NBA News Roundup, Thursday, June 20th: Oklahoma City Thunder open to major trade, Khris Middleton update and more

The 2019 offseason is finally here, 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 Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Houston Rockets are also attempting to make big moves as they look to build a roster that can compete during the 2019/20 season. So, here are all the latest NBA rumors you need to know for June 20th:

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Mike Conley traded to the Utah Jazz

Mike Conley is heading to the Jazz after spending more than a decade with the Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies have been looking to trade Mike Conley due to their desire to build around Ja Morant, and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the veteran will join the Utah Jazz:

The Memphis Grizzlies have traded guard Mike Conley to the Utah Jazz for Grayson Allen, Kyle Korver and Jae Crowder, the 23rd pick in Thursday's draft and a future first-round pick.

The Jazz will send a protected 2020 first-round pick to the Grizzlies. That pick will convey as a late lottery pick in 2020 or 2021, or become a lightly protected pick from 2022 to '24. The deal will be complete on July 6.

The move almost certainly means that guard Ricky Rubio will be elsewhere next season, even after he averaged 12.7 points and 6.1 assists for the Jazz this season.

Conley was drafted by the Grizzlies with the fourth overall pick back in 2007. During his 12 years in Memphis, the 31-year-old guided the Grizzlies to seven playoff appearances, and Conley leads the franchise in points, assists and games played.

OKC Thunder willing to trade key trio

Dennis Schroder is among the players that the Oklahoma City Thunder are willing to let leave

The Oklahoma City Thunder have a projected payroll of $147 million for the 19-20 season, which puts them well above the luxury tax threshold. Due to this, Jake Fischer of Sports Illustrated is reporting that the franchise is attempting to trade away some of their highest earners:

Oklahoma City has increased its efforts this afternoon to shed salary along with the No. 21 pick en route to dodging luxury tax. Steven Adams, Andre Roberson, Dennis Schroder all very available at the moment.

Steven Adams and Dennis Schroder were among OKC's best performers during the 18-19 campaign, although the duo both have two years remaining on expensive deals. Meanwhile, Roberson has not played since January of 2018 due to a torn patellar tendon and has just one-year remaining on his current deal.

Khris Middleton declines his $13 million player option

Khris Middleton earned his first All-Star nod during the 18-19 season

Khris Middleton is among a number of Milwaukee players set to hit free-agency later this month, and ESPN is reporting that the All-Star will opt out of the final year of his contract in favor of securing a long-term deal:

Milwaukee Bucks All-Star forward Khris Middleton is declining his $13 million player option and will become an unrestricted free agent. Middleton and the Bucks are planning to work together toward a new long-term deal.

Middleton is expected to command a max contract with Milwaukee or elsewhere. He is eligible to sign a five-year, $190 million deal to stay with the Bucks, or a four-year, $141 million contract with another team.

Middleton played a major role as the Bucks recorded the NBA's best regular season record. The 27-year-old averaged 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.