NBA Rumors Roundup: Brooklyn Nets attempt to acquire former champion, Lakers could enter 3-team trade to facilitate Donovan Mitchell's move to New York, and more | August 29, 2022
The LA Lakers continue to be linked with a number of players as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new season. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets are reportedly pursuing a seasoned veteran to add depth to their roster.
The Nets are looking to add some more experience to their team and are in advanced discussions to land a former NBA champion.
On that note, here's a round-up of the top rumors from around the league over the last 24 hours.
Darvin Ham determined to "carve out a role" for Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook has been the primary entity in all trade talks coming out of LA. Considering that LA recently added Patrick Beverley to their roster, it seems likely that they will try to trade Westbrook.
According to Marc Stein of "The Stein Line" if the Lakers fail to trade Westbrook before the start of the new season, the guard will have a "real role" to play under Darvin Ham.
Report: Darvin Ham determined to carve out ‘real role’ for Russell Westbrook if no trade materializes lakersdaily.com/report-darvin-…
Considering that the Purple and Gold have struggled to find suitors for Westbrook, there is a chance he will be in LA come next season.
Brooklyn Nets attempt to acquire former NBA champion
The Brooklyn Nets will fancy their chances of contending for the title, having retained their superstar duo of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. However, the Nets are still active in the offseason.
The Nets are rumored to be in the race to sign Markeiff Morris, according to Marc Stein. With five open roster spots, the Nets could benefit significantly from adding another veteran who has won the title. Morris would help improve their frontcourt rotation.
Nets In 'Advanced Discussions' To Sign Markieff Morris basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/268454…
Lakers could enter 3-team trade to facilitate Mitchell's move to New York
As mentioned earlier, the Lakers have been actively discussing a trade for Westbrook with several teams. Marc Stein reported that a potential three-team trade involving the Lakers, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz could come to fruition.
As per Stein's report, the Jazz would receive Westbrook and a handful of picks from New York and LA. The Knicks would receive Donovan Mitchell and the Lakers would receive valuable veteran players from both teams.
Lakers Could Get Involved In Trade That Sends Donovan Mitchell To Knicks basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/268446…
Hornets pursue former All-Star and other guards to add depth
The Charlotte Hornets haven't made any significant moves this offseason, but reports suggest they could sign a point guard to support LaMelo Ball. The Hornets have looked at several players, including Kemba Walker.
Hornets Considering Elfrid Payton, Isaiah Thomas, Kemba Walker For Point Guard Depth basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/268444…
Walker was expected to be bought out by the Pistons on draft night. However, he remains under contract with the Pistons. After a failed stint in New York, Walker could resurrect his career with his old team.
Other possible additions include Isaiah Thomas, who finished the season with the Hornets, and Elfrid Payton, who played with the Suns last season.
Miami Heat never aggressively pursued Kevin Durant
Although the Kevin Durant saga has come to an end, there are still rumors about the teams pursuing him. The Miami Heat, viewed as frontrunners and a preferred destination for Durant, never aggressively pursued the Nets forward, according to the Athletic's Shams Charania.
Heat Never Aggressively Pursued Kevin Durant basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/268442…
Miami secured top spot in the East last season, but came up short against the Boston Celtics in the conference finals.