NBA News Roundup, Thursday, May 16th: Golden State star wants to extend to stay, Grizzlies to draft Ja Morant and more

With the NBA Finals now upon us, the playoffs are currently 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 going on around the NBA, here are the biggest news stories and rumors you need to know for May 16th.

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Grizzlies set to draft Ja Morant; R.J. Barrett could head to New York

Ja Morant had a stunning season with Murray State

The 2019 NBA draft is still more than a month away, although Tuesday's lottery revealed the order of the draft. The Memphis Grizzlies landed the number two spot, followed by the Knicks taking the third, and ESPN's Jonathan Givony is reporting that both teams already have firm plans as to who they will draft:

The Memphis Grizzlies have told interested parties in Chicago, where the NBA draft combine is underway, that they intend to select Murray State guard Ja Morant with the No. 2 pick next month Morant is expected to usher in a new era at point guard for the Grizzlies

Should the Grizzlies proceed with drafting Morant as expected, the road will be cleared for Duke's RJ Barrett - the presumptive No. 1 pick in the draft entering the season -- to land in New York with the Knicks, who pick third.

Morant led the NCAA in assists during his sophomore season, and he also led Murray State to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, Barrett averaged 22.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game as he formed part of Duke's much-touted team.

Jordan Bell wants to remain with the Warriors

Jordan Bell is looking to extend his stay with the Golden State Warriors

Jordan Bell joined the Warriors back in 2017 after impressing during his three seasons of college basketball with the Oregon Ducks. The 24-year-old will hit free agency this summer, although Marcus Thompson of The Athletic is reporting that Bell wants to extend his stay with Golden State:

He wants to remain with the Warriors. He wants to re-sign this offseason and continue growing with this franchise, continue learning from these Hall of Famers. Bell said he doesn't want to go to a lesser team so he can get more minutes. He knows what he has right here.

Bell impressed during his debut season with the Warriors, starting 13 times and averaging 14.2 minutes per game, although his minutes fell during the 18/19 regular season, and he was also suspended for a game due to 'conduct detrimental to the team'.

The Utah Jazz are still chasing Mike Conley

The Utah Jazz tried to acquire Conley back in February

With the Memphis Grizzlies intent on drafting Ja Morant, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor is reporting that Morant's arrival could re-ignite the Jazz's interest in Mike Conley:

Morant, especially, seems like an intriguing fit: He would make for a tremendous long-term pick-and-roll partner with [Jaren] Jackson and could learn the tricks of the trade behind veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr. That is, unless Memphis trades Conley - multiple league sources said this week that the Jazz are expected to make another push for him after failing to land him prior to the deadline.

The Jazz targeted Conley ahead of the February deadline, although the two teams failed to come to an agreement. Conley has spent his entire career with the Grizzlies, and he still has two years and $67 million left on his current deal.