NBA Rumors Roundup: Kevin Durant and James Harden move past the latter’s decision to leave Brooklyn, Bronny James being recruited by top colleges, and more | August 13, 2022
NBA superstars Kevin Durant and James Harden have reportedly buried the hatchet after the latter’s shocking decision to leave Brooklyn. “The Beard” and KD could be teammates yet again if the Philadelphia 76ers land the wantaway star.
Bronny James will be the biggest name to watch out for once he finishes high school senior year. UCLA, USC, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon and many others are reportedly lining up for his signature.
The Boston Celtics, who are one of the heavy favorites to acquire Durant from the Brooklyn Nets, have reportedly stated that Robert Williams III is off limits. Boston’s emerging big man has been the anchor of the NBA’s best defense, which is where head coach Ime Udoka will continue to build his team’s identity.
Here are the latest rumors from around the NBA as of August 13, 2022:
Kevin Durant and James Harden are “back on good terms”
James Harden caused a stir last season when he pushed his way out of the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets ended up trading the former MVP for the then disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons.
Harden’s move reportedly rankled Kevin Durant. During the All-Star selection where KD was one of the team captains, he glaringly avoided picking his former teammate.
With Durant himself trying to force his way out of the Nets, the two have apparently mended their relationship. Ramona Shelburne, on ESPN’s "NBA Today," had this to report:
“The former teammates looked pretty friendly this past weekend in London. We saw them backstage at a Travis Scott concert, and from what I’m told, the two former teammates are back on good terms now despite Harden forcing his way out of Brooklyn just six months ago.
“If anything, this was Harden’s way of smoothing things over.”
RAMOHARDENA https://t.co/wAT15HJwuz
Durant and Harden have also been seen working out together in the offseason. If the 76ers somehow land KD, they’ll be instant favorites to win the NBA championship. A Big 3 of Durant, Harden and Joel Embiid, if healthy, would arguably be the best three-man group in the league.
Bronny James is highly sought-after by NCAA teams
The bid to land LeBron James Jr. has already started. Bronny James still has one more year to finish at Sierra Canyon School in LA before ramping up his goal to play in the NBA.
Once he finishes high school, he could join one of several NCAA programs or the G League for more development. ESPN’s Paul Biancardi reported that James could opt to play college ball.
The report stated that there is a strong feeling that he will take the college route as opposed to the G League Ignite or other developmental leagues. James is reportedly being pursued by the likes of UCLA, USC, Michigan, Ohio State and Oregon, among others.
The report added that these are still relatively early stages in the recruiting process as well.
Schools recruiting Bronny James:
UCLA
Michigan
Ohio State
USC
Oregon
and others…
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Although James Jr. isn't considered one of the elite talents that could be available for the 2024 NBA draft, he’s the most scrutinized prospect. The Sierra Canyon guard may end up being a second-round prospect when he’s draft eligible, but several teams could use a first-round pick on him.
LeBron James has vowed to play with Bronny for at least a year, so getting the younger James could lead to acquiring the Lakers forward.
The Boston Celtics are shutting down any NBA trade talks involving Robert Williams III
The Boston Celtics have emerged as one of the top contenders to land NBA superstar Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets. Boston’s reported offer was a package centered on Jaylen Brown and included Derrick White, a starter and future draft capital.
NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin had this to report:
“Brooklyn was trying to get Boston to put Smart in the trade, but why would they even consider it now? That said, even without Smart (or Robert Williams III, sources told NBC Sports he is not available), a Celtics offer with Jaylen Brown may be the best one the Nets will see.”
Robert Williams III is reportedly off limits in trade talks for Kevin Durant, per @basketballtalk https://t.co/S5Wzw75XHd
Durant has added the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics to his list of preferred teams. Boston, though, has a better package to offer the Nets, particularly if Brown and Smart are included.
Smart is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, but Robert Williams' age, rim protection and upside could make him more valuable for the Celtics.