NBA Rumors: Clippers, Raptors, Kawhi Leonard, Jaylen Brown, Cavs, Dean Wade, Pelicans

Clippers

The Clippers and Raptors remain engaged in discussions centered on Kawhi Leonard, and momentum toward a deal appears to be building.

ESPN’s Shams Charania said Monday on SportsCenter that both teams seem motivated to complete a trade, adding that Leonard’s tenure with the Clippers may be nearing an end. Veteran insider Chris Haynes echoed that sentiment on NBA TV, saying it could be difficult for Los Angeles to simply move forward with Leonard if negotiations ultimately fall apart.

Toronto reportedly remains interested in bringing Leonard back, though the Clippers have yet to embrace the framework currently being discussed.

According to Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints, the Raptors have offered Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and a first-round pick. League sources told Azarly that Los Angeles views that proposal as too light.

Meanwhile, Michael Grange of Sportsnet reported Toronto has no interest in including promising young forwards Collin Murray-Boyles or Ja’Kobe Walter in any deal.

Should Leonard ultimately be moved, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer reportedly wants the franchise to remain in contention. Azarly added that Celtics star Jaylen Brown sits atop Los Angeles’ wish list, though there is no clear path to making that happen.

Celtics

Brown, meanwhile, reportedly has grown frustrated with Boston’s handling of his situation this offseason after leading the Celtics to 56 victories while Jayson Tatum recovered from a torn Achilles.

Still, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Bobby Marks and Charania all suggested Monday that Brown’s trade market has not developed as some expected. According to Charania, Boston has sought four first-round picks in discussions with interested teams, but no club has shown a willingness to meet that asking price.

Cavaliers

The Cavaliers continue working to keep forward Dean Wade off the open market.

According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavs and Wade remain engaged in ongoing contract talks, with both sides continuing discussions ahead of the start of free agency.

Fedor added that neither the Cavaliers nor Wade have ruled out a reunion.

Retaining Wade has long been viewed as one of Cleveland’s offseason priorities, though the team’s salary-cap situation could complicate matters as it attempts to avoid crossing the second tax apron for a second straight season.

Pelicans

The Pelicans continue receiving trade interest in forward Trey Murphy III, but they don’t appear eager to move him.

According to Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports, multiple teams have offered two first-round picks for Murphy. New Orleans, however, is reportedly seeking at least three first-rounders, and no team has been willing to meet that price.

Heat

O’Connor also reported the Heat are exploring ways to create additional financial flexibility, with Nikola Jovic‘s name surfacing in trade discussions as Miami attempts to position itself to re-sign veteran guard Norman Powell.

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