According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, while James has expressed interest in staying with the Los Angeles Clippers, he is trending towards declining his player option for a better deal.

For those curious, his player option is worth $35.6 million.

With both sides wanting to continue their partnership, it’s expected his next contract extension will see him play through the 2026-27 season.

It’s unclear how much the veteran guard is seeking, as his current contract saw him making $35 million per season. Since 2022, Harden has been working off two-year contracts worth significant money.

Last season, in 79 games played, the 35-year-old averaged 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. This is back-to-back seasons of playing 70+ games. The last time Harden played in 70+ games before then was back in 2018-19 with the Houston Rockets.

According to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, the Phoenix Suns could seriously trade Kevin Durant by the NBA Draft. One of the top teams who could acquire him are the San Antonio Spurs.

By trading Durant close to the draft, it would allow Phoenix to focus on retaining their lost draft capital and be able to have a full rebuild around Devin Booker.

If San Antonio were to trade for Durant, then they would have the most assets of young talent, current and future draft picks, and expiring contracts Phoenix could want. The Suns have been wanting more draft capital since failing last season, which is why they talked to teams like the Houston Rockets.

In this year’s draft, the Spurs have the second overall pick and the 14th overall pick. In total, they have eight first-rounders from now to 2031.

For San Antonio, they would love to pair Durant with Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox. Plus, give more veteran leadership to their young core of talent.

As a sidenote, the Suns are heading into a complete rebuild. They’ve remodeled their front office and coaching staff, plus have made it clear they no longer want Bradley Beal apart of their organization. This has been confirmed by 98.7’s Gambo.

The NBA Draft is June 25th and June 26th.

According to Toronto Star’s Doug Smith, the Toronto Raptors and Giannis Antetokounmpo both have mutual interest in having a partnership together.

With the Raptors having enough salaries to get Antetokounmpo without jeopardizing them financially, there is legit potential about a deal being struck.

Monday’s reports said Toronto had everyone available for trade, as nobody is technically safe from being shipped out. They’ve eyed Giannis for the longest of time.

Antetokounmpo’s contract doesn’t expire until 2027, which means for him to leave Milwaukee, it will need to come through a trade.

There have been rumors of Giannis and Kevin Durant interested in teaming up together in Toronto.