NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding Philadelphia 76ers, Kawhi Leonard and More
Before the NBA playoffs, it seemed like a stretch to say postseason action would have a massive impact on the offseason rumors market.
Now it seems like an understatement.
Another vicious loss at the hands of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers has DeMar DeRozan's name popping up on the rumor mill. The odd saga surrounding Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs continued and has left his future with the organization in doubt. Don't forget LeBron could be making a move as well.
Spoiler alert: The rumor mill is on fire, well before the Association crowns a new champion. Here's a look at the latest.
DeMar DeRozan
What else can the Toronto Raptors do?
The team has already canned head coach Dwane Casey after a Cavs sweep. But it doesn't feel like it's enough. Maybe the Raptors luck out and LeBron heads to the Western Conference, but if not, there seems like only one other viable option: trade DeRozan.
The discussion is already happening, though a "high-placed NBA source" told Mike Fisher of 247Sports, "I don't think DeRozan is the guy the Raptors will try to trade."
But the idea isn't outlandish. It'd be a sell-high move, as DeRozan is still only 28 years old. Still, he saw most of his numbers dip in 2017-18, as he averaged 23.0 points, 5.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 45.6 percent from the floor.
DeRozan only averaged 16.8 points, 2.8 assists and 4.0 rebounds in the series against the Cavaliers, shooting 43.9 percent from the floor.
DeRozan would still fetch a huge price because he's under team control for two more years before a player option becomes relevant in 2020-21. The idea behind such a move is to free up cap space and use the assets there to build another playoff contender while waiting out LeBron's career.
It doesn't sound like this is the plan yet, but rest assured the rest of the NBA will try to see if the Raptors want to deal.
Kawhi Leonard
As expected, the Spurs still want to fix the relationship with Leonard—or at least make an attempt.
He's only 26 years old, and he hit a career peak in 2016-17, averaging 25.5 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 48.5 percent from the floor. There's a big negotiation coming when his player option hits in 2019-20, but the Spurs have to like their window of contention when he's on the floor.
Still, Leonard played only nine games in 2017-18 thanks to a quad injury, and the player-team relationship has reportedly soured because of it. And according to a Western Conference executive who spoke with Ken Berger of Bleacher Report, teams are "lining up to try to do something" on the chance the relationship deteriorates further.
As a counter, though, the source said, "The Spurs want to try to make things work right now and aren't interested."
It's understandable teams feel the rift creates a window of opportunity. Spurs doctors cleared Leonard well before he returned to San Antonio, yet he stayed six further weeks in New York rehabbing because he didn't feel ready. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors dropped the Spurs in the first round, 4-1.
Still, this one might take time to iron out. Suitors for Leonard won't go away, so expect the Spurs to take their time with a franchise player who can prevent them from going through a slight rebuilding stage, even in the deep Western Conference.
Keep in mind though, the Spurs control the situation, as the front office can ship him wherever it wants.
All Things 76ers
As expected, the Philadelphia 76ers are one of those teams already linked to Leonard.
Keith Pompey of Philly.com served this one up, writing, "Sources have said the Sixers have expressed interest in the two-time All-Star."
But this is the 76ers we're talking about, so it hardly stops there. Pompey added the following: "The Sixers can't publicly say so until July 1, but it doesn't take an engineering degree to realize the team is prepared to do whatever it takes to sign James, a four-time league MVP. Oklahoma City small forward Paul George is another free agent the Sixers have interest in, according to folks around the league."
The 76ers were bound to come up in talks like this. The Process worked, as Joel Embiid led the team in scoring at 22.9 points per game, JJ Redick close behind at 17.1 and Ben Simmons showing plenty of upside. They only won a single game in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics, but the arrow is pointing up.
The next step is forming a superteam by bringing in a major free agent. Adding Leonard would take a massive trade with Spurs—and not only a leap of faith from the team that he's healthy and will stick around but also getting a guarantee he'll put ink to a max extension.
Guys such as LeBron and George can come over via free agency. George has a player option, and he never seemed long for the Oklahoma City Thunder upon arrival. A move back across the country to join a contender isn't so outlandish for the 28-year-old forward, provided the 76ers want him in the rotation.
LeBron is a no-brainer. Age is but a number, as he's 33 years old but averaged 27.5 points, 9.1 assists and 8.6 rebounds per game during the regular season over 36.9 minutes before averaging 34.3 point in 41.4 minutes per game over two playoffs series wins against Toronto and Indiana. His joining a rotation with Embiid and others would change the NBA landscape.
While it's all hypothetical, it's clear the 76ers will be the main topic of discussion, considering the rumblings that are present well before the playoffs end.
