NBA Rumors Roundup: Ayton re-signing may facilitate Knicks' trade for 3x All-Star, Brooklyn uninterested in Miami's offer for Kevin Durant, and more | 18th July 2022
With the Summer League coming to an end, the focus shifts back to the NBA and possible trades ahead of the start of the new season.
The LA Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets remain at the forefront of the rumor mill, while Utah Jazz superstar Donovan Mitchell finds himself being linked with a trade. The talente3d guard may find a new landing spot after the Phoenix Suns retained Deandre Ayton.
On that note, here's a look at the latest rumors around the NBA.
Knicks could push for Donovan Mitchell
Since the Utah Jazz announced that Donovan Mitchell would be available on the trade market, rumors have linked him with a move to the New York Knicks.
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Deandre Ayton re-signing with Phoenix has opened the door for Mitchell to move to New York.
The Knicks' chances of landing Donovan Mitchell likely increased when the Suns retained Deandre Ayton in restricted free agency. That + other notes related to Mitchell: hoopsrumors.com/2022/07/latest…
"So I think this moves the Knicks even further into the favorite spot for Donovan Mitchell. It’s really going to come down to negotiation. The Knicks are very interested, they are talking to the Jazz, but the Jazz have an extremely high bar that they’re setting early in these talks and it’s really just a question of how much can they get the Knicks to pay.”
The Jazz have demanded three young players and six draft picks in exchange for Mitchell. The Knicks aren't open to making this deal.
Rudy Gobert and Dejounte Murray rated as "high-risk" deals
Rudy Gobert's move to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dejounte Murray's trade to the Atlanta Hawks took many by surprise.
Dejounte Murray, Rudy Gobert trades get harsh assessment from NBA execs - ClutchPoints ift.tt/f3Jimu8 https://t.co/GuXq5p7wki
According to ESPN analyst Zach Lowe, league executives called the moves "reckless."
"But there is always risk, no matter how great the players involved. Several front-office executives around the league used a word beyond 'risk' to describe the recent Atlanta and Minnesota deals: reckless."
Luka Doncic offers no input to Mavs front office
Luka Doncic has enjoyed a rapid rise to stardom with the Dallas Mavericks. However, one responsibility that Doncic is yet to take on is helping the front office.
According to ESPN's Tim McMahon on the podcast, "Hoop Collective", Doncic is "not heavily involved in personnel decisions."
"They seek his input, but he’s not heavily involved in personnel decisions. He has not shown interest in being heavily involved. He spends much of his offseason in Europe. He’s not a guy who has shown the desire to be a recruiter."
Luka Dončić not recruiting players to Dallas dlvr.it/SV2jvJ
Having lost Jalen Brunson in free agency, the Mavericks are in desperate need of a secondary ball handler to take the load off Doncic.
Brooklyn unsatisfied with Miami's offer for Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant requested a trade this offseason, but his massive contract has proved difficult to move.
Miami reportedly offered Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and picks for the star forward, but the deal did not interest Brooklyn, according to NBC Sports' Kurt Helin.
"In the case of Durant, the Nets want an All-Star, and the buzz from league sources is they are lukewarm on a Herro and Robinson package, even with more picks."
Report: Heat trying to acquire more picks to trade for Mitchell or Durant nba.nbcsports.com/2022/07/16/rep…
Kyrie Irving might stay in Brooklyn
Kyrie Irving has been heavily linked with the LA Lakers despite picking up his player option. However, Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer believes Irving will stay in Brooklyn. He said:
"From my conversations with people in the league, seems pretty clear Kyrie’s accepting the fact that he is overwhelmingly likely to be back in Brooklyn."
“From my conversations with people in the league, seems pretty clear Kyrie’s accepting the fact that he is overwhelmingly likely to be back in Brooklyn.”
- @JakeLFischer
(h/t HoopsHype) https://t.co/4nrGPBOqZf