Report: Multiple Clubs Position for Kawhi Leonard, Marcus Smart as Free Agency Nears
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The NBA rumor mill accelerated Sunday as Marc Stein and Jake Fischer (The Stein Line) detailed fresh movement on several high-profile names, including Kawhi Leonard, Marcus Smart and Moritz Wagner.
Leonard market narrows
According to Stein and Fischer, the Mavericks have shown interest in Leonard but are “not viewed as a realistic destination” at this stage. The Raptors remain the club most frequently linked to the Clippers star, buoyed by reports that Leonard would consider an extension in Toronto.
Los Angeles, which hopes to stay competitive while getting younger, is said to have “some interest” in forward Brandon Ingram if trade talks advance. Ingram earned an All-Star nod last season.
The Clippers are also weighing a cap-space approach this summer and have not ruled out re-signing unrestricted free-agent center John Collins.
Magic brace for loss of Moritz Wagner
Orlando is expected to keep backup center Goga Bitadze despite outside interest, sources told Stein and Fischer. The club fears it could lose fellow reserve big man Moritz Wagner, who is projected to land a portion of another team’s mid-level exception in free agency.
Rockets intensify push for Smart
Houston’s pursuit of Marcus Smart “sounds even more serious” than it did late last week, per the report. League chatter indicates the Rockets plan to extend a three-year contract offer Tuesday, one day after Smart declines his $5.4 million player option with the Lakers. Dan Woike of The Athletic has also heard substantial buzz connecting Smart to Houston.
Kings eye Mitchell Robinson
The Nets and Lakers are known suitors for free-agent center Mitchell Robinson, but Sacramento would also like a seat at the table. The Kings currently project to sit above the first tax apron and would need to clear salary to make a competitive bid.
Celtics target frontcourt help
Boston is expected to join New York in pursuing veteran center Kevon Looney, Stein and Fischer report. A reunion with Robert Williams is likewise on the Celtics’ radar as the team explores depth options up front.
Joerger interviews in Denver
Former NBA head coach Dave Joerger has interviewed for a lead assistant role on David Adelman’s Nuggets staff, the outlet adds. Joerger is also drawing interest from Paris Basketball overseas.
Source: Hoops Rumors
