Multiple franchises remained busy on the NBA offseason front Wednesday, with the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks each exploring significant roster or staff moves.
Lakers keep tabs on Jonathan Kuminga
The Lakers, fresh off signing Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton, are still searching for a young wing to bolster perimeter defense, league sources told The Athletic’s Dan Woike. Restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga is reportedly high on their list.
Los Angeles has already exhausted its salary-cap space and room exception, so acquiring Kuminga would likely require a sign-and-trade agreement with the Atlanta Hawks. The 21-year-old forward is considered one of the top young players still on the market.
76ers make pitch to LeBron James
The Athletic’s Tony Jones reported that Philadelphia has reached out to LeBron James after the four-time MVP informed the Lakers he intends to play elsewhere next season. The Sixers’ offer gained momentum following their agreement to acquire Jaylen Brown from Boston in exchange for Paul George and draft considerations.
If completed, Brown would join Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe, while free-agency additions Dean Wade and Ariel Hukporti would round out the frontcourt. Despite the revamped roster, financial constraints remain, and multiple reports indicate James plans to take his time before selecting his next destination.
Mavericks expected to hire Willie Green
Marc Stein of The Stein Line reported that Dallas is close to naming former New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green as lead assistant under first-year head coach Sean May. Green, who also drew interest from Golden State, spent four seasons guiding the Pelicans after assistant stops with the Warriors and Phoenix Suns.
The Mavericks have not yet announced a formal agreement.
Source: Hoops Wire
