The biggest basketball events do not end with the ongoing NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors. Fans can expect a series of breaking news in the coming months as many big names are entering the NBA free agency this summer such as Kyrie Irving and Kawhi Leonard.
There are already many rumors surrounding the possible destinations of these two players. They both have the player option or the choice to either stay in their current teams or enter the NBA free agency as an unrestricted free agent and entertain offers from other franchises. As for Irving, however, he is more expected to leave Boston in summer.
Making that more intriguing is the possibility that he would end up in the Los Angeles Lakers. The team is expected to be one of the active shoppers in the NBA free agency. At the moment, there is no hard evidence that Irving is considering to sign with the Lakers. But just the thought of it stirs interest among fans considering many of them believed he left Cleveland in 2017 so he could shine outside the shadows of LeBron James. However, more reports are speculating on Irving landing a deal with either of the New York-based teams.
Reports have a different story about Leonard’s stint in the NBA free agency. A Toronto-based radio sports program reported (via The Spun) he already purchased a home in the city. And that could be one solid clue that the 2014 NBA Finals MVP is looking to stay in his current team for the next year or so.
It is not surprising for Leonard to opt on staying in Toronto and skipping on the NBA free agency. His transfer to the Raptors turned out to be one of the best trade deals signed last summer. Leonard’s first year in Toronto also marked the franchise’s first-ever NBA Finals stint. A milestone like that would entice any player to stay.
Starting on Monday, June 30, at 6 p.m. ET teams can start wooing players entering the NBA free agency this summer. It also marks the official start of the NBA 2019-20 season.
