NBA Trade Rumors: LeBron James to Lakers hitting a roadblock? Kawhi Leonard to Sixers or Celtics? Paul George latest

Posted June 28, 2018 at 05:30 AM | Updated June 28, 2018 at 05:32 AM

By Eliot Shorr-Parks | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The 2018 NBA Draft is in the books, which means it is time for NBA free agency rumors to heat up.

Some of the biggest names in the league -- LeBron James, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, DeMar DeRozan -- are expected to be on the open market when free agency begins on July 1.

Some of the biggest teams -- Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and the Sixers -- are expected to pursue them.

Where will they end up?

Here is a look at some of the latest rumors entering a big weekend in the NBA:

LeBron James

Eric Gay | AP PHOTO

LeBron James hesitant to join Lakers?

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James has until Friday to decide if he wants to opt out of his contract and become a free agent. Assuming he does, many believe the Los Angeles Lakers could be the favorite to land him.

James heading out to California, however, could be hitting a roadblock.

Per ESPN:

As LeBron James remains hesitant to be the first superstar to decide on the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, pressure is mounting for the Lakers front office to execute a trade with the San Antonio Spurs to acquire disgruntled All-NBA forward Kawhi Leonard, league sources told ESPN

Kawhi Leonard to the Sixers or Boston Celtics?

If the Lakers want to land LeBron James, they might need to pull of a trade for San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard -- but they might have some competition in doing so from both the Sixers and Boston Celtics.

Per ESPN:

The Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers and LA Clippers are among teams who have made offers to the Spurs for Leonard, league sources said. The Lakers, the franchise Leonard wants to be traded to, did not have an encouraging initial conversation with the Spurs, ESPN reported recently.

Could Sixers get LeBron James AND Kawhi Leonard?

Could the Sixers strike gold and land both James and Leonard?

The Ringer has a step-by-step way it could happen.

Renounce the rights to all their pending free agents, including J.J. Redick, Amir Johnson, Ersan Ilyasova, and Marco Belinelli....Renounce an existing cap hold for Demetrius Jackson....Once again stash (or trade) their 2017 first-round pick, center Anzejs Pasecniks...In the deal for Leonard, include Markelle Fultz, Robert Covington, and Jerryd Bayless, then an additional $5.79 million in outgoing salary that could come in different forms.

The last step would be, of course, signing James -- which they would have the salary cap space to do if they follow The Ringers' plan.

Woj: Factors in Paul George's decision include the Lakers' future plans (K. Leonard trade? L. James signing?), his comfort in Oklahoma City, and the ability to make more money with the Thunder (both short-term and long-term). Philadelphia is also a suitor.
-- Sagar Trika (@BlazersBySagar) June 27, 2018

Sixers a possibility for Paul George?

If the Sixers strike out on both Leonard and James, it is possible they make a run at forward Paul George, who is also set to become a free agent.

Although he might not bring the excitement that James or Leonard would, George is one of the best forwards in the NBA and would bring plenty of playoff experience to the Sixers' young roster.

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