NBA Rumors Roundup: Strong Suns package not enough to get Kevin Durant, Myles Turner likely to be traded, and more | 6th July, 2022

Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets
Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets

The NBA has been buzzing with rumors since the start of free agency. Teams are looking to improve their rosters in a bid to form a lineup strong enough to compete next season.

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have made headlines in recent days with their desire to leave the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets, however, are in no rush to part with the star duo. Rumors of Irving potentially joining the LA Lakers haven't gained much traction either.

On that note, here's a look at the NBA rumors roundup for July 6, 2022.


The Milwaukee Bucks were interested in Thomas Bryant before the LA Lakers swooped in

The Milwaukee Bucks were interested in Thomas Bryant
The Milwaukee Bucks were interested in Thomas Bryant

According to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes, Thomas Bryant has agreed to a one-year deal with the Lakers. Although he chose to sign with the Lakers, he initially drew interest from the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Bucks are actively pursuing a big man and had set their sights on Bryant, who favored a move to the Lakers. Bryant now has an opportunity to compete for a starting position in LA. He only recently returned from an ACL injury that sidelined him for a year.


Portland Trail Blazers expected to waive Eric Bledsoe

Justise Winslow (L), Eric Bledsoe (M), and Keon Johnson (R) of the Portland Trail Blazers
Justise Winslow (L), Eric Bledsoe (M), and Keon Johnson (R) of the Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers acquired Eric Bledsoe from the LA Clippers at the February deadline. Since then, he hasn't seen much playing time.

The Blazers are reportedly set to waive the veteran guard after failing to secure a trade partner. According to The Athletics' Shams Charania, the Blazers are expected to make it official by July 10.

Despite his decline in production in recent seasons, several teams are expected to pursue Bledsoe in free agency.


The Indiana Pacers might trade Myles Turner this summer

Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers
Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner has been linked with several teams in recent seasons but has remained with the Indiana Pacers. But ESPN's Brian Windhorst believes there is a "good chance" the Pacers will trade him this summer.

"He could be traded in a sign-and-trade to Phoenix, or, I have been told he could go somewhere else. There is a good chance he is not going to be a Pacer next year."

The Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers are not interested in Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets
Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets

Before opting into his player option for the 2022-23 season, Irving reportedly gave the Nets a wishlist of destinations. The list included the Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, LA Lakers, LA Clippers and New York Knicks.

The Mavericks and Sixers are not interested in acquiring Irving, according to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer.


Rudy Gobert's deal reportedly helping the Brooklyn Nets' cause

Rudy Gobert has been traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves
Rudy Gobert has been traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves

Much has been said about Rudy Gobert's trade, which sent him to the Minnesota Timberwolves from the Utah Jazz. The Jazz received many assets in exchange. The Nets will likely demand even more for Kevin Durant.

According to Jake Fischer, the Nets are in a strong position and will only allow Durant to leave for the right price.

There were rumors of the Phoenix Suns including Deandre Ayton, Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges and five picks for Durant, but reports suggest this won't be enough to persuade the Nets to part with the two-time champion.

If the Nets fail to find a suitable trade partner, Durant will play the first of his four-year contract in Brooklyn.

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Edited by Chad Marriott