NBA Rumors: Pistons, Wolves, Nets, Austin Reaves, Rockets, Fred VanVleet, Suns

Pistons, Wolves, Nets

If you’re looking for teams that may be shopping for backcourt help this summer, start with the Pistons, Timberwolves and Nets.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, rival executives and agents have identified all three as clubs with strong interest in adding ball-handling and play-making.

Brooklyn has reportedly shown interest in Lakers guard Austin Reaves, though Fischer’s colleague Marc Stein recently reported that Reaves is still widely expected to remain in Los Angeles.

As for other available names, Fischer noted that Trae Young continues to draw interest around the league, even though the expectation remains that he’ll stay with the Wizards on a longer-term deal. Hoops Wire has heard similar.

Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is another player who continues to surface in league conversations.

Rockets

The Rockets haven’t been linked to many guards this offseason, and there may be a reason for that.

Despite losing Fred VanVleet to a torn ACL and spending much of last season thin in the backcourt, Houston still appears confident in the roster it assembled.

According to Fischer, the Rockets remain extremely high on VanVleet’s value and believe he’ll make a significant impact once he returns.

General manager Rafael Stone expressed optimism about the team’s future following its playoff exit, and there doesn’t appear to be much urgency to overhaul the backcourt.

Timberwolves

One player to keep an eye on is Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu.

Dosunmu is expected to generate plenty of interest if he reaches free agency, but Minnesota is hoping to prevent that from happening.

Per Fischer, the Wolves have already begun discussions on a new contract as they attempt to keep Dosunmu off the open market.

Suns

The Suns appear focused on keeping a couple of key rotation players in the fold.

Per Fischer, Phoenix has opened contract discussions with guards Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin, with rival teams generally expecting both players to return.

That lines up with other recent reporting.

John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 reported over the weekend that re-signing Gillespie and Goodwin remains a priority for the Suns, while HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto said he also expects both players to be back next season.

Gillespie may be in line for a fairly significant raise.

“When you talk to people around the league, generally the prevailing thought process is somewhere around $12 million or $13 million a year,” Scotto said.

Goodwin’s market is less clear, though Scotto suggested he could land anywhere from a minimum contract to the taxpayer mid-level exception.

Neither player is likely to dominate offseason headlines. Then again, successful teams are often built as much around retaining quality role players as they are landing stars.