NBA News Roundup, Wednesday, June 26th: Lakers have no chance of signing Kawhi Leonard, New York Knicks want Julius Randle 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 26.

#1 Lakers seemingly out the running to sign Kawhi Leonard; Clippers favorites

Kawhi Leonard starred for the Toronto Raptors as the franchise won a first-ever title

Kawhi Leonard's performances during the 2019 postseason were among the most impressive in recent NBA history, and the 27-year-old is expected to attract plenty of interest when he hits free agency later this week.

After the Lakers acquired Anthony Davis in a blockbuster trade from the Pelicans, Leonard has been linked with a move to the franchise, although Chris Broussard of Fox Sports told I-Heart Radio that the All-Star will only consider moving to Los Angeles to join the Clippers:

"Let me give you a little inside information I’ve been told today. The Lakers are out and have no chance of getting Kawhi Leonard. Even if they clear up enough cap room for a max contract, they’re not getting Kawhi. I’m told the Clippers are the front runner."

During the 2019 postseason, Leonard averaged 30.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. The former Spurs man also shot nearly 50% from the field, while knocking down 38% of his attempts from beyond the arc.

#2 Julius Randle interested in joining the New York Knicks

There is mutual interest between Julius Randle and the New York Knicks

After finishing the 18-19 season with the NBA's worst overall record (17-65), the New York Knicks are expected to be among summer's most active teams. The Knicks have the cap space to add two max-contracts, and Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated is reporting that the team is interested in adding Julius Randle:

Other free agents on the Knicks’ radar include their own free agent center DeAndre Jordan, Warriors center DeMarcus Cousins and twins Markieff and Marcus Morris. New Orleans Pelicans forward Julius Randle and the Knicks also have mutual interest, according to sources.

Randle joined the Pelicans after being released by the Los Angeles Lakers last summer, and during his first season in New Orleans, the 24-year-old averaged 21.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 30.6 minutes per outing.

#3 Dallas Mavericks plan to offer Kristaps Porzingis a five-year, $158 million deal

Kristaps Porzingis has yet to make an appearance for the Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the New York Knicks ahead of the February trade deadline, and while the 23-year-old has yet to make an appearance for the team, Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that the Mavs are prepared to offer Porzingis a huge new contract:

Restricted free agent Kristaps Porzingis and the Dallas Mavericks will meet when free agency opens on June 30 and the franchise plans to offer Porzingis a full five-year, $158 million maximum contract, league sources tell The Atheltic.

Porzingis' career has been halted by the ACL tear that he suffered during the 17-18 season, although the Mavs hope to pair the 7-foot-3 big man with Luka Doncic. Before his injury, Porzingis was averaging 22.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game.