NBA News Roundup, Wednesday, June 5th: Pelicans willing to trade Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell attracting interest 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 5th.

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DeMar DeRozan has mixed feelings about the Raptors

DaMar DeRozan spent the first nine years of his career in Toronto

DeMar DeRozan made four All-Star teams during nine seasons with the Toronto Raptors, although he was surprisingly traded to San Antonio Spurs ahead of the 18/19 season. Kawhi Leonard headed in the other direction, and the 27-year-old has led the Raptors to a first NBA Finals appearance.

Up until this point, DeRozen has been quiet about his departure from the Raptors, although during an episode of Bleacher Report's "Take It There with Taylor Rooks", DeRozan revealed his mixed feelings regarding Toronto's recent success:

Honestly, I don't think I even said this -- I probably said it to my own inner circle -- but if it wasn't for all the years and groundwork that I did before then, none of them things would've been possible. Yes, I fought, I sacrificed, I pushed the limits to where I had to be the sacrificial lamb.

People gotta understand like, my best friend is Kyle. So I'm rooting for my best friend, you know, to do well, to accomplish something that we tried to do all those years.

DeRozan averaged 21.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists in his first season with the San Antonio Spurs.

Pelicans listening to offers for Anthony Davis

The New Orleans Pelicans are finally considering offers for Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis handed in a trade request ahead of the February trade deadline, although the New Orleans Pelicans stood firm and refused a number of offers from the Los Angeles Lakers.

Davis met with newly hired executive vice president David Griffin last week as the Pelicans attempted to convince their star man to reconsider his stance, although The Athletic’s Shams Charania is reporting that the Pelicans will now enter trade talks:

As teams continue placing calls on Anthony Davis, Pelicans and executive VP David Griffin have begun listening to teams, league sources told The Athletic.

Davis can become an unrestricted free agent in 2020, so the Pelicans risk losing him for free if they block another move. During the 18-19 season, Davis averaged 25.9 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game.

D'Angelo Russell attracting interest from at least five teams

D'Angelo Russell was named as an All-Star for the first time during the 18-19 season

D'Angelo Russell will enter restricted free agency later this month, and after enjoying a career year, The Athletic is reporting that the 23-year-old is attracting interest from a number of teams from around the league:

A market is forming for Nets All-Star and restricted free agent D’Angelo Russell: Utah, Orlando, Minnesota and Indiana are among the teams expected to show an interest aside from Brooklyn.

During the 18-19 season, Russell averaged 21.1 points, 7.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game and his performances were the driving force behind the Brooklyn Nets' return to the postseason.

Russell was also named an All-Star for the first time in his career, although the Nets are believed to be keen to sign Kyrie Irving as their new starting point guard.