NBA Rumors Roundup: Warriors sign former NBA champion, Zach LaVine and Bulls agree to a max contract, and more | July 2nd, 2022
The Golden State Warriors have featured heavily in NBA rumors over the last 24 hours.
They parted with several key bench players in free agency, but added some new intriguing prospects to compensate.
Meanwhile, rumors surrounding Zach LaVine's potential departure from the Chicago Bulls could be put to bed soon. Recent reports have suggested he has re-signed with the franchise on a max contract.
Several teams are willing to add Kevin Durant to their ranks, and the Memphis Grizzlies have emerged as potential suitors.
Here are some of the latest NBA rumors as of July 2, 2022.
Golden State Warriors turn to Donte DiVincenzo to make up for lost depth
Defending champions Golden State Warriors have parted with several free agents over the past few days.
Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr., Juan Toscano-Anderson and Damion Lee have all joined new teams. The Warriors' squad depth has consequently taken a hit and they are now in the market for impact players.
As per The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Warriors have acquired former Bucks guard Donte DiVincenzo to compensate for their loss in depth. The Dubs have tied him down to a two-year, $9.3 million contract, with a player option in the final year.
Free agent Donte DiVincenzo has agreed to a two-year, $9.3 million deal with the Golden State Warriors, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Player option in Year 2.
DiVincenzo will be a solid backup player to Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole. His ability on defense will come in handy for the Warriors, especially after Payton's departure.
Zach LaVine returns to Chicago Bulls on a five-year max deal
Zach LaVine has joined the $200 million club. According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the two-time All-Star has agreed to a five-year $215.2 million deal to return to the Chicago Bulls.
The six-time NBA champions were in the driver's seat to keep hold of him in free agency.
NBA All-Star Zach LaVine has agreed to a five-year, $215.2 million maximum contract to return to the Chicago Bulls, with a player option in Year 5, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told @TheAthletic @Stadium.
LaVine was linked with several teams, including the LA Lakers, but will remain with the Bulls for the foreseeable future.
Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets hold brief conversation regarding trade for Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is arguably the biggest superstar to hit the trade market in recent times.
The former MVP has demanded a trade this offseason and several teams are willing to unload assets to land him. Durant, 34, is still playing at a high level and will make the team he joins instant contenders.
The Memphis Grizzlies are among the teams interested in securing Durant's signature. Here's what Legion Hoops reported:
"The Grizzlies and Nets spoke briefly today regarding a trade for Kevin Durant, source says. Grizz doing their due diligence."
The Grizzlies and Nets spoke briefly today regarding a trade for Kevin Durant, source says.
Grizz doing their due diligence.
The Grizzlies may find it difficult to entice the Nets, who could aim to land a star like Ja Morant in return to stay in playoff contention.
Phoenix Suns sign former Warriors guard Damion Lee
The Phoenix Suns bolstered their backcourt with the addition of former Warriors guard Damion Lee.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Lee has agreed to a one-year deal. He averaged 7.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per contest across 19.9 minutes of playing time last season.
Warriors fans were irrationally hard on Damion Lee. He was a back-of-the-bench player who stayed ready, rarely made bad mistakes, and was a great teammate even when his minutes were unpredictable or gone.
Fans get weirdly angry when great 10th men aren't 6th man caliber
Adding a player who has proven his worth in a title-contending team makes this a sensible move for the 2021 NBA finalists.
Toronto Raptors bolster wing with NBA champion Otto Porter Jr.'s addition
The Toronto Raptors are keen to improve their team ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season.
The Raptors relied heavily on their starters during the last campaign, which helped them surprisingly seal a playoff berth. Toronto didn't have much depth, but that will likely change before the next season.
According to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes, they have agreed to a two-year deal with Otto Porter Jr.
Aside from joining one of the best well-ran franchises, what made committing to Raptors even more enticing for Otto Porter Jr. is that his wife is from Toronto. twitter.com/chrisbhaynes/s…
Porter Jr. wasn't among the hottest commodities last offseason. However, he rediscovered his best form with the Golden State Warriors. He was a coveted target for several teams due to his 3-and-D ability.
Porter played a key role for the Dubs in their championship run. He will likely be a great fit for Toronto, especially in their defensive schemes under Nick Nurse.