NBA Rumors: Bucks, Pelicans, Trey Murphy III, Suns, Mark Williams, Pacers

Bucks

The Bucks continue to be linked to Tennessee forward Nate Ament ahead of next week’s draft.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, a Bucks contingent that included general manager Jon Horst and new coach Taylor Jenkins recently traveled to meet with Ament, who is viewed by some around the league as a potential top-10 selection.

In fact, rival teams reportedly believe Milwaukee at No. 10 could be Ament’s draft floor.

The Clippers, Nets and Mavericks have also shown interest, per Fischer.

Pelicans

Meanwhile, the Pelicans continue searching for a path back into the lottery. Fischer reported that New Orleans has interest in Ament if it can acquire a top-14 selection.

That could be noteworthy for another reason.

Golden State, which owns the No. 11 pick, has been linked to Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III. Fischer added that New Orleans remains willing to listen on Murphy, though one rival executive indicated the asking price remains very high.

Suns

The Suns have issued qualifying offers to center Mark Williams and guard Koby Brea, making both players restricted free agents, per Keith Smith of Spotrac.

Williams, of course, is the bigger name.

Acquired from Charlotte last summer, the 7-footer averaged 11.7 points and 8.0 rebounds while appearing in a career-high 60 games. Injuries again became an issue late in the season, but Phoenix has repeatedly expressed interest in bringing him back.

The Suns are also believed to be focused on new deals for guards Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin as they continue shaping next season’s roster.

Pacers

The battle for backup center minutes in Indiana could be worth monitoring.

According to Tony East of Circle City Spin, Micah Potter and Jay Huff may find themselves competing for reserve frontcourt roles behind starter Ivica Zubac next season.

Potter is entering an option year, while Huff remains under contract on a minimum deal.

Neither is likely to grab many headlines, but both could factor into Indiana’s rotation decisions heading into training camp.