NBA Rumors: Cavs, Meleek Thomas, Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, Clippers

Cavaliers

The Cavaliers believe they may have landed another draft-day steal.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Cleveland is expected to sign second-round pick Meleek Thomas to a standard NBA contract using the league’s second-round exception.

The Cavs have been encouraged by Thomas’ scoring ability and believe he can eventually provide the type of offensive spark off the bench they’ve been seeking since Ty Jerome‘s departure last offseason.

Thomas hit 20 points nine times at Arkansas while shooting 41.6 percent from three-point range. With the Cavs carrying one of the NBA’s most expensive rosters — particularly as the organization works toward a new contract with James Harden — developing young, cost-controlled contributors remains a priority.

Nuggets

Nikola Jokic‘s contract situation continues to draw attention around the league.

While the three-time MVP has repeatedly said he wants to remain in Denver, multiple reports suggest there’s no urgency for him to sign an extension this summer, especially since waiting another year could make him eligible for an even larger deal.

That decision, however, puts added focus on the Nuggets’ front office.

According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Denver has explored the market for veterans Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray, even though neither player is considered to be actively available. The Nuggets are also expected to continue looking for ways to upgrade the roster around Jokic without making moves simply to cut payroll.

Denver is also searching for an experienced assistant coach to join David Adelman’s staff, while free agent Tim Hardaway Jr. is viewed as unlikely to return unless he’s willing to accept a team-friendly contract.

Clippers

The Clippers continue listening. They’re just not hearing anything they like.

According to Tomer Azarly and Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Los Angeles has received multiple trade inquiries for Kawhi Leonard but has been underwhelmed by every proposal to this point.

The Raptors’ reported package centered around Brandon Ingram apparently didn’t gain much traction, while league sources told ClutchPoints a Mavericks offer would likely need to include young center Dereck Lively II before the Clippers would seriously consider it.

All in all, Los Angeles continues to prefer keeping Leonard, though extension talks are said to be ongoing. According to Azarly and Siegel, the two sides remain far apart financially.

Also, Michael Grange of Sportsnet reports Leonard is unlikely to sign an extension with the Clippers.