NBA Rumors Roundup: Strong Suns package not enough to get Kevin Durant, Myles Turner likely to be traded, and more | 6th July, 2022
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
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 were rumored as one of the teams that were interested in Thomas Bryant before he landed with the Lakers. #FearTheDeer
behindthebuckpass.com/2022/07/06/nba…
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
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.
The Portland Trail Blazers plan to waive guard Eric Bledsoe ahead of his guarantee date approaching, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Entering his 13th NBA season, several teams are expected to pursue Bledsoe as a free agent.
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 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
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
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.
Stepping inside the Kevin Durant-Deandre Ayton offseason vortex @BR_NBA: bleacherreport.com/articles/10041…
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.