NBA Rumors: Latest Rumblings on Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and More

The NBA is a star-driven league, and some of the latest rumors around the Association involve the best players. 

Kobe Bryant is in the early stages of what promises to be a disappointing season for the Los Angeles Lakers, while Kevin Durant will be forced to choose between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the rest of the league when he hits the free-agent market. 

With that in mind, here is a look at the latest rumblings from around the NBA.

Kevin Durant

Grantland’s Zach Lowe provided an update on Durant’s eventual free-agency decision: “Some teams are optimistic it will be open season, and others have heard rumblings that Durant has already made it known it will come down to the Thunder and Wizards.”

Lowe also mentioned that Durant could actually sign a one-year deal in 2016 that delays his free agency until the summer of 2017, when he would have 10 years of experience under his belt, which means he would be eligible for a larger max contract.

There are a number of things at play here. 

Brett Deering/Associated Press

For one, the impending salary-cap bump will certainly influence the contract of a star like Durant. Then there is the question of whether the Thunder can prove to Durant that they are willing to build a championship-level team around him and Russell Westbrook.

They did not keep James Harden around and only added Anthony Morrow this summer, which doesn’t exactly scream willingness to go all-out in this limited championship window.

The hometown pull is another factor, which is Washington’s best asset in this race. If Durant’s reaction to LeBron James’ return home to Cleveland is any indication, that could be in the back of his mind, via Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com:

"

I thought it was well-thought-out. It was classy. It was a great move to do it as a letter. That was pretty cool. It's funny seeing guys think about more than just basketball for once. He thought about the city where he comes from, about Northeast Ohio and how he can affect so many of the kids just being there playing basketball. I love that. So many guys get criticized for making the decision that's best for them, instead of what's best for everybody else. He's a guy that did that. You gotta respect that. I applauded him, I texted him and told him congratulations on the decision and told him I was happy for him. As a fan of the game, it's going to be pretty cool to see him back in Cleveland. 

"

It’s not very often that an all-time talent like Durant is up for grabs. The landscape of the entire league could look different depending on his eventual decision.

Kobe Bryant 

Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv and NBA.com added some context to the suggestion that Bryant could be heading to the New York Knicks:

Zagoria then weighed in on the rumor himself:

There is definitely something to be said for that mindset, especially since the Knicks are theoretically still building toward a brighter future. However, there is also something to be said for Bryant’s familiarity and comfort level with Phil Jackson, Derek Fisher and the triangle offense.

Bryant’s presence and veteran leadership could speed up the learning curve for some of the young players.

On the other side, it would absolutely be a favorable move from the Lakers’ perspective, unless the loss of an icon would cause too much disappointment within the fanbase. Los Angeles would no longer have Bryant’s $48.5 million contract hamstringing any potential moves, and it would also improve its chances of landing a top-five pick this season.

The only way the Lakers’ 2015 pick wouldn’t go to the Phoenix Suns would be if it were in the top five. 

It doesn’t look like this move will be happening anytime soon, but Bryant rumors will likely pop up again closer to the trade deadline.

All-Star Game Heading to Portland? 

Don Ryan/Associated Press

Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com noted that Portland could land the All-Star game soon:

The Moda Center has been open since 1995 and thus is not exactly new, but the Trail Blazers have one of the best fanbases in the NBA. Portland does have professional soccer, but the Trail Blazers are the only show in town when it comes to professional baseball, basketball and football, and the fans are as passionate as any in the entire league. 

Ultimately, Portland would be an impressive and passionate host city. Fans will hope free-agent-to-be LaMarcus Aldridge is still part of the Portland roster by then.

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