and his family are nearing a decision, which will come possibly as early as next week.

Nets are major contenders to sign Kyrie Irving

Milwaukee Bucks v Boston Celtics - Game Four

Kyrie Irving is destined to leave the Boston Celtics this summer, and many around the NBA have expressed their belief that he is heading to the Knicks. Yet, according to a new report by SNY’s Anthony Puccio, the Brooklyn Nets are in a strong position to sign the 27-year-old guard:

Sources tell SNY that Kyrie Irving and his camp are strongly considering Brooklyn if he decides to leave Boston. Irving’s camp has kept a close eye on the Nets as the season progressed and the team got better, with the playoffs only helping their case.

SNY also learned recently that the Nets would not shy away from signing Irving even if they re-sign point guard D’Angelo Russell. The ideal scenario would be to pair two max free agents, such as Kevin Durant and Irving, but sources say the Nets would be open to pairing Irving and Russell in the backcourt together.

Russell will also become a restricted free agent this upcoming summer, so it will be interesting to see how the situation plays out.